Northern Spain's Celtic Roots in Asturias
In Spain, one would expect guitars, wine and arid plains, right? Yes, in other parts of Spain, but in the principality of Asturias, located on the coast between Galicia and Cantabria, bagpipes, apple cider and mountains are standard fare.
Ancient Celtic symbols, mark everything in the shops. T-shirts, jewelry and wood all are painted, pressed and carved with the triskele's three spirals. The three spirals represent the three aspects of Celtic power. So what is the triskele doing in northern Spain? How did the Spanish end up with a Celtic emblem?
Our Inn at rural Fuentes de Lucia
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A look through the area's turbulent history shows that, of dozens of newcomers, Celts are the only ones who joined with and supported the fine people and lands of Asturias instead of pillaging and plundering of Roman armies.
Celts made a home there around the same time they settled parts of the British Isles and northwest France, among many other localities. And many contemporary Celts, including Asturians, are nurturing and honoring ancient heritage.
Celtic art belongs and is present throughout Asturias, from beneath the wood beams of the hórreo, ancient Roman granaries, to the evening air as the neighbor boy practices his Asturian bagpipes.
While Celtic influence is obviously carved deeply into the framework of the area, Asturias is also the true home of Spanish culture. There in the lush green mountains of northern Spain, the Spanish language is spoken more purely, local apple cider is poured from higher overhead (for perfect aeration), and the ancient Roman roads and Spanish hamlets are the best-preserved of all of Spain.
Kin to but separate from the woods, the sprawling oak and expansive yew are deciduous sentinels throughout the high and low valleys. Protected by their grand boughs is often a tiny, bell-towered chapel.
The Quirós Valley, in the region of Asturias, northern Spain, offers a natural paradise enhanced by antiquities of Celtic, Roman and Spanish culture.
From the village of Arenas de Cabrales, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing and cheese-sampling forays are abundant. This Picos region has higher, sharper peaks and more developed hikers destinations compared to the Quirós, which is enjoyed more for its verdant valleys and relic hamlets. Nestled in Quiros Valley, the “casa rural” is surrounded by mountain peaks, river valleys and ancient forests, a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. An intricate system of marked footpaths leads you from one small village to the next; up and over mountain passes; and through river valleys. A leisurely stroll along the Senda del Oso, a 30 kilometer trail from Barzana de Quiros to Trubia, is a wonderful way for individuals, couples or families to spend the hiking day.
For fit and intrepid travelers, our most popular trip involves daily hiking and exploring in Northern Spain. Unpack, unwind and savor the comforts of home each morning and night, while trekking about the mountains of Asturias each day.
Each day will begin with a hearty breakfast prepared by hosts, who are culinary-trained chefs. Pack your small daypack and away we go! You will follow gentle hiking trails along footpaths and ancient trade routes, through narrow canyons, over mountain passes of Picos de Europa, and into wildlife reserves. Hiking approximately 6-8 miles each day, you will find solitude in Spain’s natural treasures, inspiration its untainted villages, and astonishment in its pre-Romanesque churches.
After a day of trekking, you will unwind with a glass of locally made wine and learn how to make paella or a tortilla de patata.
Walk & Talk in Asturias
Chat your way around northern Spain in Espanol! From the lush, picturesque mountains of northwest Spain, enjoy a laid-back language learning holiday with hiking, cooking, and sight-seeing as part of the fun mix of activities. A great way to put your Spanish lessons to real-world use, with the guidance of a Spanish teacher to put your anxieties at ease.
Art & Walking in Northern Spain
From the lush, picturesque Quiros Valley, one of the most pristine and least-touristy areas of Spain, we'll launch a wondrous days of hiking and artwork. Unpack, unwind and savor the comforts of home each morning and night, while savoring the beautiful hikes in the region. With mountains, rivers, and fertile farms as our backdrop, we'll travel daily by foot
Please contact us for dates, prices, and availability.
Email: hiking@russelltours.com
Phone: 860 767-1670
We also offer self guided hikes in Spain
Guided Tours include:
including breakfast, dinner, and transportation to all trails. Both day hiking and hut to hut as requested. These special rates will be available on a first-come first-served basis as accommodation is limited.
Our Country Inn is in a Lovely setting in a tiny hamlet in the mountains
