CAMINO via LA HERMIDA-POLA DE SOMIEDO in the Picos de Europa

[turlough]

Hello to all
I have done 6 Caminos by bike, 5 on the Camino Frances and 1 Via de la Plata. I have a real interest in crossing the Picos Europa next time.. as far as I know there is no route this way.
However I came across a route ( LA HERMIDA-POLA DE SOMIEDO) which is off road and over the Picos.
Has anyone any experieince of this>
Is it feasible to do it and continue on to Santiago?

Love ot hear from any one who knows anything at all about it.

Turlough

 

[sillydoll]

I haven't heard of that route but there are bike routes in Cantabria in the Picos which you can check here:
http://www.rutasporcantabria.com/homengl.php

I found a file in Spanish on that route called Transcantabrica LA HERMIDA-POLA DE SOMIEDO which shows profile maps, stages, daily distances and stunning photographs of the route - some on paths and trails and others on small roads.

http://www.cuenca.org/bbdd/agenda/textos/26_05_06.pdf

You could also contact the Amigos del Camino people on the northern routes:

AACS Astur-Leonesa http://www.caminosantiagoastur.com/
AASC Tineo http://www.caminotineo.com/
http://www.amigosdelcamino.com/

Good luck! Looks like it will be a fascinating area to ride through.

 

[turlough]

Thats a great help; I will get the info translated into English but its fascinating!
Thanks for your reply.
Turlough

 

[Javier Martin]

Uffff ....

There was anybody looking for these Caminos couple of years ago ... Sta. María de Liebana, Potes, Covadonga ...

After Oviedo, the way I would try is: Until Trubia and, after that, cycling to Sta. María de Teverga (there's a way only for bikes, "la senda del Osu". With incredibly nice views between high mountains.

When you are in Teverga, there's a very lonely road to Pola de Somiedo, crossing the Puerto de San Lorenzo. And, in Pola de somiedo, I can give you a telephone number for a pensión If you want to make a previous reservation.

And, after that, crossing the Puerto de Somiedo to the remote Babia area, then taking the road to Villablino and Ponferrada. All this area is, again, marvellous.

I know well this region, but I don't know if this is the best way to go. Last time I visited it was about 7-8 years ago, always by car.

If you think I can help you, please ask me!!

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

 

[Javier Martin]

I forgot it.

There's another way, aas marvellous and incredibly lonely and enjoyable like that.

After Covadonga, you will arrive to Cangas de Onis (this is an importany and historical places for spanish story, where the Reconquista began on 8th century) When in Cangas de Onis there's a road to the Puerto del Ponton, incredible again, and when you cross it down you arrive to Riaño, nice and "new" town, the same like Portomarin after a new pantano.

From Riaño there's a way marked with yellow arrows, with albergues, to ... I think Valencia de Don Juan, or wherever very near Leon.

If you are interested in this route, I know at least two pilgrims who walked it.

Buen Camino!!

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

 

[turlough]

Hi Javier
Thanks for those replies. My pc crashed and I'm only getting it organised again now.
Sounds very interesting and I would definitely like to know more.
I hvae only seen pictures of the Picos and they look wonderful for cycling through but I have no Spanish and so find it hard to get any info on cycling through the region.
Would love more info if you have some.
Regards
Turlough