104 | Cycling World
When we set up Away from the Crowds , 10 years ago , we knew we wanted to take travellers to the parts of Spain we love and that are usually out of reach to tourists .
Our self-guided routes reflect that , combining our love of cycling with our passion for Spain ´ s rich culture , delicious food and wine , and traditional way of life . These are some of my favourites :
1 . For a real grassroots experience : Landscapes of Castile . This to ur takes you into the depths of unexplored rural Spain to discover the raw natural beauty of the country .
From the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains National Park , winding country lanes will take you through red stone villages and medieval towns . I love the first glimpses of the isolated black slate villages with their bewitching atmosphere ! In the distance looms the impressive Jadraque castle of El Cid which is well worth a visit . The canyon of the “ Rio Dulce ” then escorts you to the real highlight of the trip …. the magnificent medieval town of Siguenza with its beautifully restored medieval castle and historic cathedral .
www . awayfromthecrowds . com / holidays / cycling / land-of-el-cid
2 . The home of Away from the Crowds …. what can we say … we love this place ! : Segovia ’ s medieval villages
This fabulous route begins in my home city of Segovia . I never cease to marvel at Segovia ’ s incredible Roman Aqueduct , an impressive feat of civil engineering ! You ’ ll then take the cycle lane to visit the Royal Palace of San Ildefonso . This route transports you back in time with visits to traditional stone villages and the 13th century Pedraza Castle . My favourite part of this cycle tour is undoubtedly the Duratón Canyon Nature Reserve . The powerful forces of the River Duratón have excavated deep gorges in these limestone lands , and a great number of large birds swoop overhead , so close that you can hear the beating of their wings . Don ’ t forget your binoculars !
www . awayfromthecrowds . com / holidays / cycling / segovia-s-medieval-villages
3 . For a different perspective : Asturias , from Mountains to Sea
This tour is an adventure full of contrasts . It starts in the planes of Northern Castilla - a little-known area full of beautiful Romanesque churches from medieval times . Despite crossing the Picos de Europa National Park , most of the cycling is downhill as the route meanders its way to the Northern coast . The highpoint of this trip is the cable car ride to the Fuente Dé cable car - a dizzy 1823m high ! An unforgettable experience with breathtaking views . Another day in the mountains will give you the opportunity to visit the isolated village of Bulnes , which is only accessible via a funicular railway . The tour ends gloriously by the sea in the popular fishing town of Llanes .
www . awayfromthecrowds . com / holidays / cycling / across-picos
Our self-guided tours give you the opportunity to enjoy yourselves and go at your own pace while we are take care of all the logistics of your trip . And should you need us , our helpful team are only a phone call away .
There are so many other fabulous places off the beaten track waiting to be explored and the best way to do it is by bike !
Website : www . awayfromthecrowds . com