
Highlights
- Cycling near fantastic beaches, coves and rock pools
- Hunting for dinosaur footprints on the cliffs at Ribadesella
- Tasting local delicacies
- Enjoying a surfing lesson with a qualified instructor
- Experiencing the excitement and sheer power of the Bufones (blow holes) de Pria
- Making friends with other, like-minded families on the trip
It was amazing. I had no idea a cycling holiday would be so good. The guides were lovely – thanks to them we experienced the best of Asturias (particularly the food and beautiful countryside).
Itinerary
Your family will be collected from Bilbao airport and transferred to your first night’s accommodation, situated close to the stunningly-placed village of Pechón, standing proud against the Atlantic. Pechón lies between two estuaries on a beautiful stretch of coast that has one of the best maintained oak groves in Cantabria; a short walk away, the coast offers beautiful sandy coves for exploring rock pools and having a relaxing afternoon or early evening dip.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Our first morning begins by taking in the steady backroad that traverses the side of the deep blue Tina Menor Estuary, with expansive, white-sand beaches. The route crosses the river at Unquera and enters Asturias, where we’ll be riding for the rest of the trip. The area is stunning and we will be riding through rolling pastures and forests, as well as around the picturesque coastline. We soon join a lovely, purpose-built cycle route, called the Senda Costera, that takes in the most awesome scenery along the coast; it’s also well signposted and easy to follow, so it’s time to let the kids take the initiative and try to navigate us along the coast!
Once on the trail we’ll take the route towards the Faro de San Emitrio (lighthouse) and soon arrive at the viewpoint of El Picu de Pimiango. From here the views look west along the magnificent coast that we will be following in the week to come. The route glides down narrow lanes and tracks to the beautiful, cliff-sided beach of La Franca, an ideal place for a picnic lunch. A short climb after lunch brings us to the village of Buelna, our home for the night.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
The day begins steadily, picking up the breathtaking, coastal trail again, passing pristine beaches and secluded coves that will easily entice us down for a morning dip. We’ll wind through the streets of Pendueles and past traditional, farming hamlets, until our arrival at Vidiago. Dropping down to the beach we’ll cross over the River Novales and slip into thick woodland where there’s a perfectly-placed picnic area for a refreshment and maybe a dip. On leaving the beach we will begin riding across a flat section between the coast and the mountains known as the Rasa Asturiana.
The trail snakes inland a little until we reach the most dramatic natural phenomena along this stretch of coast, the Bufones de Arenillas. These are deep cracks in the limestone from the sea edge to the clifftop which erupt when the sea is high, creating a spectacular display with jets of water spraying over 10 metres into the air. They are great fun to watch, but mind you don’t get too wet!
The route will then take us down to the village of Cue and along the coast to the dramatic rock formations at the beach of Toro. Tonight we will either stay in Llanes or in Cue – there are fantastic coves and beaches close by.
- Meals: Breakfast
Our base for today proves the perfect spot to stay another day as there’s such a huge range of things to do. You could kick back and explore the local beaches and coves, or take a stroll around the fishing port in Llanes and watch the catch of the day being hauled in. You could contemplate the Cubos de la Memoria, a work by famous artist Augustin Ibarrola, or walk the mystical Camín Encantau through deep, ‘magical’ forest and valleys, telling stories of mythological legends of Asturias, through statues and pictures along the way!
If you’d prefer to get some more miles in your legs, we will be doing a cycling route taking you on a lovely circular route to the medieval market town of Porrua where the Ethnographical museum will give us great insight into the traditional lives, customs and hardships in an Asturian mountain village. If you fancy a day away from the saddle, but still want to be active, Llanes offers a multitude of exciting activities.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Today we head west along the Paseo de San Pedro walkway. Picking up a back lane we will arrive at the deep, tidal inlet of Playa de Poo, a fantastic, safe place for a swim. From here we hug the coastline, taking in many a cove and the Island of Almenada. The route heads south and we’ll climb into the Llera hills and, with just a little work, we’ll be rewarded by one of the most spectacular views along the coast.
After lunch we will take a surf or stand up paddle board lesson with the accredited Asturian Surf School, who base themselves at a nearby beach; it’s ideal, with fine sand and lots of space. Go on, see if you can catch your first wave! Back on the bikes we follow the FEVE railway line until we reach Naves, our home for the evening.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
The first kilometres of the day will take us past the unique, inland beach, Playa Gulpiyuri, and as we head west we’ll catch glimpses of the incredibly narrow bay of Villahormes, which points like a finger inland. This part of the route is very picturesque as it meanders through tiny villages, where cows rule the lanes. We drop back down to sea level to the unforgettable Playa de Cuevas del Mar (Beach of the Sea Caves); this is a jewel among the many fantastic Asturian beaches!
Before you know it we’ll be at the Garana picnic area, a perfect place to stop for lunch. When we‘re well fed, we’ll cycle on to the clifftop viewpoint overlooking the small fishing town of Ribadesella, our home for the final night of this tour. If you have time in the afternoon there are optional activities to keep you exploring. A favourite option is to take a short ride or walk out towards Terenes and hunt down the dinosaur footprints in the cliffs. Ribadesella is a lively and attractive town where you can celebrate completing your Asturian Coast adventure!
- Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, flight time permitting, there may be time to head to the beach for a swim before we pick you up to transfer you to the airport.
Holiday Extension
If you would like to extend your holiday, then an afternoon spent canoeing down the River Sella, one of Europe’s most southern salmon rivers, to Ribadesella is always a hit! If you are interested in this extension, then please contact us for more details.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The trip mainly takes you along purpose-built cycleways, backlanes and country roads and tracks. The route follows well-surfaced, gravel trails and undulates through flower-filled meadows and forests, offering inspiring views of the coast. The coastal trails are hilly and can be rough in places. As this route is designed for families and little ones, the terrain is fun and forgiving, offering days that aren’t too long. The route is well signposted with sections suitable to let the young ones have a go leading the way using sign posts. Day 2 will be the most challenging, with some short and steep climbs, but you always have the option to push. We recommend using a mountain bike for this tour.

Family Cycling Grade
Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 trips
Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes
Some modest climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Trips that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.
Dates & Prices

We have the following children’s discounts available for this holiday:
- 10% discount for any child (under the age of 18) travelling with 2 fully-paying passengers
Late Availability
We want you to know which tours are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 2* and 3* hotels and guesthouses
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including English-speaking Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
F) 1 x surfing lesson
G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Bilbao airport (BIO)
H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Bilbao airport (BIO)
What's not Included 
A) Bike hire (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Red Tricycle (December 2019), 14 Family Travel Trends to Watch for in 2020As seen in the press...Spain is becoming a family vacation hot spot, and we love the idea of seeing this beautiful country on two wheels. Bring the whole gang along to discover the beauty of the Asturian Coast on this 7-day guided family cycling adventure from Saddle Skedaddle. Bike near fantastic beaches, coves and rock pools full of interesting sea creatures that the kids can examine. Along the way, witness the sheer power of the Bufones de Pria—natural blow holes—and brave the waves with a surfing lesson. Hunt for dinosaur footprints on the cliffs at Ribadesella, and stop in traditional fishing villages to sample the catch of the day and enjoy a local dry cider or apple juice—remember, in Spain, children are always welcome into bars and restaurants, which makes for a true family vacation.
The Telegraph (June, 2019), Not booked your summer holiday yet? Here are 25 of the best last-minute breaks for familiesAs seen in the press...Far quieter in summer than the southerly Costas, Spain’s north shoreline is an excellent setting for family adventure – a point appreciated by Saddle Skedaddle, which has a group “Asturian Coastal Ride“, aimed at pedalling parents and children, slated for July 22. This is a gentle trip, starting in the (Cantabrian)village of Pechon, before venturing west along the Asturian oceanfront as far as the seaside town of Ribadeselle – a very feasible 58 miles in five days.
Mark, Edinburgh, UKIt was amazing.It was amazing. I had no idea a cycling holiday would be so good. The guides were lovely people – thanks to them we experienced the best of Asturias (particularly the food and beautiful countryside). These guys made our holiday so great. Cycling felt fun, really safe and the routes were well planned – all we had to worry about was getting up the hills! Kids thoroughly enjoyed cycling and other activities. Please pass on our thanks to the team. Top class holiday. The food was a highlight of the trip. The lunches provided by the guides were top class – really tasty, great chefs. The restaurants suggested by the guides were wonderful and eating together enabled us to experience more of the local dishes – we feel we sampled the best of Asturian food and drink thanks to Skedaddle.