Camino del Norte Cycling: Bilbao to Oviedo

This self-guided, one-way ride follows the Camino del Norte from Bilbao in the Basque Country to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Over eight riding days and about 360 km, the route hugs the Cantabrian coast past cliffs, long beaches, fishing harbours and seaside towns such as Castro Urdiales, Laredo and Santander, with two short boat crossings on Day 4.

Inland sections wind through green valleys to the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, Gaudí's El Capricho in Comillas, and the prehistoric cave town of Ribadesella. The finish crosses Asturian cider country to Oviedo and its cathedral. Accommodation is a mix of hotels, a pensión and a rural agroturismo, with luggage transported and route notes and app navigation provided.

Highlights:

• Guggenheim Museum and Basque cuisine in Bilbao
• Coastal cliff paths and beaches along the Bay of Biscay
• Boat crossings at Santoña and into central Santander
• Medieval Santillana del Mar and Gaudí's El Capricho in Comillas
• Llanes, Ribadesella and Asturias' fishing villages
• Villaviciosa cider country and Oviedo Cathedral

Surface and terrain:
Urban paths, coastal cycle paths, cliff-top trails and rural lanes. The profile is a continuous up and down with moderate gradients, becoming more mountainous in Asturias. Daily ascent ranges from about 500 to 955 m.

Weather:
As a general guide, Green Spain has a mild Atlantic climate with changeable conditions and rain possible at any time. Summer is warmest and busiest on the beaches.

Suitable for:
Reasonably fit riders comfortable with 31 to 62 km days of near-constant short climbs. Suits Camino pilgrims and independent travellers who like coastal scenery, culture and regional food.