A misty start to today but like other mornings the murk gradually cleared to give a reasonable, although, cloudy day. As the sun was rising at 7.00 am the cloud parted from across the mountain wall behind us to reveal peaks peering through the mist tinged pink by the early light.
We were up and off early today to drive round to the northern side of the massive to Poncebos to tackle the lower gorge of the River Cares. We had to do it today as the road north is closed for roadworks during the week and only accessible at weekends. This part of the road runs through a deep limestone gorge; Cheddar Gorge on steroids. Our route took us alongside the river for the last 10 miles of the journey and what a river it is: wide and fast flowing with intriguing deep pools, it is a beautiful green blue colour and frequented by fishermen. The verges were rich in orchids: tongue, early purple, pyramidal and pink butterfly.
Once parked at Puente Poncebos we were soon climbing steeply up a track to take us high above the river gorge with rapids and bright blue pools twinkling far below. The river runs through a narrow gorge with mountains either side rising to 6500 feet. Our path followed an old mule track, at times blasted out of the cliff walls which overhang the path seemingly suspended over the river 3000 feet below. The path was constructed in 1916 in order to build and maintain the canal carrying water for hydro electricity. It was improved in 1949/50 to create the path of today.
The views were amazing with rock walls and spires towering above us, the haunt of soaring vultures. The grassy slopes and meadows were strewn with flowers, especially bee and woodcock orchids and the rock walls and damp crevices were home for a rich flora of ferns. Goats were also a feature of the day, seemingly suicidal when clambering above the precipitous drop but incredibly nimble and sure footed they turned even a slip into a controlled jump.
Once we had covered half the distance we reversed our route leaving the upper gorge for later in the week.
Back at the car with 7 miles covered it was time to drive back home. It was then, of course, beer o'clock.
We were up and off early today to drive round to the northern side of the massive to Poncebos to tackle the lower gorge of the River Cares. We had to do it today as the road north is closed for roadworks during the week and only accessible at weekends. This part of the road runs through a deep limestone gorge; Cheddar Gorge on steroids. Our route took us alongside the river for the last 10 miles of the journey and what a river it is: wide and fast flowing with intriguing deep pools, it is a beautiful green blue colour and frequented by fishermen. The verges were rich in orchids: tongue, early purple, pyramidal and pink butterfly.
Once parked at Puente Poncebos we were soon climbing steeply up a track to take us high above the river gorge with rapids and bright blue pools twinkling far below. The river runs through a narrow gorge with mountains either side rising to 6500 feet. Our path followed an old mule track, at times blasted out of the cliff walls which overhang the path seemingly suspended over the river 3000 feet below. The path was constructed in 1916 in order to build and maintain the canal carrying water for hydro electricity. It was improved in 1949/50 to create the path of today.
The views were amazing with rock walls and spires towering above us, the haunt of soaring vultures. The grassy slopes and meadows were strewn with flowers, especially bee and woodcock orchids and the rock walls and damp crevices were home for a rich flora of ferns. Goats were also a feature of the day, seemingly suicidal when clambering above the precipitous drop but incredibly nimble and sure footed they turned even a slip into a controlled jump.
Once we had covered half the distance we reversed our route leaving the upper gorge for later in the week.
Back at the car with 7 miles covered it was time to drive back home. It was then, of course, beer o'clock.
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It makes me tired just listening to it all. Your words create a really clear picture in our minds Michael, so no photos required! Disappointed at the lack of rain. This isn't like a Pickwell trip at all!
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