This route leads you around the natural park Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre-Montaña Palentina. A mountainous area south of the Picos de Europa, at the top of the province of Catilië and Leon. The area is ideal for mountain walks, but there is also plenty to do for motorcyclists. Of course you can also combine it: bring sturdy shoes and take a walk through this very beautiful area.

The route starts in Posada de Valdéon, where we stayed in hostel Casa de Abascal. A great hostel with nice rooms, a nice bar, nice staff and an acceptable breakfast.

The route starts with a round to Caín (RP 4). A nice place to take a walk along the rio Cares. Cain is a nice village: not big, a bit touristy but definitely worth it. The road makes it absolutely worth driving back and forth. Winding up and down, beautiful views, driving right past the rocks. Recommended.

Back in Posada, head towards Potes where you can decide to make another detour to Fuente Dé (RP 7). Many hiking trails start there too and that is also a beautiful way. There is little else to do in Fuente Dé, Caín and the way there is much nicer. Then you drive to Desfiladero de la Hermida, a beautiful gorge (RP 8). The road here follows the river Deva. Enjoy the view and stop somewhere where you think it is worth it. Shortly after the gap you can stop for a cup of coffee (RP 9). You can do that across the river to the right at the luxury Spa Hotel Balneario de la Hermida. You can also choose to sit at a local cafe in the village, such as Posada Campo.

Following the route, at RP 10, take a turn to a viewpoint (RP 11). Do that too. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints you will see. After several other viewpoints you arrive at Tudanca (RP 14). An old village with a small museum about a Spanish writer in a house built by a wealthy Indian. A nice place to stretch your legs. There are no shops or restaurants. After Tudanca you come back to a viewpoint (Mirador de la Cruz de Cabezuela, RP 15). This time with a large tree and a picnic bench: ideal to eat your lunch while enjoying the view.

If you prefer to have lunch in a restaurant or bar, continue to Cervera de Pisuerga (RP 18). A petrol station can also be found here. Or, if you are not very hungry, you can also drive to Camporredondo de Alba (RP 21): there is El Abuelo, a nice restaurant where you can sit outside on the veranda in the shade. Opposite is another restaurant Tia Goya. Or even further to Velilla del Rio Carrion (RP 22), where there are many bars and restaurants.

After this stop there will be another section with viewpoints, mountain passes and reservoirs. Make sure to stop at Mirador de Alba de los Cardaños (RP 20): very beautiful and distant view and a beautiful place. Eventually you will arrive in the very beautiful village of Velilla del Río Carrión (RP 22). Take a walk here, go to the Plaza Mayor and have a drink at one of the bars. There is also a supermarket, if you need anything (Spar). Then you continue to Riaño: viewpoints, mountain passes, reservoirs and finally the huge reservoir at Riaño. You can stop there to view the bridge over the reservoir (RP 25). In Riaño you will not find many terraces, but a gas station. Then the route continues to Posada de Valdéon.

This route passes through the provinces of Cantabria and Castile and León. Interesting places to pass or pass are Caín, Potes, (Fuente Dé if you take the detour), La Hermida, Puentenansa, Tudanca, Cervera de Pisuerga, Triollo, Velilla del Río Carrión and Riaño. You go over various mountain passes from 550 to 1618 meters high.

I give this route 4 ****. The surroundings and views are great, enjoy the rugged nature and wild rivers. The roads are of excellent quality, quiet and winding. There are not many sights except the viewpoints, mountain passes and many reservoirs and a single small museum. A route to enjoy the driving and the environment you drive through.