Results for Meadows of Dan

This classic American Scenic Drive is 106 miles of stunning natural beauty, featuring the Blue Ridge Mountains, national parks, forests, historic sites, hiking trails, and more. Along the way, there are several great camping spots, making this the perfect trip to do with your Luno gear.

Hiking/Camping Outside

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!

This charming Irish village is well-known for its imposing Cliffs of Moher, but this charming town is a delight in itself. I'm so glad to have lived there, and now I can share some of the best experiences in this ultimate guide. Doolin is also a hub for traditional Irish music. Its cozy pubs frequently host lively sessions where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the soulful tunes of Irish folk music and a good "craic". My first tip for those who are visiting Doolin, or Ireland in general, is to give an opportunity to serendipity. Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, features stunning green landscapes - frequently washed by the rain :) So, grab your raincoat and get ready to dance in the rain. However, it's not as bad as you might think! I enjoyed so many sunny days over there and even wished for some rain for a few moments. I bet you will fall in love with Doolin - just like I did. To help you get the most out of your trip, I have prepared this guide with: - Lodging suggestions - Pubs and restaurant recommendations - Outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days - Outdoor experiences nearby - And more! Keep in mind: This guide is flexible, allowing you to interchange experiences based on your mood and the (unpredictable) Irish weather.

Doolin is well-known for its imposing Cliffs of Moher, but this charming town is a delight in itself. I'm so glad to have lived there, and now I can share some of the best experiences in this ultimate guide. Doolin is also a hub for traditional Irish music. Its cozy pubs frequently host lively sessions where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the soulful tunes of Irish folk music and a good "craic". My first tip for those who are visiting Doolin, or Ireland in general, is to give an opportunity to serendipity. Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, features stunning green landscapes - frequently washed by the rain :) So, grab your raincoat and get ready to dance in the rain. However, it's not as bad as you might think! I enjoyed so many sunny days over there and even wished for some rain for a few moments. I bet you will fall in love with Doolin - just like I did. To help you get the most out of your trip, I have prepared this guide with: - Lodging suggestions - Pubs and restaurant recommendations - Outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days - Outdoor experiences nearby - And more! Keep in mind: This guide is flexible, allowing you to interchange experiences based on your mood and the (unpredictable) Irish weather.

Doolin is well-known for its imposing Cliffs of Moher, but this charming town is a delight in itself. I'm so glad to have lived there, and now I can share some of the best experiences in this ultimate guide. Doolin is also a hub for traditional Irish music. Its cozy pubs frequently host lively sessions where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the soulful tunes of Irish folk music and a good "craic". My first tip for those who are visiting Doolin, or Ireland in general, is to give an opportunity to serendipity. Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, features stunning green landscapes - frequently washed by the rain :) So, grab your raincoat and get ready to dance in the rain. However, it's not as bad as you might think! I enjoyed so many sunny days over there and even wished for some rain for a few moments. I bet you will fall in love with Doolin - just like I did. To help you get the most out of your trip, I have prepared this guide with: - Lodging suggestions - Pubs and restaurant recommendations - Outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days - Outdoor experiences nearby - And more! Keep in mind: This guide is flexible, allowing you to interchange experiences based on your mood and the (unpredictable) Irish weather.

Places I've ridden personally and my opinions of them.

With 500 miles of trails, this weekend guide is a just a glimpse into the beauty of Shenandoah. It will leave you satisfied with tired legs, and yet wanting more. Total trip time: 3 days Nearest major cities: Richmond, Washington DC Note: I completed this trip heading north, but it could easily be reversed depending on your starting point

Munich, a city of vibrant contrasts, blends its deep-rooted traditions with a contemporary flair. From Marienplatz, where the lively atmosphere is set against the backdrop of the New Town Hall to the lush expanses of the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks, where you can find both peaceful retreats and lively beer gardens. Munich offers a mix of history, culture, and modern-day charm.

This budget-friendly guide will walk you through Yoho, Glacier, and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks. This guide is meant for you to pick and choose which areas you explore, depending on how much time you have in the area. Make sure to check out my free Banff + Jasper National Park guides, for a complete trip to the National Parks in the Canadian Rockies! Total trip time: 4-7 days Nearest major city: Calgary or Edmonton

For foodies, Wisconsin is a culinary paradise brimming with diverse flavors and local specialties. From charming diners serving up classic comfort foods to upscale bistros offering inventive twists on regional classics, there's something to satisfy every palate. Indulge in rich, locally-sourced dishes featuring farm-fresh ingredients and artisan cheeses that the state is renowned for. Whether you're enjoying a hearty meal in a cozy small-town eatery or exploring vibrant dining scenes in bustling cities, Wisconsin’s restaurants promise a delicious journey through the heart of the Midwest's food culture. **This list will continue to grow as we uncover more great spots!

This is the Ultimate guide to travel to East of Canada with more than 1300 locations ! including : Montréal, Toronto, Saguenay, Québec city, Québec state, Ontario state, Gaspésie, Lakes, Terre-Neuve, Iles-de-la-madeleine, Ile-du-prince-edouard and so much more...

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Islamabad, Pakistan—your go-to resource for uncovering the city’s hidden gems that you won’t find in any other guide. Why go? Islamabad is Pakistan's capital, and it's completely different from the rest of the country. This is a clean, green city with plenty of iconic landmarks, beautiful parks, bustling markets and modern malls. On top of all that, Islamabad is also a great place to try the local food! This guide includes all the information you will need for an unforgettable time in this city. • Best Places to Stay • Transportation Tips • Must-Visit Museums • Amazing Viewpoints and Hiking Trails • Best Restaurants and Café • Party Like A Local To Trance And House Music • Unique Local Experiences • Exciting Day Trip Ideas • And so much more!

Everything you need to know to have the best experience in the greatest park in the world. At 843 acres (2.5 miles x 0.5 miles), you NEED a guide. It's too big to just wander and hope you see all the things you want to see, and it's far too easy to get lost. You need a friend who's seen it all and done it all to show you the way. I have been that friend for countless tourists (as a local AirBNB host) and to millions of viewers on YouTube (my Central Park videos have accumulated over 1.6 million views). Let me be your guide. I have literally spent years exploring every part of Central Park, and I love sharing it with others. I'm putting all of my knowledge, recommendations, and experience into this guide. What's Included: 📝 Resources (maps to help you find bathrooms, food, drinking fountains, etc.) 🤩 Top things to do and see in each part of the Park (Create easy itineraries from my recommendations) 📓 Interesting info and personal experiences for each spot ✍️ Tips and recommendations for the best Central Park experience You can spend hours researching everything on your own and still not be sure if you're missing something amazing. Or you can download this guide and instantly feel confident that you'll be able to see and do everything you want. Central Park is incredible if you know what you're doing. It's frustratingly too big if you don't.

This is the Ultimate guide to travel to East of Canada with more than 1297 locations ! including : Maine, Miami, Orlando, NYC city, Charleston, Tampa, Washington, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and so much more...