Over the Picos to Noja

12th September

The Hostal Alfonso VI in Sahagun was one of the nicest we've stopped it. Central location, nice room, secure parking and very friendly owners. Topped it off with a simple, but very nice breakfast, which included proper orange juice!

We had a great run through the eastern end of the Picos Europa today. Absolutely love this mountain range and need to spend more time here. Brilliant, enjoyable roads (some of which are the most testing you'll find anywhere) through incredible scenery. We did well navigating too, picking out way through the mountains using various roads. The road out to Almanza was pretty flat, but the view ahead of what was to come was great. Then it was through Guardo & Velilla, before taking on the spectacular road past the dammed reservoirs of Compuerto & Camporredondo, the second of which was empty, as the dam was being repaired.

Stopped for a break at a lovely looking Hostal in Triollo and then continued on through Cervera de Pisuerga and Puerto de Piedrasluengas. We stopped at the Mirador to take in one of the most incredible mountain views anywhere.

The road from there to Puentanansa was both awesome & frightening. The downhill decent to Puentanansa is cut into the mountainside with virtually no crash barriers to speak of. It's rare that you get such an impression of being on the precipice whilst riding! We needed a stop in Puentanansa!

The remaining route through Valle de Cabuerniga to Cabezon de la Sal was more open as we dropped out of the mountains to pick up the autovia to Santander & beyond. We reached Noja at about 4.30 and checked into the same place we'd been impressed with last year; Hostal Los Laureles. Even had the same room & not disappointed.

The weather was closing in, so by the time we walked into town for dinner, it was raining lightly. Eventually found what turned out to be a great place to eat. El Cine. The waiter spoke English and had the confidence to recommend food & wine. We had a great meal over about two and a half hours, so didn't mind spending a bit more than we'd been used to on this trip.

The next day we did the usual - walked around for a few hours. Weather was nice enough, but with a spell of rain mid afternoon.

We still like Noja!

 

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