Alto do Poio from Triacastela (CIMA LU08)

Where it goes

You start in Triacastela, one of the best-known villages on the Camino Francés in Lugo, and climb east on the road to O Cebreiro. For much of the way, the road and the Camino run almost side by side. You pass stone hamlets such as Biduedo and Fonfría, among meadows, chestnut trees and slate walls, and as you climb through the Serra do Rañadoiro the views open up to the Courel and Os Ancares. It's 16.8 km and 734 m of elevation gain to the Alto do Poio, at 1,333 m.

Where it bites

It's an endurance climb, with an average gradient of 4.4%. What wears you down is the length, not the ramps: the hardest kilometre reaches 8.5%. Ride at a pace you can hold the whole way and keep something for the end, which is usually colder and windier.

Where to stop

Triacastela has bars, shops and fountains, as it's a pilgrim stop. At the Alto do Poio itself there's a bar for a coffee at the top. The hamlets along the way have the odd hostel or bar that opens depending on the season.

When to go

From spring to autumn. In winter, fog, ice and snow are common on the upper part, and down below the weather can fool you. Take a windproof for the descent. In the villages and at the crossings you'll meet lots of people walking: overtake slowly and give them a heads-up.

Getting there

By car, on the LU-633 from Sarria or from Pedrafita do Cebreiro. In Triacastela there's room to park outside the centre. By train, the nearest station is Sarria, on the line linking Monforte de Lemos with Lugo and A Coruña. Before you travel, check with Renfe how to take your bike.