Camping Ancares

The area's biosphere reserve provides many an option for outdoorsy days, with a tiptop pick for the region being hikes along routes around the surrounding walnut-wooded foothills. Ambling around nature trails and keeping peepers peeled for wildlife is the next: look out for region’s wild grouse (aka urogallo). Mountain biking is also popular around here: several lengthy trails lie around the local village for adrenalised pedals, such as Los Ancares Leoneses, Circular Desde Candín and Desafío Ancares Copa Límite Bierzo; ask the site’s friendly owners for details of where you can join the routes. After all that hiking and mountain biking, you’ll likely need to cool off; handily, a leisure centre is nearby with a roomy outdoor pool for cooling dips, or if instead you’re feeling active, its outdoor sports area is where you can expend extra energy. Once ready to head back to base, it’s well worth having a wander around the local village to spy its pristinely preserved ancient dwellings, namely thatched spherical pallozas, to get a feel for the region’s culture and heritage.