Pas and Besaya Greenways Loop

This circular route is considered difficult for road cycling. While the Vía Verde del Pas section itself is flat and well-paved, the extended circular itinerary through the Pas valleys includes significant climbs and descents, requiring very good physical condition. It covers 77.4 km with an elevation gain of 1085 meters.

The route offers a diverse experience. The Vía Verde del Pas portion is flat, fully asphalted, and follows a repurposed railway line. However, the circular extension into the Pas valleys transitions to undulating roads with climbs and descents typical of hilly terrain. It's primarily suited for racebikes on paved surfaces.

You can typically find parking in Renedo de Piélagos, which serves as a common starting point for circular routes incorporating the Vía Verde del Pas. Look for public parking areas within the town.

Along the route, you'll pass by the Reyerma Steam Locomotive. You'll also find scenic viewpoints such as Alto de La Montaña and Alto de San Cipriano, offering expansive views of the Cantabrian countryside and the Pas River.

While the Vía Verde del Pas section is generally accessible, this specific circular route is designed for road cycling. Bringing dogs on a racebike route of this difficulty and length is not typically recommended due to safety concerns for both the rider and the dog, especially on public roads with traffic.

No, you do not need any special permits or have to pay entrance fees to cycle this route. The Vía Verde del Pas and the connecting public roads are freely accessible. This route is located within the broader region of Valles Pasiegos, but there are no specific park entrance fees for cycling these public paths and roads.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during spring, early summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and lush green landscapes. Winters can be colder and wetter, while peak summer might be very warm, especially on climbs.

Yes, this route incorporates a significant portion of the Vía Verde del Pas. It also passes through sections of the Camino del Besaya: Cantabria and the Camino Natural de Sarón - La Penilla, among others.

Yes, as the route passes through charming villages in the Pas valleys, you'll find opportunities for refreshments. You can experience local gastronomy, including traditional Cantabrian specialties like "sobaos pasiegos" and "quesadas" in towns along the way.

You'll experience picturesque views of the Pas River and the lush Cantabrian countryside. The route showcases rich biodiversity, low mountains, and traditional Cantabrian scenes with livestock. The Pas valleys are known for their natural beauty and rural landscapes.

This route is estimated to take approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes to complete by racebike, based on an average cycling pace. However, this duration can vary depending on your fitness level, speed, and the time you spend enjoying the sights.