Walking in Cantabria QQQQ

Ason River

Distance: Seven miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate descent: 1900 feet

Embark on a scenic walk around the protected Collados del Ason Natural Park, exploring beautiful forests before visiting one of Spain’s largest waterfalls. Begin in the mountain town of Ason which is situated in the region of Asón-Agüera, in western Cantabria. This small rural village sits on the banks of the Asón, a trout-fishing river which flows through exceptional native woodland and limestone massifs containing hundreds of caves – it’s a veritable paradise for potholers and nature lovers alike! Walk along the gallery forest, well known for its diversity and abundance of fauna, until you reach the picturesque Ason Waterfall, which features a single drop of 229 feet, and a total height of approximately 360 feet.

Full day

Loredo & Liendo

Distance: Eight miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate descent: Fairly flat bar Atalaya rise

From the hotel, walk to the Santoña pier, which borders the fishing port, to catch a boat to Laredo. From here, enjoy a scenic walk along part of the three-mile long La Salve beach for fantastic views of the Bay of Santoña and Mount Buciero. You’ll see the port of Laredo and go up to Puebla Viejato to visit the Church of Santa María de la Asunción. Next reach Atalaya de Laredo, a set of buildings that blocked the bay from possible attacks by enemy ships. Continue to Liendo through the Puerta de Bilbao. You’ll walk close to the cliffs and can enjoy excellent views of the bay, Monte de Santoña and Mount Candina. Reach Liendo from where a bus will take you back to the hotel.

Full day

Monte Buciero

Distance: Six miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate descent: 770 feet

This circular walk starts and ends at the hotel. Begin by walking to the town of Santoña to the Fort of San Martín. From here steps will lead to a track tracing the edge of some breathtaking cliffs. Follow it to a wooden railing and onto to ‘La Peña del Fraile’ where some prehistoric remains can be seen. The walk continues across the Casa de la Leña before strolling through a forest and pass an old mine.

Following the main road, cross an area of rocky and large cliffs (uneven paths) to see the ‘horse lighthouse’ (Faro del Caballo). If you wish, there’ll be time to go down the 763 steps to reach it. Afterwards, enjoy a two-kilometre walk through a beautiful forest of holm oaks, strawberry trees and laurels. A little further on, the road widens, until you reach the Fisherman's Lighthouse. From here, follow the road to the Berria beach and continue walking back to the hotel.

Half day

Noja & Isla

Distance: Five miles
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate descent: 324 feet

Explore the beaches west of the hotel on this scenic walk. From the hotel, head of along the road in the direction of Argoños before turning on to the famed ‘Camino de Santiago’ (Way of St James path). Continue to the Brusco hill where you can admire beautiful views of Berria and Tregandín beaches. Stroll across the sand before reaching the church of Noja. Head around the town of Noja, visiting the cliffs, before arriving at Playa del Ris beach. Across the beach lies the town Isla from where you’ll catch a bus back the hotel (fare included).

Half day

Santander

Distance: Six miles urban walk, plus six miles optional
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate descent: Flat (except Peninsula de la Magdalena and the Cabo Mayor lighthouse)

Hop on a bus to Pedreña to board a boat to Santander. Here you will see the impressive cathedral and Botin Centre of Modern Art. Continue around the edge of Santander to the Peninsula de la Magdalena to visit the ocean-front Royal Palace of Magdalena which was built in the early 20th century. Continue along the Sardinero beach before climbing up to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse. Follow the coastline and cliffs to Playa de la Maruca where there is a Litoral Interpretation Centre which is housed in a restored 17th-century defence battery and features a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Cantabrian coastal heritage. Continue to Virgen del Mar beach and Soto de la Marina before returning to the hotel by private bus.

Full day