Picón del Fraile (Linto)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Linto 1,614m 1,203m 21.6 km 5.6% 812 *****






Picón del Fraile  - Cycling Profile

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Climb Description

Picó del Fraile is a beautiful climb up to a military radar station situated on the border between the provinces of Burgos and Cantabria. It is essentially two climbs in one as you first climb to the Puerto de Lunada, before turning off on the road to the radar - which is situated on the peak of the mountain.

This is by far the more scenic side of the climb, with spectacular views amidst the bright green hillside as you climb up to the Puerto de Lunada. The climb goes through the Collados de Asón Natural Park - not one of the most famous mountain ranges in Spain, but one which looks almost Alpine in appearance, with winding roads ascending through rounded mountain peaks.

After crossing the border into the province of Burgos (Castilla-y-León), the scenery becomes less colourful but no less spectacular, but it is a worthy extension to reach the radar at the top of the climb - offering great 360 degree views.

Picón del Fraile is nominally open throughout the year, although short term closures in winter are quite common due to snow.


Picón del Fraile - Cantabria Cycling Climb

The view looking back down towards Linto






Roads & Traffic

The road is in fairly good condition. It has been re-laid and is slightly bumpy in places, but for the most part it is good for riding.

There is very little traffic on the climb throughout the year.


Top of the climb - Picon del Fraile

The top part of the climb winds through rocky scenery






Alternative Routes

Picó del Fraile can also be climbed from Burgos in the south, starting from Las Machorras.





Nearby Climbs


Collado Espina

Puerto de La Sia

El Caracol

Alisas






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.




Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR
Basque Mountains
Basque Flag Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Easy to Medium
Price: from €1,480 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR