Day 5 Leon to Oviedo
Travel in style final days
Scenic route Leon - La Robla - Puerto Pajares - Oviedo
It’s been a wounderful journey from day one when Geoff, I and Maserati left Los Romanes in Andalucia, and it’s pity we are closing in on the end. However, lets see what we can include in the last day before I fly back the next morning from Oviedo via Barcelona to Malaga.
On the road again
We left Leon mid morning via the scenic route on road N-630 towards La Robla town. Surrounded by forests, with mountains in front of us. We were travelling at an altitude over 1.000m through the pass at El Rabizo 1.160m, and we were about 7km outside La Robla town.
Long straight downhill road through the outskirts of La Robla town, with great views towards the Cantabrica mountain range with Pico Torres over 2,100m. We did not stop in La Roble but continued on the N-630 towards Puerto Pajares approximately another 30km on.
Outside Geras de Gordon through a short tunnel but soon after the first tunnel a second one and then a small third one. Lost count, another tunnel, and on to the other side the small village of Santa Lucia. After a few more tunnels we arrived at a larger “small” town Villamarin. At the road junction at the end of Villamarin we continued straight on road N-630, only 12km left to Puerto de Pajares.
Puerto de Pajares 1.378m
We parked on the opposite side of the road to the Parador, at Venta Casimiro. Walked over to the Parador and enjoyed the magnificient view.
I remember we left the hot Andalucia (6 days ago) and experienced 38C in Ciudad Real and after that the air became cooler and cooler. Here at Puerto de Pajares we were in for shock, only 11C.
The yearly Tour of Spain (cycling) has passed over Puerto de Pajares around 20 times
Geoff standing outside the old Parador
The old Parador de Pajares Parador de Pola de Lena
Inaugurated by Francisco Franco in 1953, is located on the border between León and Asturias, a relic that nostalgically recalls past times, where in winter, was the ski resort, and in summer, with the mountain routes.
Geoff standing outside the imposing style building, divided into five floors, with a total built area of 3,888 meters , including 33 hotel rooms en suite, several lounges and dining rooms.
This “historical” parador/hotel was on sale for first time in 2004, and was bought 2011, closed 2015 and as far as I understande operates now only as a
Caferia Cafetería El Mirador (antiguo parador nacional de Pajares) see facebook page. More of Parador de Pajares from ABC the past including images.
Valgrande-Pajares ski resort
It is located in the Cantabrian Mountains, at the top of the Pajares pass, right on the border between the provinces of Asturias and León, one of the oldest ski stations in Spain.
More info here, daily updated info by Lugares de Nieve
Leaving Puerto Pajares to Oviedo
For nearly 20km we travelled downhill, on a winding road until we joined the motorway AP-66 at the town of Campumanes. We did stopped after approximately 3-3.5km at the roadside cafeteria Meson El Ruchu for a coffee and to admire the view.
Motorway AP-66 direct to Oviedo and our hotel for the night, a distance over 45km. Honestly, we lost the way, just outside Oviedo, we must have added an extra 10km driving to find the hotel. Eventually we got it right and checked in, early afternoon.
Dinner
Llagar El Queso Bar and Grill prepared for the evening
We were recommended by the reception staff to visit LLagar El Quesu bar and Grill restaurant, for our dinner. Great menu and wine list. Meat eaters love it here. We enjoy our choice of meat, very tasty. Good atmosphere, attentative friendly service and fully booked.
Leaving the hotel the next morning
driving in style to Oviedo Astuias airport to fly back to Malaga/Andalucia via Barcelona.
