Picos de Europa mountain's

Dodgey
Dodgey Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited February 2018 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We have booked a months stay in northern Spain. Arriving by ferry in Santander. We  have booked  a site about 20 miles from the port for the first week but then going  to a site in Potes, about 60 miles. Question I have , has anyone taken a caravan through the Hermida Gorge road?? Any advice welcome .

 

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  • Martatin
    Martatin Forum Participant Posts: 306
    edited February 2018 #2

    Hi Towed up to Potes from Santander ferry September 2015 caravan was 7.4 metres. Take it steady and watch out for overhangs. Had to cross white line a few times for clearance. Going up we were lucky as got behind fuel tanker so just followed in his wake.Main problem is meeting coaches.

    Think you can find video's on you tube of road albeit motor cyclists.

    We left Potes site early morning for return trip as recommended on this forum to avoid meeting coaches coming up.

    Where are you staying for first week? Again if you get early start should avoid main traffic.

    Well worth the tow.

     

    Martin

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited February 2018 #3

    We stayed in Potes for just over a week a few years ago, nice steady drive up, as above just watch out for the overhanging rocks. Drive up the valley and then take the cable car up to the top and walk back down, there was a nice bar to stop off at and enjoy the views over a glass of the local beer.

  • Dodgey
    Dodgey Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited February 2018 #4

    Thank you for the information have seen the video on you tube. We are stayinG at La Viorna in Potes. Our caravan is 6.9m so should be ok. I will take your advice and leave campsite early to get to Potes to avoid coaches.

     

  • Cartledge
    Cartledge Forum Participant Posts: 267
    100 Comments
    edited February 2018 #5

    La Hermida up to Potes is difficult. It is quite long (15 miles or so) and the overhangs uncomfortable, forcing you onto the wrong side of the road at times. We always used the pass at around noon, when the coaches that go up in the morning have (hopefully) not yet started back down. Take it slowly and carefully, looking as far ahead as you can to anticipate overhangs and the several narrow bridges on bends.

    Having stayed in La Viorna twice its a lovely site with spotless facilities and a pleasant simple restaurant. Pitches are on terraces which can be a little awkward to access. We would like to return, but frankly we would not want to do La Hermida again and the weather up in the mountains is not very reliable. 

    Take careful note of the videos on YouTube, they are very useful. 

    One further suggestion, as you are not going to Potes immediately, but staying nearby, why not drive the route solo first and then you will know what to expect. 

     

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