Northern Spain

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The Funicular de Bulnes is a railway that runs in a tunnel from Poncebos and seems to be the only access to Bulnes. There is a single tunnel with a passing place half way to allow the 2 carriages to pass, one going up and the other down, joined by cables. The passing point is small and not visible in the dim light of the tunnel, so the oncomming lights of the other carriage give the sense of an impending collision. The trip up took about 20 minutes and cost €17.44 per person one way, a little expensive but worth it. The locals use the train and the first carriage of the day, which we took, carries the workers and large quantites of bread, milk and olive oil amongst other item. Arriving at the top station there is just a dirt track, one way signposed Bulnes and the other back to Poncebos. We headed for Bulnes followed, and soon overtaken, by quadbikes and small tractors laden with goods brought up by the train. After about 5 minutes walk we arrived at Bulnes, a few houses outnumb...

After leaving Camping La Paz we did some shopping at a Lupo supermarket and got another half tank of diesel on board. And headed into the Picos de Europa. We booked in, had lunch and then headed off to do the Funicular de Bulnes. One big problem, not a single parking place to be found. Obviously a very popular place. Change of plan, get up early and go to Bulnes on the railway and walk down. We will leave the Ruta de Cares until after Fuente De, and walk it from the Cain end. Good campste, a little expensive, no doubt due to the location.

Before heading into the Picos de Europa we decided to head to the coast for a couple of nights at Camping La Paz. An interesting place, camping on tarraces overlooking the sea. Beautiful views of the waves and sandy beaches, unfortunately day 2 was misty, cloudy weather and not so inviting. More planning for the next few days was a usefull use of the time as well as a bit more guitar practice. I can nearly play cords in time AND sing at the same time. Jeannette did wonder if I'd cleared the campsite. There was no way I could keep in time with the cowbell accomplement in the next field. The plan for the next few days, camping Naranjo de Bulnes for the Ruta del Cares, an 11 km walk one way and 11 back and visit Bulnes on the funicular railway. Then Fuete De cablecar and walks.

We parked up at the carpark for the Salto Nervion which is a 222 metre waterfall into a canyon. This is the largest waterfall on the Iberian peninsular. Unfortunately there was no water, but the spectacular views of the canyon from the viewing point made it well worth it. We then walked close to the edge of the canoyon to a viewpoint Mirador del Ruben, offering fantastic views over Orduña. Total walk of 6 km and back at the van for lunch. Then off to get some shopping in Reinosa and Aguilar de Campoo.

We stopped in the aire to fill with water and empty the waste tank in preparation for showers in the evening and after a quick lunch and headed off on a bike ride allong the Via Verde del Besaya to Suances, a lovely, almost level trip with a beach and the sea at the end. Back to the van of a quiet afternoon in the shade and a botyle of cold white wine. Showers later and the last episode of Poldark on Netflix download.

This was just an overnight stop in the carpark of a school. Good quiet night and off to walk the Cañon de Horidada.