The best traffic-free bike rides in Lic-Rio Deva

The Lic-Rio Deva region, encompassing parts of Cantabria and Asturias, offers a rich network of traffic-free gravel bike trails. While this guide highlights a selection of routes, such as the challenging Buelna Beach – Wild Coast of Asturias loop, the area is known for its numerous quiet gravel tracks and local roads perfect for exploring by bike.

The region is enjoyable for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes, ideal for exploring both coastal paths and inland forests. Summer can be warm, especially inland, but coastal routes benefit from sea breezes. Winter riding is possible, particularly on lower elevation trails, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions, especially closer to the Picos de Europa.

Gravel trails in Lic-Rio Deva vary significantly. You can find routes like the Ermita de San Antonio – San Vicente de la Barquera loop, which covers around 34 km with nearly 700 meters of elevation gain, offering a good challenge. Other routes, such as the San Vicente de la Barquera – Oyambre Natural Park loop, extend to over 50 km with more than 1000 meters of climbing, providing longer and more demanding adventures.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Lic-Rio Deva, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs and sandy beaches to dense oak forests and the majestic Sierra del Cuera. The abundance of traffic-free routes and the stunning views, especially towards the Picos de Europa, are often highlighted as major draws.

While many routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult' due to elevation and distance, the Lic-Rio Deva region does offer easier sections and local gravel tracks suitable for beginners and families. Look for routes closer to the coast or along the Deva River that feature flatter terrain and good quality gravel. These often provide a gentler introduction to gravel biking without significant traffic.

The Lic-Rio Deva region offers an incredibly diverse landscape. You'll cycle through dramatic coastal cliffs, past sandy beaches, and across rolling green pastures. Inland, routes wind through wooded hills and dense oak forests. Further south, the majestic Sierra del Cuera provides a mountainous backdrop, and the Deva River's course offers scenic views. The Picos de Europa National Park, though more challenging, presents stunning, often unexplored landscapes.

Yes, the region is rich in attractions. Depending on your route, you might encounter charming fishing villages like Llanes and Ribadesella. Inland, you could explore historical sites such as the Historic center of Potes, the Infantado Tower, or the ancient Santa María de Lebeña Church. Natural phenomena like the Arenillas Blowholes near the coast also offer unique sights.

Many of the featured gravel bike trails in Lic-Rio Deva are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Buelna Beach – Wild Coast of Asturias loop is a great example of a circular route that explores both coastal and inland scenery.

Access to trailheads via public transport can vary. While some larger towns like Llanes or San Vicente de la Barquera have bus or train connections, reaching specific, more remote gravel trailheads might require a car. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules and bike carriage policies for your chosen starting point.

Absolutely. The region is dotted with numerous panoramic viewpoints. Riders often discover expansive vistas of the coastal plain and its natural beauty, especially from elevated sections of the trails. Keep an eye out for designated viewpoints such as those at Regolgeru and Andrín, which offer stunning perspectives of the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding landscapes.

A gravel bike is ideal for these trails, offering a good balance of speed on smoother sections and comfort on rougher gravel. A mountain bike would also be suitable, especially for routes with more technical sections or significant elevation changes. Ensure your tires have good grip for varied surfaces, from compacted gravel to potentially loose terrain.