Day 68 – to San Salvador de Cantamuda

The hike I had planned today was to the Cobre cave, one of the largest cave systems in Spain, and only recently has it been fully explored. I am not a caver, and am totally uncomfortable in any sort restricted space underground, but nonetheless was keen to see it.

The route has a 7 kilometre approach, which climbs 450 metres, but not until the last few kilometres. It is only when it begins to climb, does the hike generate atmosphere, as it passes through beech and chestnut forests.

I briefly ventured into the cave, Roja went further. The river, the Pisuerga, that I had followed up, actually passes through the cave. It was a good place for lunch.

The return section follows a ridge at 1650 metres for about three kilometres, and is the highlight of the day. There are views over the Palencia mountains, but also to the north over the Picos.

In all the route was just over 9 miles, and about 4 hours out, including the leisurely lunch. It was warm all day, mid-twenties, but humid as well, with the odd drop of rain when the rare cloud came over. There are forecasts for more storms later, and more general rain tomorrow, which the area badly needs. We saw no one all day.

I drove on for just 15 minutes, back to the main road and the village of San Salvador. There is an ‘aire’ here, or campervan area. Late afternoon the temperature crept up higher, approaching 30C, so Roja and I found shade and chilled. Later in the evening, when it cooled a little, we wandered to the bar for a beer and a chat with the landlady who was learning English, though at the very beginning of her efforts.