Les Praeres and Alto de La Campa Loop

This route is classified as difficult. While the Alto de La Campa climb is more gradual, the ascent to Les Praeres – Sierra de Peñamayor is exceptionally steep, with an average gradient of 12.9% and ramps up to 20%. It requires a very good level of fitness and strong legs.

The route is approximately 62 kilometers long with over 1500 meters of elevation gain. For an experienced racebike cyclist, it typically takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete, depending on pace and stops.

You can find parking within the town of Villaviciosa, which serves as the starting and ending point for this circular route. Look for public parking areas in the town center before beginning your ride.

The route primarily follows well-paved country roads through the Comarca de la Sidra. You'll encounter green meadows, apple orchards, and charming villages. Be aware that the upper section of the Les Praeres – Sierra de Peñamayor climb features 'zahorra' (sterrato or gravel) in some parts, adding to its challenge.

Key highlights include the challenging climbs of Alto de La Campa and the epic Les Praeres – Sierra de Peñamayor, which offers impressive panoramic views. You'll also experience the cultural landscape of the Cider Region, with its traditional cider cellars and historic architecture like the Romanesque church of Santa María de la Oliva in Villaviciosa.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, avoiding the peak heat of summer and the colder, potentially wetter conditions of winter.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route or access the Sierra de Peñamayor area. However, always respect local regulations, private property, and natural environments.

This route is designed for road cycling, and bringing dogs along on a bicycle can be challenging and potentially unsafe, especially given the route's difficulty and traffic on roads. It is not recommended for dogs.

Yes, sections of this route briefly intersect with other paths. You may find yourself on parts of the Northern Route (Asturia), Mtb Northern Route (Asturia), and the Oviedo-Covadonga Ruta de las Peregrinaciones for short stretches.

Villaviciosa, your starting point, offers various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Along the route through the Comarca de la Sidra, you'll pass through small towns and villages where you might find local establishments or traditional cider houses ('llagares') to stop for a break and refreshments.

For the incredibly steep Les Praeres – Sierra de Peñamayor climb, it's crucial to conserve energy on the preceding sections and ensure your bike is equipped with appropriate gearing (e.g., a compact crankset and a wide-range cassette). The climb is relentless, so maintaining a steady, manageable pace from the start is more effective than trying to push too hard early on.