I went from the southern part of the Picos de Europa park to the northern part, a drive of approximately 20 miles tho it took almost 2 hours with all the twists , turns and construction. The northern part features Spain’s most popular trail- Ruta del Cares. I don’t know about that as the day I did I would say that no more than 10% of the population was on the trail, tho it was a week day.
The trail is a legitimate “wow” as you hike through a granite canyon on a cliff edge trail (6’ wide tho) high above the River Cares with 2000’+granite mountains rising dramatically above you. The walls are pretty sheer tho the trail is good. Just stunning and unique scenery in my experience. Pictures do it no justice but this is an unjust blog so-
Mountain goats made their appearance along the way
But then some unaccountably wandered down to the trail plainly reserved for humans. I wish goats as well as people would stay in their assigned lanes
In any case, for Lord of the Rings fans, the trail required that I brave the Paths of the Dead-
Here is what I looked like before I went in-
I kind of looked the same when I came out except I put my sunglasses back on
It is a long trail- 16 miles in and out if you manage to park a mile or so away- but truly worth it and well deserving of its reputation . I would put it in my top 10 hikes-
Don’t miss it if you are in Northern Spain and like company while you hike-
Thanks again to Geo for his planning, fun company and for being a good sport. That’s all folks
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