First timer Picos Trip upcoming.

[Harvey Mushman]

To the Tosserati collective...

Myself and Mrs Mushman are off to the Picos next week, first time for either of us. Thanks to the goldmine of info that is this forum I have plenty of routes planned in and around the Picos Triangle. Also aware of the mentioned roadworks in the area.

Just wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for coastal routes or other must do roads/sights off the beaten track so to speak, in the general area. Hopefully the weather isn't too hot or too rainy.. will be planning a few alternatives for each day depending on weather/heat/etc...

We have a self catering apartment near Potes, as per our usual we will be basing there for the duration and taking looping trips out and back in various directions. I've toyed with the idea of doing an overnighter somewhere in the Pyrenees but i think that's a bit ambitious for the first trip to the area. Maybe next time.

We will eat out some evenings so recommendations in that area also gladly accepted.

Tanx like....

 

[Number 6]

If you have a head for heights the cable car at Fuente De is spectacular, 14 miles west of Potes. On the coast, La Cuevona is well worth seeing too, 60 miles from Potes.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Thanks, Fuente De is on the agenda, didn't know about La Cuevona will check it out. Thanks.

 

[team duvet]

All roads lead to Riano! fabulous place and views.

Have a great time.

TD

 

[Arsey]

Was there last week again



Go see the bear at



You’ll obviously pass the roe deer on the N621 between Potes and Riano



Stop at the cafe at Portilla de La Reina and have a coffee with Zar



If you want a route to coast




Lunch in Cain is good too. It’s a village at a dead end . Can recommend here



Which is



But you can’t go far wrong anywhere in the Picos.
Have fun .

Edited to add.

If you go up to Fuente De, park up at the base, take the cable car up top then walk down to Espinama then grab a taxi back to Fuente De. it’s a lovely walk down with a cafe on the way

 

[Jav]

As above, if it is your first time in the area there is lots to see and do. You don’t say how long you are going for but I wouldn’t consider an “overnighter” to the Pyrenees - it is a long way to go for one night. I would save that for a different trip. The weather at the moment is hot but forecast to be a bit less oppressive next week. Rain probably only late in the day and it will be warm rain! If you want routes there are a lot on here but I would suggest maybe set aside a day or two of the trip to just ride off and get ”lost” - a sat nav or phone will get you back to your accommodation and you will be amazed at some of the hidden gems that are just off the “Potes triangle”. Enjoy the trip - it is an amazing part of the world and let us know how it went

 

[shuck raider]

Get up to Fuente De nice and early before the tour coaches arrive

 

[RedRick Esq.]

If you want to go to the coast have a day out to Ribadesella

It really is a lovely little place and I can heartily recommend the carroceu as a restaurant or for snacks and brilliant cakes etc Heladeria

​

 

[Simon_100]

Comillas on the coast between Santander and the Picos. It's on a short loop away from the coast road which passes inland for this sector. It's an old fishing village that was patronised by Basque steel and coal barons in the 19C who built sumptuous and palatial summer houses, including one designed by Gaudi, his only building outside of Catalonia.

As mentioned above, get to Fuente De before 08.00 to avoid the queues.

You're right about the Pyrenees, too far away for one night and deserve a full holiday of one week at least. My first thought for a night away would be Cervera de Pisuerga but maybe that's not far enough - worth a day out though - and further south you get into the hot, tableland that goes on seemingly forever ...

So head further west into the Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias. There are numerous villages and very small towns there so take your pick but my favourite place is the Valle e lo Lagos and the lovely Camping Lagos de Somiedo which has glamping and little stone cabins as well as conventional camping. A fantastic day's walk up to the lakes so pack some stout shoes

 

[Pukmeister]

The Roman walled city of Lugo to the West is picturesque for a stroll along the city walls. It’s a bit of a ride to get to on some beautiful fast sweepers but would need an overnight stay.

 

[er-minio]

Thread with some GPX routes, from Arsey and me (I used a lot of Arsey's tips for my trip as well).

Thread 'GPX - Picos: a trip report'

May 2, 2024

Split away, as the report is good. It’ll be useful for others in the future, I’m sure. Thank you for including the GPX files.

Richard

=============

So.. Picos: a trip report.
Richard, split the thread if you think it's best.


I was originally meant to go travel across the Pyrenees meeting a friend from Italy, but he got caught on with work and had to travel to the US so diverted (with another friend) to the Picos area.

Have to say thanks a lot to all that shared routes over the years here in UKGSer and Arsery in particular (especially for the hotel tip).

...

• er-minio
• Replies: 16
• Forum: Motorcycle trips

• 

It's a beautiful area, enjoy!

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Thanks all so far, very helpful. Couple more questions if I may....

The road up to the lakes at Covadonga, I thought access was closed off after 8am. I don't mind this, but as I'm staying 2 hours away I'd rather not leave in the dark at 5:30.... do they open it again in the evening some time?
I'm now reading it's closed to private vehicles 24 hrs Jun to Sep?

Anyone got any updates on the roadworks in the area, specifically the bit between Potes and Panes? I don't mind a 10 minute wait but not one more like an hour...

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Thanks all so far, very helpful. Couple more questions if I may....

The road up to the lakes at Covadonga, I thought access was closed off after 8am. I don't mind this, but as I'm staying 2 hours away I'd rather not leave in the dark at 5:30.... do they open it again in the evening some time?
I'm now reading it's closed to private vehicles 24 hrs Jun to Sep?

Anyone got any updates on the roadworks in the area, specifically the bit between Potes and Panes? I don't mind a 10 minute wait but not one more like an hour...

Covadonga is closed to all but the pay for bus at this time of year

The roadworks are still there but can be avoided easily by taking the route suggested elsewhere by myself and several others ( and it is a better route)

 

[Flappytabs]

Thanks, Fuente De is on the agenda, didn't know about La Cuevona will check it out. Thanks.

La Cuevona is completely bizzare

Orbaneja del Castillo is a lovely village with some really cool waterfalls in the middle of it, the roads around it a pretty cool too

 

[Harvey Mushman]

We will be on a 2 week trip, with 3 days lost on ferry we effectively have 10 days for the holiday. At least 3/4 for rest days off the bike, I should still have enough time for most of the following.....

Potes town, the triangle, the bear and the deer, Riano, Covadonga (without the lakes), Piedraslungas, Cain de Valdeon, Cangas and the Roman bridge, Fuente De, that mountainey road up to and past the dam (can't remember it), the coast road between LLanes and Ribadisella (including Po/Poo!), Sotres and Tresviso for coffee, coffee with Zar, say hello to Maia at the Hotel de Oso, La Cuevona cave, Orbaneja del Castillo for the waterfall, and finally Mirador Fuente del Chivo which should be the icing on the cake....

Thanks all. Hope the weather is kind....

 

[er-minio]

Plenty of time!
The area is relatively small.

Have fun!

 

[Wapping]

Myself and Mrs Mushman are off to the Picos next week…..

Phew! There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute for assistance with your holiday.

Have a great time.

 

[Doc]

Phew! There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute for assistance with your holiday.

Have a great time.

Exactly. I posted up about mine about 2 years ago.

 

[Arsey]

Exactly. I posted up about mine about 2 years ago.

And then ignored 90% of the advice as per usual.

 

[Doc]

And then ignored 90% of the advice as per usual.

Nope not this time. At least last hotel is your suggestion. One with the hidden carpark and a sea view.