I arrived into the town of Llanes, in Spain's Asturias region, and headed to the hotel with my fellow adventurers. We were here to hike, cycle, canyon, SUP and kayak our way around these beautiful coastlines, in the north of Spain.
As we took our first wander into town that afternoon we realised we’d unwittingly arrived in the middle of a traditional festival. Either that, or people here wore a remarkable amount of bells and clogs and carried large walking sticks. Asking around we quickly learned the Virgin de la Guía Festival brought people, young and old, from all over the region for a folkloric parade through the streets, while carrying the patron saint back to her shrine.
They dance and they drink a copious amount of cider in the traditional Asturian way – pouring it from head height into a glass kept down below.
The next day, our adventures began. Everything was within a short distance from our hotel base, so more time could be spent having fun, and first we headed to the Río Deva for river kayaking.
We hopped into double kayaks and set off for a paddle in the sunshine, a roughly 10 miles (16km) round trip spotting birds and other wildlife along the way. As someone who manages nature reserves back home, this was me in my element! Later on, we headed to the beach and went out for a lovely meal together in town, still practicing those cider-pouring skills.
The next morning, we began the day by heading underground for an unbelievable caving experience. We climbed up a hill, and then back down into an incredible caving network.
There were stalagtite and stalagmite formations to rival even those back home in the Peak District (and that’s really saying something). This was my favourite adventure of the trip. The privilege we all felt accessing this secret paradise was just amazing.
I’d go on this trip again just for this caving experience – but the day wasn’t even over. Next up was a SUP adventure along the Ría de Tina Menor, stopping at the beach for snacks. We then headed back to a rainy Llanes, but nothing could dampen our good moods. What a day!
The following morning, the day of the lycra had arrived. We donned our bicycle gear and learned the joy of an electric bike.
I’ve always joked that they’re 'cheating', helping you get up hills you should manage under your own steam. But I take it all back! Not only are they amazingly fun, but they levelled the playing field throughout the group meaning we all got to have great fun together without anyone stressing about fitness.
We explored glorious beaches and swam in stunning turquoise waters along the way, ending up knackered and grateful yet again.
The privilege we all felt accessing this secret paradise was just amazing.
Our last day of adventuring saw us hike 7.5 miles (12km) through the dramatic Cares Gorge, carved deep in the Picos de Europa mountains. Along the way I smiled and said ¡hola! to every hiker and got to pet every animal, of which there were many.
We all had a lovely lunch in Caín before half of the group walked the same trail back, while the other half drove through the mountains with a stop at an ancient wolf-hunting den in a forest and at the famous Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) in Cangas de Onís.
What a fun final day. We finished with a group meal – more cider and an absolute feast – before packing up for tomorrow’s departure.
I had time for a last swim in the hotel pool, before setting off solo for more adventures in the region (I highly recommend exploring Oviedo and Bilbao before or after your Much Better Adventure).
Inspired? Check out our Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain for an action-packed week in Asturias and Cantabria.