June 3rd ~ Ribadesella

We got up early as a long day ahead. Set off for Leon, once the Centre of Christian Spain, and arriving about 10.am . The Gothic Cathedral is magnificent and built on a grand scale, with 30 or so fantastic stained glass windows from the 13th – 16th Centuries. We also visited the Basilica de San Isidoro, which is a grand romanesque church, which hold all day services from 7 am – 7 pm every day for pilgrims walking the Caminos de Compostela , and we caught a bit of it.

After coffee, we set off for the Northern Coast via the “Puerto de Pajares” @ 1378 metres (nearly 4,500’ above sea level) over the mountains .Stopped at the summit for lunch , with fantastic views of the peaks with residual snow, even though it has been so hot (see pics).

A long drive down, and had hoped to camp at Arriondas still in the mountains, but the campsite was closed, so we headed for the coast and Ribadesella, where there were 2 campsites open. Got details from the Tourist office and a bit of shopping and headed for site. Decided to stay 2 nights as Chris tired from driving, and site has wifi in van. J cooked a delicious chicken stew !!

A Couple from Bristol camping on the site (only 8 vans/tents in all) told us about local dinosaur prints and fossils, so will explore tomorrow.