Puerta de Ancares Loop

This is a challenging mountain bike ride, classified as 'difficult'. It demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for intense sections, including serious double-digit ramps and sustained gradients exceeding 8%, where pushing your bike may be necessary. The technical difficulty ranges between STS S3 and S6 on the Single Track Scale.

The route is approximately 63.7 km long with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain. It typically takes around 6.5 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The terrain is varied. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved sections (about 34 km), asphalt (around 16 km), and flat stones (about 13.7 km). While the road from Piornedo generally starts wide and in good condition, it becomes narrower and rougher as you climb higher. Some ascents may include gravel sections that can present traction challenges on steep gradients.

The ride offers spectacular scenery. You'll start in Piornedo, known for its unique traditional thatched-roof houses, called pallozas. As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking views from the Ancares Pass. The route traverses the Ancares National Reserve, revealing beautiful forested areas, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic vistas over the Ancares valley, Galicia, and Asturias. At higher elevations, you might spot cirques and glacial lakes.

The trail starts and ends in Piornedo. You should be able to find parking within the village, though it's always a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

Generally, dogs are allowed on trails in the Sierra de Los Ancares. However, as this route is within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect local wildlife and respect other trail users. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

The best time to mountain bike this route is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and the higher elevations are less likely to be affected by snow or ice. Always check local weather forecasts before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

As the route is located within the Reserva da Biosfera Os Ancares Lucenses e Montes de Cervantes, Navia e Becerreá, there are generally no specific permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking on established trails. However, it's important to respect the natural environment, stay on marked paths, and adhere to any local regulations regarding protected areas. Always check for current information from local authorities before your trip.

Yes, this route intersects with several other paths. You will find sections that are part of the [CIMA LU12] Ancares * Piornedo, [CIMA LU10] Campa das Laviadas - Murias do Camín, [CIMA LU12] Ancares * Pan do Zarco, and the Transcantábrica routes, as well as [CIMA LU12] Ancares * Valouta.

Yes, the route starts in Piornedo Traditional Thatched-Roof Houses, a magical mountain town famous for its unique pallozas. These ancient Celtic-origin dwellings are a significant part of the region's cultural heritage and offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional life in the Ancares mountains.