Asturian Motorbike Day Trip – Valle de Cuaña Loop

Total Distance: ~124 km
Estimated Ride Time: ~3 h 30 min (riding time only — not counting stops)

1. Valle de Cuaña → Cangas de Onís

Start your day from Hotel Rural Valle de Cuaña, heading south on the AS‑114 into lush Asturian countryside. As you leave the narrow valley, the road opens up into rolling hills framed by forested ridges and distant peaks — perfect for warming up your tyres and taking in the morning light.

Arrive in Cangas de Onís, a charming town defined by its iconic Roman Bridge (Puente Romano). It’s an ideal place for a coffee stop: grab a drink at a riverside café, wander onto the bridge for that classic photo, and enjoy the mountain air before the climb ahead.

2. Cangas de Onís → Covadonga Sanctuary

From Cangas, take the AS‑262 northwards into the heart of the Picos de Europa. This stretch is a motorcyclist’s dream — winding roads, steep climbs, and panoramic views of granite peaks rising sharply around you.

At the top, you’ll reach the Covadonga Sanctuary, a sacred spot tucked beneath the towering Auseva cliffs. Take some time to visit the Holy Cave, soak in the atmosphere, and gaze across the valley toward distant peaks.

3. Covadonga → Lago Enol

Continuing along the AS‑262, ascend further into the mountains toward Lago Enol, one of the glacial lakes in the Picos de Europa. The road twists and turns, with sharp hairpins and narrow viewpoints that offer dramatic panoramas of cliffs, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.

When you reach Lago Enol, park up and stretch your legs. The lake’s still waters reflect the sky and surrounding peaks — a peaceful, almost spiritual spot. It’s a perfect place for a photo break or a quiet moment, high above the valleys below. Wikipedia

4. Lago Enol → Cangas de Onís (Return)

Descend back the same way on the AS‑262, retracing your route to Cangas de Onís. The descent offers a different perspective: now the valley stretches out below you, forests and ridgelines framing the road as you drop down. This stretch combines the thrill of the climb with the calm of winding downhill corners.

5. Cangas de Onís → Hotel Rural Valle de Cuaña

From Cangas, jump back on the AS‑114 and ride south once more through the green hills and peaceful valleys. On the return leg, the afternoon sun changes the colours of the landscape: meadows glow golden, shadows lengthen, and the road feels even more “yours.”

By the time you loop back to Hotel Rural Valle de Cuaña, you’ll have completed a true circle — a mix of mountain highs, valley sweeps, and scenic tranquility.

Why This Route Works for Bikers

• Fully paved and rider-optimized: This tour avoids dirt tracks, sticking to smooth, scenic roads ideal for touring bikes.
• Scenic variety: From forested valleys to alpine ridgelines and glacial lakes, each stage delivers a different flavour of Asturias.
• Balanced stops: Coffee in Cangas, spirituality in Covadonga, and natural beauty at Lago Enol.
• Return loop: You finish where you started, without backtracking on the same road — the loop feels complete and satisfying.

Additional Stops and Tips:

• Molinón Watermill: On the way from Valle de Cuaña to Cangas de Onís, you can stop at the Molinón Watermill, a small, picturesque mill that’s a great spot for a photo, especially in the morning when the light hits the surrounding trees.
• Sella River Views: As you pass along the Sella River, you’ll come across some scenic viewpoints where you can stop to admire the flowing river and surrounding nature. The Sella River is famous for its annual canoe race, so it’s worth checking out if you enjoy riverside scenes.

What to Expect:

• Scenic Mountain Roads: Expect winding, twisty mountain roads with lots of elevation changes. The Picos de Europa offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Spain, so be prepared to stop frequently for photos.
• Weather Considerations: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the forecast before you leave and dress in layers. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the higher elevations.
• Coffee and Local Delights: The cafés in Cangas de Onís and Covadonga serve delicious local pastries, so don’t miss out on trying some traditional Asturian treats, like casadielles (a pastry filled with nuts) or tarta de queso (cheese cake).

This route offers the perfect combination of scenic riding, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and enjoy the landscape.

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