The next two days will be the most challenging of the week. Today we made a memorably steep descent of nearly 1200 metres and covering over 25 km taking the Shepherd ‘s Way and Canal de Culiembro into the Garganta del Cares.

We awoke to this delightfully rural picture and soundtrack.

The first part of our descent followed an old shepherds’ trail, winding through stony lapies formations, until we reached the hamlet and high pastures of Oston. The weather was wonderful, as demonstrated by Alastair, my roomy.

From here, we started a steep but steady and impressive descent through Culiembro gully, surrounded by the impressive sandstone walls.

The path became more defined as we headed into woods of oak, walnut and beech, before finally arriving in the bed of the Cares Gorge, at the abandoned hamlet of Culiembro.

From Culiembro we turned right. Following the gorge slightly uphill towards the small settlement of Cain (pronounced Cayeen). We gradually made height on narrow tracks hewn from, and clinging to the vertical rock that framed the river.

In places the peaks soared precipitously almost 2000 metres above us and we were amazed to be able to descend on a path cut through the outrageously difficult terrain.

First built in the 1920’s as part of a hydro-electric scheme, this path provides one of the most outstanding walks in the Picos de Europa.

Crossing the river twice on sturdy steel bridges we reached the impressive hydro-electric installation: a massive and powerful jet of post electricity generating river warmer blasting out to the right and a gentle fish ladder on the left.

Arriving at the settlement of Cain, while some were tempted by shopping, others were tempted by some alternatives such as refreshment or lunch. I and a few others were temped by a dip in the river.

After a dip and a quick beer to slake my throat for the next leg we headed out of Cain, back down the canal to Fuente Poncebos and our hotel for the night.

See you tomorrow 😀