In a roundabout way - European tour

It's taken me almost a month (including rest days) but for the second time on a bicycle I've ridden across Spain. This time South to North mainly following the incredible Via de la Plata.

Spain maintains its position as my No 1 cycling destination. It's top of the list for so many reasons but chiefly, the scenery, great cities, towns and villages with fantastic architecture, the people, the history around every corner, the ability to cycle for miles with few restrictions, the weather, and the drivers who are so respectful.

Tomorrow at 1400hrs, for the final time I'll push Marvin onto a Ferry bound for Portsmouth.
It will be an emotional return to the UK, where on May 8th last year I boarded a ferry to Dunkirk not really knowing how it would turn out.

I'll leave you with some pics from the last couple of days.

Because of some pretty major forest fires to the East I had to change my original route and head South to Cangas de Onis then turn East.
🚴‍♂️The area around Riano is often referred to as the "Spanish Fjords" and with good reason, the limestone peaks reflecting in the turquoise water resemble a postcard and what follows is a mind bending bucket list ride along the N-625 to the heart of Asturias. 🇪🇸⛰️
​The Breakdown:
​📍 The Start: Riaño. Setting off from Riano initially it's a climb (steep in places) up to
​🧗 Puerto del Pontón at 1,280m where I crossed the border from León into Asturias at the summit.
​🌀 The Descent: Desfiladero de los Beyos. This is where it gets legendary. You drop into one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe. 20km of winding road carved directly into the rock walls with the River Sella roaring right beside you. It’s narrow, it’s technical, and it is pure adrenaline.
Being an idiot I forgot to charge my insta 360 so I had to interrupt this amazing descent regularly to take snaps with my phone which will inevitably fail to do justice to what is without a doubt some of the most mesmerizing scenery I've experienced on this trip.
On the descent I met Andy another Brit who was touring on a motorcycle and we had a natter about our various experiences on the road.
​At Cangas de Onís after crossing the Roman bridge I turned East until I found my campsite at Avin

Leaving the campsite on the outskirts of Leon I headed NE into the hills.

I knew that today would be a tough ride and with the wind in my face I potentially faced a wildcamp if I didn't reach my target, a campsite at 'Riano' high up on the edge of the Picos national park.

At the summit of the first climb (around 1150m) I stopped to refuel myself and the bike. Topping up the bike using my battery pack from 63% to 84%. whilst I sat there a couple of Mink almost oblivious to my presence, played tag in the forest.

The remainder of the ride was an exercise in conserving power and keeping warm, as temperatures had dropped dramatically as I climbed. Eventually I reached the campsite with the bike down to 2% and I was drained.

The reward for my efforts was a stunning view of the mountains on the far side of the Rio Esla which is dammed downstream creating a huge lake.

Getting ready to tackle the 'Picos de la Europa' a final flourish on my way to Santander.

Zamora to Barcial del Barco. More Camino fluff.

Salamanca to Zamora.
Rain made an appearance today, first time since I started the Camino. Nothing to write home about though, just drizzle really, certainly not enough to dampen my spirits. Still on a high from Salamanca it was a happy camper that eventually arrived in Zamora. And what an entrance it was,over the 'Puente de Piedra' (Old Roman bridge).

The Via de la Plata
Scenes from the trail

The Battle of Salamanca on 22 Jul 1812. In which the 2nd of foot (The Queens Royal Regiment/ West Surrey) participated as part of Hinde's Brigade.

The Battle of Salamanca (July 22, 1812) was one of the most decisive engagements of the Peninsular War. It saw the Anglo-Portuguese Army, led by Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington), deliver a crushing defeat to the French "Army of Portugal" under Marshal Auguste Marmont.

🛡️ Strategic Context
For weeks, both armies had been maneuvering across the Spanish countryside, searching for an advantage without committing to a full-scale battle. Wellington was actually preparing to retreat toward Portugal, fearing his supply lines were at risk, when Marmont made a critical tactical error.

⚔️ The Turning Point
Believing the British were in full retreat, Marmont extended his left wing too quickly and too far to try and cut off Wellington’s path. This created a dangerous gap in the French line.
Wellington, famously observing the scene while eating a chicken leg, reportedly threw the bone away and shouted:
"By God, that will do!"
Key Phases of the Battle
The Sudden Strike: Wellington launched a lightning-fast attack on the overextended French left. In less than an hour, the French flank was shattered.
The Cavalry Charge: Major General Le Marchant led a heavy cavalry charge that rode down several battalions of French infantry, effectively breaking their morale and formation.
French Command Chaos: Early in the fighting, Marshal Marmont was severely wounded by a shell fragment. His second-in-command was also wounded shortly after, leaving the French army leaderless during the most critical moments.

The Battle of Salamanca changed the momentum of the war. It proved that Wellington was not just a defensive general but a master of maneuver and offensive warfare.
​As a direct result of the victory, the Allies were able to liberate Madrid for the first time, and the French grip on Spain was permanently weakened. It also boosted the morale of the Sixth Coalition in Eastern Europe, showing that Napoleon's forces were no longer invincible.

Somewhat of a highlight today when I reached the Cruz del Peregrino de Santiago.
At the base of the cross I placed three stones in memory of my Mum, Brian and as always my oft-remembered companion, Jack my dog.
A small gesture I know but one that felt special as this is such a beautiful place to remember those I've loved and lost.

Quite the view as you approach.

Progress