Campumanes–Pajares–Cuitu Negro
- Campumanes
- Distance: 26 kms
- Difficulty: Muy Dura
- Total ascent: 1646 m
- Maximum altitude: 1840 m
- Minimum altitude: 375 m
- IBP index: 162
- Mythical mountain passes
- Type of bicycle: Road
- Type of route: Linear
- Return by Train: No
This route combines the climb to Puerto de Pajares, a classic stage of the Vuelta a España, with the ascent to Cuitu Negro, a continuation of the Payares–El Brañiḷḷín route, at the highest point of the Valgrande Pajares ski resort, and has been accessible since 2012 following the tarmacking of the track leading to this section. It is a long and gruelling climb, particularly from the village of Payares onwards, with an extremely demanding finish.
Setting off from Campumanes, the climb to Payares begins at the Los Fierros bridge, covering some thirteen kilometres at an average gradient of 6.9 per cent, which increases towards the end with steep sections on the final bends before reaching the pass, where gradients of 15 and 17 per cent are encountered. From the pass, after a short descent, you reach the junction leading to the ski resort, just over three kilometres away, along a road whose tarmac bears witness to the harshness of winter.
From El Brañiḷḷín, it is a further three kilometres or so to reach Cuitu Negro (1,841 m), with extremely tough gradients averaging 12%, although the final section exceeds 20%. Added to the steep gradient is the uneven road surface, which makes the climb to the summit even more gruelling, if that’s possible.
Clearly, the climb to Cuitu Negro is not feasible in winter.
