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The places that make the breads and pastries I am still thinking about

Seven-day trek based in refugios. INTRODUCTION The Picos de Europa is a region of limestone peaks reaching over 2500 metres above sea level; the highest being Torre de Cerredo at 2650 metres. The route described here is one that I hiked alone in early summer. The best time to tackle the route is between June and September. There is more likely to be snow on the high passes in early June but they are usually not to difficult to negotiate. The Picos de Europa is not as well known as the Pyrenees or Alps and as such the hiker traffic is less and the tourist infrastructure is less developed. This makes the area feel less spoilt but it can also make it a more challenging area to explore with fewer trails and little to no signposting. Always take a map with you: the Editorial Alpina 1:25,000 maps are the best. I took these and also used the outdooractive app and downloaded the relevant map tiles. This is useful for pinpointing where you are, in what can be confusing terrain. I was lucky to have clear weather for my entire trek but I would imagine that it's pretty difficult to navigate when the cloud is down on the mountains so take a compass too. You can stay in refugios every night on this hike and wild camping is permitted above 1500m; details below. I can't recommend the Picos de Europa as a hiking destination enough. The mountains are magnificent but there are also beautiful extensive woodlands at lower altitudes, as well as meadows full of wildflowers and butterflies. The juxtaposition between the stark limestone peaks and the gentle greenery of the valleys is beguiling. DISCLAIMER: Please note that hiking in the Picos de Europa is not risk free. It is a very challenging area in which to hike. I accept no responsibility for any accidents you may experience while hiking this route. You are responsible for your own safety. Some of the dangers and difficulties are listed a little further down this guide. HOW BUSY? Unlike some of the more well know hikes around Europe this trail is less well trodden and as such the trail can be quite hard to follow at times, and at other times there is no trail! Despite this, refugios, being small, fill up fast (see below). REFUGIOS The hike is made easier if you stay in the staffed refugios where you can recharge your metaphorical batteries. Accommodation at these mountain huts is in communal dormitories and you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. It's best to book ahead as they are often full throughout the summer. Prices are around the €12-17 mark and they also do affordable meals (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner). There is also a handful of unstaffed, very basic mountain shelters with no services and no beds but these can be a good option in an emergency. Most of the refugios only accept cash so be sure to take plenty with you before you set off as there are no ATMs! All the refugios on the route are listed in the route description below with website links. WILD CAMPING Camping is only permitted at 1500m above sea level or higher. There is not much water anywhere above this altitude so be sure to fill up when you get the chance (at refugios) before camping in a remote spot. POSADA DE VALDEON This beautiful village tucked in the valley between the Macizo Central and Macizo Occidental is a lovely place to wander for a few hours. At the centre of the village there are a number of restaurants and bars and a small square with a water fountain. If you need somewhere to stay before or after the trek you'll find hotels, guest houses and a youth hostel. There is a hotel recommendation and link in the route description. In the centre of the village is a pharmacy should you need any blister plasters! And on the road to the west of the village is the National Park office where you can find information about hiking and anything else to do with the national park. GETTING THERE From the UK there are Ryanair flights to Oviedo (Asturias airport) from London Stansted. A bit further afield you can get flights to Bilbao and Santander from the UK and the rest of Europe. Getting from the airport is a little complicated but there are buses to Posada de Valdeón from Oviedo changing in Cangas de Onis. The journey takes about 4.5hrs. There are also buses from Santander and Bilbao changing in Llanes and Riaño with the journey taking around 15hrs from Bilbao. An easier but more expensive option is to get a taxi. You could also hire a car but of course you will have to leave the car sitting idle in Posada de Valdeón while you do the hike. FLORA & FAUNA This area of northern Spain is fantastic for wildlife. At lower elevations the beech and sessile oak woodland stretches for miles over rolling hills. This is part of the boreal forest that once would have covered much of Europe and is home to roe deer, wild boar, red squirrels, pine martens and brown bears. In the skies you have a good chance of seeing griffon vultures, golden, booted and short-toed eagles, black kites and peregrines. Of the smaller passerine species the Picos are home to red-backed shrikes, black redstarts, spotted flycatchers and black woodpeckers. But it's the wildflowers in the meadows and on the woodland edges that are the real joy and most easily appreciated. Vetches, cinquefoils and orchids create a colourful patchwork of colours with butterflies bringing the whole scene to life. Look out for swallowtails, fritillaries and hairstreaks. NAVIGATION Navigation is difficult as the terrain can be confusing and in many places there is no trail whatsoever. Take a map (1:25K Editiorial Alpina maps are the best), compass and GPS and know how to use them. It's also a good idea to download the map on a relevant map app. I used the outdooractive app but others are available. WEATHER Thunderstorms are common, usually in the afternoon and these can be particularly dangerous high up in the mountains. It's best to hike early and get to a refugio by lunchtime if there are afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast. The weather in this part of Spain is very changeable as it has a maritime climate. Rain and thick fog are possible but equally long periods of warm sunshine are not unusual. The best advice I can offer is to be prepared for anything. Pack suncream and a sunhat but don't forget your waterproofs either. FALLING ROCKS Rock falls are not unusual as chamois and other hikers can dislodge rocks above you. Getting caught in a rockfall is not so common but not impossible. Be aware and if you see rocks heading your way, and cannot find cover, crouch down on the floor and pull your rucksack over your head and back. DRINKING WATER There is very little running water as these mountains are mostly comprised of permeable limestone. You will need to take plenty of water with you each day (I packed three litres every day and usually drank it all). You can fill up at the refugios and there are a few fountains / fuentes although most of the ones I saw marked on the Editorial Alpina map were dry when I found them. THE SUN Sunburn and sunstroke are both real dangers and there is little shade. Keep hydrated and wear a sun hat that covers your neck. TERRAIN In some places you need to scramble up steep rocky sections. You will need to have experience in this kind of terrain and have a head for heights! The terrain is very rocky and uneven at higher altitudes so you will need strong, sturdy footwear. Trekking poles are also invaluable in providing support and helping you across and up awkward sections. There is also a lot of steep ascent and descent on this route so you will need to be reasonably fit. DANGEROUS ANIMALS On many parts of the trail you will encounter cows. In my experience they are very docile and used to trekkers so they shouldn't be of any concern. You may also find flocks of sheep and while these aren't dangerous they are often accompanied by shepherd dogs which have been trained to keep intruders away from the flock. They can be quite intimidating when they start barking at you. If you see sheep ahead it is best to give them a wide berth, even if this means veering away from the trail for a while. If you walk directly towards or through a flock of sheep you risk agitating the shepherd dogs. Bears are not common in the Picos de Europa but there are bears in other parts of the Cantabrian Mountains, notably Somiedo National Park, not far to the west, and there is always the possibility of seeing an itinerant bear wandering through the Picos. Eurasian brown bears are not as big nor aggressive as the grizzly bears of North America so you shouldn't worry too much about an encounter. It's extremely unlikely you will see one so if you do, consider yourself very lucky. Wild boar are common in the woodlands at lower altitudes. They are not as aggressive as some people will tell you and tend to be nocturnal. I did see some in the daytime near Vegabaño. As soon as they saw me they ran away, crashing through the undergrowth. As with any large animal it's best to simply give them plenty of space to move away from you. I hope none of this advice puts you off hiking in the Picos de Europa. Yes, it's a challenging mountain area but the rewards for hiking here are great. Enjoy the hike!

Heading to San Francisco? This guide covers everything you need to know to experience the city like a local. Whether you're looking to explore, unwind, or capture the picture perfect shot, I’ve curated a list of must-see spots and hidden gems that showcase the best of San Fran’s laid-back charm and coastal beauty. Click the map icon for location pins and directions that connect directly to your phone's Google or Apple Maps🗺️

A budget-friendly, outdoors guide to road tripping across North Dakota and to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Total trip time: 5-7 days Nearest major cities to start from: Fargo, Bismarck

Woohoo! You've clicked on my itinerary because you're looking for a hassle-free schedule with all of Montreal's must-visit attractions and iconic foods 😋😋 It is my greatest pleasure to take you through the enchanting city of Montreal—from the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal to the cultural culinary exploration rampant in the city, you will discover why Montreal seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern allure. The itinerary breakdown: ○ Day 1: Old Montreal ○ Day 2: Milton Parc, Plateau Mont-Royal, & Ville-Marie ○ Day 3: Everywhere else! ○ 💫Bonus💫 My stay recommendations Note: A lot of establishments do not operate on Mondays and/or Tuesdays, so make sure to double check the store hours! MTL is gorgeous during the spring/summer, I highly recommend visiting during these seasons. For a peek at my Montreal adventures, feel free to check out my 𝐓𝐢𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐤 @𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐨𝐨 💖💖

Florence, an open-air museum nestled along the Arno River, is a timeless masterpiece where art and history intertwine. This cradle of the Renaissance pulses with an infectious energy, inviting visitors to wander through cobblestone streets lined with world-renowned galleries and architectural gems. From the grandeur of the Duomo's dome to the intimate charm of the Pitti Palace, Florence is a sensory overload, captivating hearts with its elegance, inspiring minds with its artistic legacy, and tantalizing taste buds with its Tuscan cuisine. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (photo spots, museums and cultural venues, open squares, and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Aloha! Welcome to my comprehensive guide of what to do, see & eat on the island of Oahu! 🌺 Includes a mini guide to the North Shore! The best beaches, food trucks & more!

La guía de Caras México para París, llena de arte, historia y elegancia. París es una de las ciudades con más cosas que hacer, y con los Juegos Olímpicos a la vuelta de la esquina, esto es lo que te recomendamos visitar.

Hello! This adventure is a guide to exploring Nice! It includes how to get there, how to get around Nice, where to stay, and what to do. This includes activities such as tours, sights, pebble beaches, museums, and shops. This guide also includes restaurants (broken out by dinner, lunch, ice cream, and breakfast/coffee). It ends with a short list of day trips included a few suggestions for guided day trips.

I want to show you the places and food you can't miss on a 5 day trip to my beautiful city: Medellin, Colombia. This is a Packed itinerary.

Interested in visiting Brussels but eager to get away from overly touristy places? Antwerp's the place for you, baby. Flemish people love this authentic gem and often go for day trips to shop and get inspired by its rich history and culinary hotspots. In this itinerary I've bundled when to go, where to go, and how to go. Carefully curated for you by a local. This city trip skips overrated tourist traps and lays out a step-by-step weekend like the locals. 🚉✈️ How long is this trip? This itinerary is based on a three-day weekend, assuming you'll arrive on Friday evening and depart on Sunday. You can absolutely adapt this plan to a two-day stay, just make sure to read the advice I provide with my recommendations. This way you're in on best times for different activities. 🅰️ Why Antwerp? - historic port city with rich history - hotspot for gastronomic delights and lavish art - like Brussels, but without the tourist traps - home to one of the world's leading fashion academies and the internationally renowned Fashion Museum - authentic Flemish (European) experience - safe city (check out advice for female solo travelers below)

🇬🇧Are you a Harry Potter fan and would you like to see all the locations where the movies were filmed? Or would you just like to sleep in Hagrid's hut or in the Gryffindor dormitory? Are you waiting for the letter from Hogwarts and would you like to attend potions lessons or enter the forbidden forest? This guide is just what you were looking for. Here you will find: 🎥movie locations 🍔where to eat 🏨where to sleep 🧪experiences and activities to do 🛍️themed shops ⚡️so much more This guide will be periodically updated to make sure you always have the most current recommendations 🇮🇹Siete amanti di Harry Potter e vi piacerebbe vedere le location dove sono stati girati i film?Oppure semplicemente ti piacerebbe dormire nella capanna di Hagrid o nel dormitorio dei Grifondoro? Aspetti anche tu la lettera da Hogwarts e ti piacerebbe frequentare le lezioni di pozioni o entrare nella foresta proibita? Allora questa guida è proprio quello che stavi cercando. Qui troverai: 🎥le location dei film 🍔dove mangiare 🏨dove dormire 🧪esperienze e attività da fare 🛍️negozi a tema ⚡️tanto altro Questa guida sarà periodicamente aggiornata per avere sempre le raccomandazioni più attuali possibili.

Having lived in the area for over a dozen years and working in the heart of the city, I'm happy to share my list of best places in Minneapolis: hotels, restaurants, museums, things to do, and local shopping, too! Minnesota enjoys four distinct seasons, and there's something to enjoy any time of year!

Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of China! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things China for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of: ☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries 🌮 Local cuisine 🏛️ Museums of all kinds 🌳 Gardens & parks 🛏️ Boutique hotels 🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access!

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to Cannes, France – your passport to the glamorous heart of the French Riviera! Nestled along the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Cannes is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and world-class events. From the iconic red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival to the chic boutiques of La Croisette, this guide is your insider’s companion to experiencing the best that Cannes has to offer. Join me as I share more about the city’s historic landmarks, indulge in its culinary delights, and uncover hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, let this guide be your roadmap to discovering the magic of Cannes – where every moment is a celebration of elegance, sophistication, and joie de vivre. Bienvenue à Cannes! 🇫🇷✨ This guide includes… 🏝️ 6 of the best beaches and beach clubs 📍 8 must-see places, markets, streets and more! 🥐 6 recommendations for dining

Here are some fire 🔥experiences in Philly, whether you're out eating delicious food at a local restaurant while chatting with friends or enjoying a date night. Maybe you're out and about, engaging in fun activities when that liquid courage 🍾kicks in. Whatever you're in the mood for, this list offers plenty of great options to choose from. 🥳

If you are planning a trip to the Cotswolds but have no idea where to start looking then this guide is for you. I have grown up on the edge of the Cotswolds so have lots of knowledge to share from this beautiful part of England. Is this right for you? - You want to take the stress out of finding which places are worth visiting - If you are looking for popular towns but also the non-touritsy villages to visit - If you are looking to do walks and hikes starting from the towns or villages

Have you already seen the Rwanda highlights? Want to see some less touristy parts of the country? This guide provides all of the best 'off the beaten path' things to do in Rwanda!

Visiting Paris, looking for old world French charm, yet somehow ending up at another tourist trap? Save this list, mark these restaurants, and rest assured you will soak up some of ✨Old Paris✨ when you visit each.