Collado Espina (Bustablado)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Bustablado	920m	698m	9.0 km	7.8%	1,217	****

Climb Description

Collado Espina from Bustablado is a hugely enjoyable climb for cyclists who love to tackle challenging gradients. The climb is very peaceful and crosses beautiful Cantabrian countryside in the Collados de Asón Natural Park, following a narrow single track road. It is a brutal ascent though, and the first two kilometres are the most challenging, leaving you trying to catch your breath throughout the rest of the climb.

It has become one of the star climbs in recent editions of the Vuelta - where it is usually referred to as Los Machucos. Collado Espina is open throughout the year, subject to local weather.

Roads & Traffic

The road is surface is generally in very good condition, although there are a few rougher concrete sections to increase grip where the gradient is very steep. This is a bit bumpy descending, but is no problem to ride on a road bike.

There is very little traffic on the climb.

Alternative Routes

Collado Espina can also be climbed from the other side, starting in San Roque.

Nearby Climbs

Puerto de la Sía

Picon del Fraile

El Caracol

Peña Cabarga

Cycling Holidays

We don't currently run any tours in this part of Cantabria. If you would be interested in customizing an itinerary to this region, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss the options.

You may also be interested in the links below to some of the holidays that we currently run nearby in Northern Spain.