Cycling tour. Welcome to the Angliru

The climb up the Angliru is known as the ‘Olympus of Cycling’. It is a circular route that takes in a single mountain pass. It winds its way through stunning scenery along a winding mountain road with gradients that seem impossible to conquer. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views.

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Address La Vega, Soto Ribera, Trubia

Distance Distance: 74 kms
Difficulty Difficulty: Muy Dura
Total ascent Total ascent: 2325 m
Maximum altitude Maximum altitude: 1573 m
Minimum altitude Minimum altitude: 80 m
IBP index IBP index: 229

Route Mythical mountain passes
Type of bicycle Type of bicycle: Road
Type of route Type of route: Circular
Return by Train Return by Train: No

Starting point Starting point: Les Caldes
Ending point Ending point: Les Caldes
Estimated duration Estimated duration: Un día

This is a circular route of medium-high difficulty, to which an extension has been added: the climb up the Angliru, a section that is very demanding in terms of physical fitness. It mainly follows very quiet regional and local roads, alternating between meadows and wooded areas, making for a very pleasant ride. The climb up Angliru follows a mountain road which is in perfect condition despite being exposed to the elements.

The route starts in Les Caldes, where we take the AS-322 towards Soto Ribera. Once past Fuso, it is best to follow the track until you reach La Vega L'Angliru. In Cardeo, we take the MO-1 road, where the climb begins. The first 5 km, with gradients of between 5% and 9%, are not particularly difficult. On this first section, there are several turn-offs to small villages and a sign indicating the maximum gradient at Teleno (9%). Next comes the easiest section, where the gradient is minimal – a sign that we’re entering Viapará, a recreational area where we can take a break.

And then comes the tough bit: the final 6 km to the summit, averaging over 13%. The sign for Les Cabanes tells you that you’ve reached this 400-metre section, which winds like a chicane with maximum gradients of 22%. Once past this point, a gruelling, steady climb of 3 km awaits before reaching the climax at La Cueña les Cabres – the toughest section, a 1 km stretch with a maximum gradient of 23.5% and an average gradient of 17.3%. And there are still two gruelling climbs to come – the Aviru (21.5%) and Piedrusines (20%) – before tackling the final 500 metres, which feel like a welcome respite as you ride on flat ground and take in the scenery.

After regaining our composure and savouring our achievement, the descent begins, continuing on relatively flat terrain to La Vega, where we take the AS-231 towards Oviedo/Uviéu. The route runs through the Llamo river valley until it intersects with the Caudal river valley. From here, we follow the track until we reach the greenway to Caces and from there to Les Caldes, finishing the route where we started it.

Without a doubt, this route includes the climb up to the most legendary mountain pass in the Vuelta a España, where being in good physical shape is the key factor in being able to complete it.