Picos de Europa: the Cares gorge, Liébana and Fuente Dé

Route description

From Cangas de Onís drive up to Covadonga and the lakes above it. In summer, at Easter and on busy weekends the lake road is closed to private cars for most of the day and a park-and-ride bus runs from the valley, so check the schedule. Then take the AS-114 east along the northern edge of the massif to Arenas de Cabrales, home of the strong blue Cabrales cheese matured in mountain caves.

From Arenas a short road runs south to Poncebos, the start of the Cares trail. Walking the whole gorge to Caín and back is about 24 km; many people turn round after an hour or two. The Bulnes funicular, inside the mountain, also leaves from Poncebos. Parking is limited, so arrive before 9 am in summer. Back on the AS-114, continue east to Panes and turn south on the N-621.

The N-621 threads the La Hermida gorge for about 20 km, then opens into the green Liébana valley at Potes, a stone town on the Deva with a medieval tower. Just above it is the monastery of Santo Toribio. Then follow the CA-185 for 23 km to Fuente Dé, a dead end under huge walls. Take the cable car up early and walk the easy track across the high plateau towards the Horcadina de Covarrobres.

To close the loop, drive back to Potes and over the San Glorio pass on the N-621 (1,609 m), which can have snow into spring, down to the reservoir town of Riaño in León. From Riaño the N-625 leads back north through the Beyos gorge to Cangas de Onís, about 70 km. Most of these roads are fine for motorhomes if you take your time, though the Beyos gorge is narrow; watch for cows and cyclists.