The Pajares pass in the north of Spain is one of the most impressive mountain lines of Europe, with more then 60 tunnels, loops and some viaducts. In fact it is more a ramp, with a grade of 2 %, climbing from sea level in Gijon via Oviedo and over the Cantábrica mountain range to the inner spanish highland. The highest point is 1270 meter a.s.l. at the south portal of the 3072 meter long Perruca tunnel below the Pajares pass. The mostly single track line in the iberian broad gauge of 1668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) was built between 1880 and 1884 and electrified in 1924 with 3000 V DC. The very shaby and run down 251 # 019 (built by CAF in 1983) in the old yellow/grey paint scheme is rolling through Pajares station (1158 meter a.s.l.) on the north ramp of the pass. The double track tunnel in the background serves for the tracks 1 and 2 of the station, the line itself is single track. The station isn't manned anymore, no train stops here. The little village of Pajares lies several hundred meters deeper on the hillside.
