We had travelled to Santander on the Ferry from Portsmouth – a relaxed and easy journey with a comfortable stay overnight in Santander. Now we were ready to set out! The road from Santander to Potes is good and not too busy. Signposting is clear and we were soon out of the town and under way. Before long views of the Picos de Europa would be filling the car windows!
Road from Santander to the Picos
Gorge of Hermida
After the motorway the road from Santander to Potes is the N621 which took us through the Gorge of Hermida, the Desfiladera de Hermida, a narrow and twisting road along the Deva River and the road which would lead us to Potes.
We stopped in Hermida for morning coffee and a little stroll along the river. The sunshine was glorious, and it was warm – wonderful after the damp greyness of England!
Cambarco
We made a brief stop in Potes to stock up with supplies at the supermarket and then we went off to settle into our hiring at Cambarco, ten minutes out of the town. What a view from our balcony! The hamlet is very small and many of the buildings seem to be holiday hirings, but it is quiet and peaceful, with only the sound of the river, and a small church as a ‘sight’.
The Church of St Andrés at the top end of the village dates from the 14C-16C and seems to be in a poor state. It apparently replaced an earlier Romanesque building.
The road from Santander to Potes finally led us to Cambarco, about ten minutes outside the town. We were to spend four comfortable nights in ‘La Cotera’, exploring Potes and the surrounding area in the Picos de Europa, and just relaxing.