Travel to Green Spain and arrive in Villanueva near Colombres, home to the inspiring bright-blue Emigration Museum at Quinta de Guadalupe, a classic ‘Casona de Indiano’ colonial-style mansión. Relax in peaceful rural surroundings and begin to enjoy lovely ‘España Verde’.

Start off with a splendid 41-km circular route through hilly terrain on the border between Cantabria and Asturias. Save time at the end for an optional detour to the beach at Pechón, cycle to Cueva del Pindal with its prehistoric cave paintings or ride to Romanesque ruins at Santa Tina Church.

Challenge: 45 km, 440 m ascent/ descent

Embark on a quiet ride further into the province of Asturias, as you traverse La Borbolla in the ‘dark valley’ (Valle Oscuro) then ride out toward the sea and pick up the ‘Senda Costera’ cycling route. Pause for pictures or a paddle at quiet beaches along the way. Your day ends in the colourful little port town of Llanes, where you take a stroll along medieval lanes and select a restaurant for dinner.

Challenge: 25.5 km, 325 m ascent/descent

Today's route cuts through green hills to reach Nueva de Llanes, passing enticing beaches where you can stop for a swim. Pause in Porrúa to see the ethnographic museum and snap a few photos of the church in Niembro. The market village of Posada boasts a centuries-long tradition and here you make a choice between the standard route on the northern variant of St James’ Way (Camino del Norte) and the alternative route involving a steep ascent inland. Both options end at your next accommodation, situated in Nueva de Llanes. For this afternoon, it’s just 4 km from your hotel to the striking beach at Cuevas del Mar.

Challenge: 24-27 km, 250/425 m ascent, 220 m descent

Cruise the coast going west on the Camino de Santiago as blue and yellow painted shells mark the ancient route. Once you’ve settled in at your hotel in Colunga, there will still be time to visit the Jurassic Museum before dinner. A good way to work up an appetite, since getting there means extra cycling with extra ascent.

Challenge: 37 km, 330-400 m ascent, 365 m descent

Villaviciosa’s inviting town centre was once an important stop for pilgrims going to Santiago, nowadays it’s at the heart of cider production in Asturias. Pause to taste a tapa made with ‘sidra’ then cycle the estuary through an EU special protection area for birds (SPA). Trundle onward to the tiny port of Tazones, known for its fresh seafood and the accidental 1517 anchoring of Emperor Carlos the Fifth.

Challenge: 37 km, 420 m ascent, 390 m descent

Your last route will be slightly shorter though it begins with quite a good ascent. Climbing up through lush greenery, you’ll view the Asturian countryside from an elevation of 220m then sail down into Gijón, gliding along San Lorenzo Beach boardwalk all the way to your hotel. Celebrate this evening as you dine on local cuisine in the welcoming city centre.

Challenge: 28.6 km, 240 m ascent, 277 m descent

Your cycling trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure from Asturias or extra nights to explore Gijón or the nearby capital of Asturias, Oviedo, and its splendid Gothic cathedral.