Cycling day trip from León to Santa Colomba de Somoza

Roll out from León’s historic core—think soaring Gothic cathedral and lively tapas in the Barrio Húmedo—then leave the city on easy cycle lanes before the landscape opens to big‑sky plains. The ride trends steadily upward (about 600 m of climbing over 73 km), swapping between quiet roads and long farm tracks with some gravel and short path sections. It’s a mixed-surface day, so a gravel/trekking bike with 35–45 mm tires is ideal.

Once you’re past the outskirts, services get sparse and wind can whip across the meseta—carry water and snacks and plan a couple of chill stops. As you near the foothills, the terrain gets a touch greener and more rolling, with a high point around 1,045 m.

Finish in Santa Colomba de Somoza, in the Maragatería region, known for its sturdy stone-and-slate houses and maragato muleteer heritage. It’s a quiet, characterful end to the ride—perfect for unwinding and tucking into a hearty cocido maragato.