You’ll leave Espinama behind quickly. A few houses, one last look at the Picos de Europa, and then the path already points uphill. There’s no warming up here.
The climb is tough: over 500 metres up in less than five kilometres. Go at your own pace, and stop now and then to take in the view. It makes up for a lot. After that you stay high, and then comes the descent, which you’ll feel in your knees. You’ll arrive in Portilla de la Reina tired but happy. You’ll be on the move for almost nine hours, so take food and drink for the whole day and start early.