Just outside Espinama, the Picos de Europa rise up above you and the road gets steep. This is the toughest day of the route. You climb to the Valcavao pass, at around 1,800 metres. The steepest climb alone is well over 600 metres uphill, in one go.
Up top it is quiet and open. Then you descend via Pandetrave to Portilla de la Reina. There are no services along the way, so you carry everything you need yourself. Ask about the weather in Espinama. If there is fog or snow, don’t go. The long descent is still very demanding on your knees. Take breaks and walk at your own pace.