Ribadesella

Another travel day: this time from Cudillero to San Vincent de la Barquera, stopping at Ribadesella for a picnic lunch.

If you Google Maps Ribadesella you'll see the town lies on a curly-whirly estuary...

...with beautiful views over the river.

Once you get to the ocean...

...there are amazingly rugged formations...

...and your trusted (not so rugged) blogger. 

In the town, there's a band playing outside the church...

...and fabulous buildings, some in need of a bit of tlc.

Playa de Concha de Artedo & Playa Aguilar

Later in the day we ventured to a couple of playas (beaches)

...first taking this route (again, not for my sis!)

La Playa de Concha was a beautifully pebbled beach...

...complete with mermaid...

...and leafy access.

In this area the above-ground grain stores were of a better class!

In the early evening we visited la Playa Aguilar...

...with its rocky coast...

...and hunky locals!

We loved it!

L'Abbeye Royal, St Michel en l'Herm

Those of you who have had the pleasure of Cleggy Taxis from La Rochelle airport to La Tranche will know about the old lady who is often sitting behind big gates in St Michel en l'Herm. Well, 'Er from Brittany persuaded us to visit the site of the old abbey and we loved it. Sadly we didn't see Solange (it was her birthday apparently) but at least we found out her name and that she'd been housekeeper there for many years.

The house isn't visited but its present occupants were very pleasant when we saw them

There's a fantastic atmosphere in the grounds...

...with plenty of places for a game of hide & seek. 

Impressive vaults, semi-reconstructed

However this section of the original abbey was partially underground

We visited the old refectory, nowadays sometimes used for recitals...

...and yes, the walls DID lean in like this.

The original abbey lies beneath the town itself and will most likely stay there for eternity. Thank you, 'Er, for making us visit!

Cabo Vidio & Playa del Silencio

After lunch we decided to take the car and explore the coast to the west of Cudillero and we were not disappointed.

First stop, Cabo Vidio with its wonderful views towards the west...

...and mind-boggling drops:

no wonder Tine is leaning towards the wall. (Don't look,  Kate!)

Carpets of wild flowers everywhere

Next stop: Playa del Silencio

Looks like an island in the making

We couldn't get down to the beach as the footpath was thick with mud, but the views were amazing

Cudillero

My apologies for another extended break from posting here.

Now where were we? Oh yes, Cudillero. Think Staithes/Whitby/Robin Hood's Bay with tapas. Beautiful.

We arrived under the rain but it didn't stop us exploring, or being greeted by this nesting resident.

The weather might have been dull but I'm sure you can see the comparison with the North Yorkshire resorts.

Cudillero has a very active fishing harbour...

...as can be seen here with its drying nets.

Next day, a much brighter start...

...and a walk above the town...

...with beautiful views...

...and old codgers.

Yes, a highly recommended destination!