Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees A pleasant weeks snow shoe walking in the Catalan Pyrenees, although it was unseasonably warm so we had to go quite high to get decent snow. It's a beautifiul range of mountains with lots of traditional villages which are much nicer than the overdeveloped skiing centres in the Alps.The hotel in Rialp was fine, with a comfortable bed and powerful shower. Overall the food in the hotel was very good, although my bathroom could have done with a bit of TLC and the rooms are short of sitting space for couples, although there is always the bar area. Our tour leader was Miguel Ibanez, who's company deliver this trip as a package for the tour operator. He has a deep love of Catalan and delighted in showing us the mountains and the local produce from the region.
This was an amazing experience. Our leader Eduard was delightful and friendly. Each day when a picnic lunch was included he went out shopping for typical Mallorcan food, with different cheeses, sausages ey each day. He spread everything out on a tablecloth on a flat area and we helped ourselves...no pre-packed soggy tasteless sarnies for us! There were only 7 of us in the group and we all got on really well, and despite some rainy days when Eduard had to change the plan, we had a wonderful week. And the accommodation was fantastic too! Fabulous week.
Picos de Europa - Recommended Friends had recommended the Picos de Europa as a good place for a walking holiday. They weren't wrong. In places the conditions underfoot are similar to the limestone of the White Peak in Derbyshire or the Yorkshire Dales. However, the scenery is much more spectacular and varied as were the flowers and wildlife. Good hotel with friendly, knowledgeable and sociable staff , great food - provided that you have decent weather it would be hard to go wrong.