Road trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio
Spain, europe
18.6 km
1,315 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto del Connio: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Asturias
Tucked away in the heart of Fuentes del Narcea in northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto del Connio is a gorgeous high-altitude pass that sits at 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes your drive worthwhile.
The route up is straightforward enough—you're looking at the AS-348, a fully asphalted road that's definitely on the narrower side. Here's the good news: it's generally accessible year-round, though Mother Nature does have the final say. When winter dumps heavy snow, the pass can close temporarily, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out.
Starting from Ventanueva, you're in for an 18.6 km climb that'll gain you a solid 769 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of around 5.65%, which is pleasantly rideable without being overly brutal. The winding ascent rewards you with stunning mountain scenery as you gain altitude, making every switchback feel earned.
Whether you're chasing that perfect driving road or just want to experience the raw beauty of the Asturian mountains, Puerto del Connio delivers on both fronts. Pack layers, take your time on the curves, and soak in the views—this pass is a gem worth experiencing.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.4883, -4.0513
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,315 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.4883, -4.0513
Related Roads in europe
hardA very bumpy, grueling road to Munții Baiului
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Want to tackle one of Romania's highest and wildest roads? Head to Prahova County in Muntenia and find the beast that is the Munții Baiului pass! We're talking 1,796 meters (that's nearly 6,000 feet!) of pure, unadulterated mountain glory. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and bumpy as all get out. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered by snow in the winter and can close without warning. Seriously, come prepared! You'll absolutely want a 4x4, and if heights make you queasy, maybe sit this one out. The trail is STEEP, and even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery, unpredictable mess. Keep an eye out for patches of loose gravel that can sneak up on you. But, if you're ready for it, the views are absolutely epic. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just remember to prep your vehicle and your nerves – this road demands respect!
moderateHarthope Moss is a very famous climb in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about Harthope Moss, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 2,060 feet above sea level in County Durham, England. Word on the street is, it's one of the highest paved roads you'll find in the country! Tucked away in the northeast, this pass splits Weardale from Teesdale and carves its way through the stunning North Pennines. The road to the top (also known as Chapel Fell) is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's STEEP! We're talking about a 4.8-mile stretch from the charming village of St John's Chapel (right on the River Wear) to Langdon Beck. Now, you can tackle this beast from either the west or the east, but either way, get ready for a climb! Coming from St John's Chapel? It's a 2.5-mile ascent with a whopping 1,119 feet of elevation gain! That's an average gradient of 8.3%, but hold on tight because you'll hit a brutal 16% in some spots. If you're starting from Langdon Beck, it’s a slightly longer 2.9-mile climb with 896 feet of elevation gain, averaging 5.3% with ramps up to 11%. But trust me, the views are worth every ounce of effort! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Pennines. Just a heads up, the landscape is pretty wild and exposed, so expect some serious wind as you make your way up!
moderateThe defiant road to Alpe di Poti
🇮🇹 Italy
# Alpe di Poti: Tuscany's Gritty Mountain Challenge Ready for some authentic Tuscan climbing? Alpe di Poti sits pretty at 827m (2,713ft) in the Arezzo region of Tuscany, and it's absolutely worth the effort to get there. This beauty gained serious bragging rights when the Giro d'Italia tackled it back in 2016. Starting from San Paolo, you're looking at an 8.6km climb that'll definitely test your legs—especially that first kilometer where the gradient kicks up past 14%. The overall average hovers around 9-10%, so yeah, it's legit steep. Here's what makes it special: about 6.4km of the route is unpaved, and we're talking proper gravel roads that'll have you feeling like a real Italian cyclist. The Strade Bianche (white roads) vibe is strong here—it's actually the inspiration behind the famous gravel classic that happens in Tuscany every March. Most of the road is paved, but those gravel sections? That's where the magic happens. If you're hunting for an authentic Tuscan experience that combines climbing punishment with jaw-dropping scenery, Alpe di Poti delivers on all fronts. Just bring your A-game and embrace the dust.
hardHow long is the road to Col des Iris?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're in the French Pyrenees, exploring those epic cycling and driving routes, right? Wanna take a little detour and get off the beaten path? Check out Col des Iris! Nestled near the iconic Col du Tourmalet, this isn't some long, drawn-out adventure, but it punches above its weight. Just 1.3 km long, it branches off the D918 (the main road to the Tourmalet) and climbs 55 meters. That's an average gradient of 4.23% so not too intense. Here's the thing: it's all gravel. Yep, rough and ready! This little gem is totally unpaved, so be prepared for a rocky ride. Especially after rain or when the snow's melting, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Speaking of snow, at 2,030m (6,660ft), Col des Iris can get snowed in *any* time of year, and it's usually totally impassable in winter. But hey, if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the views are SO worth it. Plus, Col des Iris is your starting point for an even higher adventure: the climb up to Pic du Midi de Bigorre! If you are looking for a quick escape from the Tourmalet crowds and into the silence of the high mountains, this little detour is your ticket.