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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!

The North Coast 500 is the magical route around the Highlands of Scotland. This journey begins in Inverness, known as the gateway to the Highlands. We will drive to the West coast of Scotland, with the opportunity to include the Isle of Skye if you have some extra time. Then, we drive clockwise along the coast, taking in waterfalls, lochs, beaches, and the rolling hills of Scotland. While driving the NC500, you will see the highlights of the route, with many opportunities for hikes, walks along the beach, and castles. As you drive you will be presented with scenic vistas of the rugged Scottish Highlands, whose views are known worldwide and are the real reason this route is so popular. You are encouraged to stop often at scenic points along the way to fully appreciate your surroundings. This guide will include a full itinerary for an 11 day trip. It can be cut down to 9 days if you remove the Isle of Skye. If you don't do all the activities, you could potentially cut down some more time, but I have tried to limit driving to under 3 hours a day. This guide also includes suggestions on where to stay and where to eat dinner for each night of the trip. Estimated budget of this trip based on 2 people sharing a room: Accommodation (usually including a full breakfast) at an average £130 a night = £1,300 Dinner at an average £40 pp = £800 Car rental c. £40 per day = £440 Fuel for c. 830 miles at 148.5p = £1,235 Other (entry prices, parking) = £200 Total = £3,975 The food budget in particular in subject to where you go and what you order. This also doesn't include prices for lunch. Accommodation prices could also be reduced by staying in hostels rather than hotels/ B&Bs. Car rental prices were found on Kayak comparable site - these are variable.

Short on time for your Edinburgh adventure? Congratulations! Your ultimate travel companion awaits right here! Welcome to the best 24-hour Edinburgh travel guide, where I cover all the must-do activities, dining spots, and accommodation options in Scotland's capital—all conveniently packed into this FREE guide! While this itinerary is designed for a jam-packed day in Edinburgh, it can easily be split over two days if you prefer a more leisurely pace. Without further ado, let's dive into our guide which includes: 👉🏼Essential Insights about Edinburgh 👉🏼How to Get Around Edinburgh 👉🏼Best Places to Stay (with Options) 👉🏼Detailed 1-day Itinerary 👉🏼Cheap Eats 👉🏼Smart Budgeting Tips 👉🏼Your Vacation Preview: What to Expect in Edinburgh

Paris est un paradis pour les cœliaques. Vous pouvez manger un croissant, un pain au chocolat ou une baguette sans gluten en vous promenant dans les belles rues parisiennes. Depuis peu, de plus en plus de boulangeries, restaurants et cafés sans gluten ont ouvert leurs portes dans la capitale. Je les ai rassemblées dans ce guide, rien que pour vous. Toutes les adresses sont sans gluten (sauf deux). Profitez bien de votre voyage 100% sans gluten !

Paris is the French paradise for cœliac people. You can eat a gluten-free croissant, pain au chocolat or baguette, walking in the beautiful parisian streets. Recently, more and more gluten-free bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops are opening in the capital. Just for you, I gathered them in this guide. All the addresses are gluten-free (except two). Enjoy your gluten-free Parisian trip!

Your East Coast Australian adventure awaits with this 10-day activity itinerary - the perfect combination of adrenaline and pristine beach relaxation. What you’ll find: 🗓️ A 10-day itinerary mapping out not-to-miss adventure activities along the East Coast of Australia 📍Destinations include Gold Coast, Noosa, Frasier Island, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays 🚌 Transfer suggestions from one location to the next 🪂 Links to recommended adventure tours and experiences 📸 Personal photos and videos Note: this itinerary excludes arrival/departure travel days.

This fast-paced 18-day roadtrip takes you through the Scottish lowlands, into the highlands, across Loch Ness into the Isle of Skye, down through Glencoe, into Stirling and back to Edinburgh. You'll see some of Scotland's most iconic locations and stay in some of its most beautiful cities including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Portree, Glencoe, Stirling, Falkirk and much more!

The Scottish Highlands, a rugged and enchanting region in the north of Scotland, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and traditional culture. Towering mountains, deep glens, and sparkling lochs characterize this wild and untamed terrain, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Visitors can embark on scenic drives along the North Coast 500 route, hike through the majestic peaks of Ben Nevis or the Cairngorms, and cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness in search of the legendary monster. The Highlands are also steeped in history, with ancient castles, clan battlegrounds, and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape, telling tales of Scotland's turbulent past. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (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)

A full two week itinerary travelling around the Nc500 with all the places pinned so it takes out the stress of planning and saves you months of research.

I offer guides available for purchase in each of these cities! I also have resources on tons of other regions and cities around the world. These are my some of my quick hits to get you inspired for your next trip! If you have another area in mind, reach out for a guide. Since I lived in Europe & the USA, there are separate menus for those. I also offer more cities or regions - these are the specific guides that I can send you quickly.

East Coast of Australia ( Grand barrer reef and more) - Unlimited access to the interactive map - Unlimited access to detailed information - More than 303 things to do including accommodation, activities, attractions, beaches, mountains, hikes, some secret places and more... - Unlimited access to several types of suggested routes - Direct links to service reservation pages - Different itinerary suggestions depending on your interests. - Recommendations

One month full itinerary for the east coast of Australia. Includes day by day itinerary on where to stay, how long to stay and what activities are in the area. All the information you need for a perfect one month stay in Australia 🇦🇺 Feel free to tag me in your trip @theliberosislife If you have any questions please contact me by email theliberosislife@gmail.com

All the best places in Scotland are here ⬇️ There are 5 parts: - Sights - Nature - Cities - Roads - Experience

Nestled in the heart of one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, Niagara Falls offers a plethora of accommodations to suit anyone's taste and budget. From breathtaking views of cascading falls to bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone, our guide will help navigate you through the many choices organized by budget friendly, moderate and the more luxurious options. *Note: This is only a small snippet of the options available in Niagara Falls.

Welcome to Cairo, a city where ancient history and modern vibrancy coexist in perfect harmony! 🏛️✨ Beyond the famous landmarks like the Pyramids and the Sphinx, Cairo is full of hidden treasures waiting to be explored. From charming neighbourhoods to tucked-away cafes, this bustling metropolis offers a mix of cultural wonders and local secrets that promise unforgettable experiences 🌆. While the iconic sights are certainly must-sees, venturing off the beaten path reveals a side of Cairo that few tourists ever experience. Whether it’s a hidden mosque, a quaint bookstore, or a vibrant street market, Cairo’s hidden gems will make your journey truly unique. 🗺️🌟 Here’s your ultimate guide to uncovering the enchanting secrets of Egypt’s capital, where history whispers through the streets and modern life pulses with creativity. Get ready to dive into the soul of the city and discover its best-kept secrets! 🏙️🔍

Ready to embark on a delicious journey through Cairo? 🍽️ Whether you’re a food lover or a casual cafe-goer, this guide is your ultimate passport to the city’s vibrant food scene! Divided by neighbourhoods and paired with nearby iconic sites 🏛️, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat, sip, and savour the city’s flavours. From traditional Egyptian cuisine to trendy modern spots, there’s something for every taste and vibe. Let’s make your taste buds dance as we explore one of the world’s most fascinating cities through its cafes and restaurants! 🎉

Scotland - the land of iconic views, food, and a FANTASTIC campervanning destination. We campervanned here for two weeks with this itinerary and had such an amazing experience. This guide covers 14 days and a whole lot of campervanning - get ready for a roadtrip! It covers the following destinations: - Glencoe - Isle of Skye - NC500 - The Cairngorms - Aberdeen - Edinburgh - Glasgow & MANY destinations and things to do in between these major stops. For some places it includes restaurants (but not all, as it's a campervanning itinerary so you'll likely be cooking most of your meals), lots of adventure (hikes, views, and activities), where to stay (parking your campervan is SO easy in Scotland we've included where to look for camping spots and also included campervan sites to hook up to for each spot), and inside intel on what you should know before you visit. This itinerary is for the adventurous and people who want to get BUSY during their time here to see as much as possible. It includes quite a bit of driving and lots of activities. Whilst this itinerary is jam-packed, you can easily choose what you want from each day to give you more downtime, and spread some of the activities over multiple days to cut down on your driving time - it's very easily manipulated to suit your needs.

Your image of a trip to Egypt is one that probably includes lots of desert scenery, majestic ancient ruins in the middle of dunes, and lush gardens around the banks of the Nile. Cairo is none of that. Cairo is one of - if not the largest, depending on your source - metro area in Africa, and definitely the largest in the Arab World. It's crowded, busy, bustling, noisy, and chaotic. Very few of its site date back to ancient Egypt and most travelers leave either underwhelmed or worn down by the large city. But, this is a really easy fix: adjust your expectations. Because Cairo is a city oozing in culture and history. It's also the center of the Arab World's music and film industries, and has been the preeminent center of culture in the Arab World for over a millennia. With amazing neighborhoods and dynamic experiences, you could easily entertain yourself for four days in Cairo. So, what should you do in Cairo? I'm glad you asked! Here is my guide to Cairo's best sites.

Aberdeen in Scotland is a great location to explore the east coast! We visited on our road trip, and whilst we didn't dive too much into the city itself, the area around Aberdeen has to much to offer. It's close to the Cairngorms, castles, coastal villages, and so much more. Here's our recommendations for around Aberdeen.

This 48-hour detailed and timed Cairo itinerary offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with modern luxury. From a traditional Egyptian breakfast and a breathtaking visit to the Pyramids of Giza to fine dining at top-ranked restaurants and a taste of contemporary Egyptian cuisine, the itinerary provides a comprehensive glimpse into Cairo’s vibrant culture. Explore historic treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum, savor delicacies at renowned cafes, and immerse yourself in traditional crafts and scents, all while experiencing the city’s dynamic blend of past and present.