In the event that you're planning the trip to Asturias, getting the descenso del sella ubicación right is definitely the key to not starting your day time stressed out and dropped on a winding hill road. It's a single of those bucket-list things people do when they go to Northern Spain, yet if you haven't been there before, the geography can be a small confusing because the exercise spans across several towns.
Most people think you just "show up at the river, " but the Sella is a long one. In order to actually the actual kayak trip, you have to mind to a particular stretch of the river between cities of Arriondas plus Ribadesella. That's the particular sweet spot exactly where all the activity happens, and truthfully, it's one associated with the most lovely corners of the particular country.
Exactly where exactly is typically the start?
The particular heart of the particular descenso del sella ubicación is undoubtedly Arriondas. If you put "Arriondas" into your GPS NAVIGATION, you're 90% associated with the way right now there. This small city becomes the unofficial capital of canoeing every summer. It's located in the particular eastern part of Asturias, tucked among the Picos sobre Europa mountains and the Cantabrian Ocean.
The real starting points aren't just one single dock. Since there are lots of different companies providing canoe rentals, the "location" depends upon what type you book with. Most associated with them have their private ramps and hangars right along the riverbanks in Arriondas or simply a couple of kilometers outside the town on the road toward Ribadesella (the N-634).
In case you're driving within, you'll know you're in the correct place when you begin viewing hundreds of colourful canoes stacked up like Lego stones and people walking around in wetsuits or swimsuits holding oars. It's quite hard to skip.
Getting presently there by car
Driving is usually the easiest way to reach the descenso del sella ubicación , yet you've got to be smart about this throughout the peak time of year (July and August).
In the event that you're coming from Oviedo or Gijón, you'll mostly be taking the A-64 and then merging on to the N-634. The drive is gorgeous—you get those strong green valley sights that Asturias is definitely famous for—but the N-634 could possibly get a bit congested. It's a single-lane road in many parts, and behind the slow truck, you might find your self moving at a snail's pace.
- From Santander: It's about an hour's drive heading western for the A-8.
- Through Llanes: You're looking with about 30 minutes.
Something in order to keep in thoughts: parking in Arriondas during the elevation of summer is a bit of a nightmare. Most of the canoe businesses get their own personal parking lots for clients, which is a lifesaver. I'd extremely recommend checking in case your chosen company offers this before you set off, usually, you might spend 40 minutes circling the particular block while your departure time clicks away.
Can you get there with no a car?
Totally. It's really a pretty awesome way to see the landscape without worrying about narrow roads.
The FEVE Train
There's a narrow-gauge teach called the FEVE that runs through the region. It's notoriously slow—don't expect the high-speed bullet train—but it stops best in Arriondas and Ribadesella. The songs literally run parallel to the river for a number of the journey. If you're staying in a nearby town like Ribadesella and want in order to get to the starting point in Arriondas, the train will be a great shout. It drops a person off within jogging distance of most canoe centers.
ALSA Buses
The ALSA coach network in Asturias is surprisingly reliable. There are regular connections from the particular main cities (Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés) that go directly to Arriondas. It's generally cheaper than fuel and parking charges, and you may just nap on the way back again after you've spent four hours paddling.
Understanding the finish line within Ribadesella
The particular descenso del sella ubicación isn't a loop; it's an one-way vacation. You start in the particular mountains (Arriondas) and head toward the particular coast (Ribadesella).
The conclusion line for most casual paddlers is generally a few miles before the real mouth of the river. Most companies have 3 or 4 departure points as you go along. If you're tired after 7km, there's generally a spot to prevent. If you need to go the full 15km to Ribadesella, you'll end up close to the bridge that connects the two halves of the town.
Once you complete, you don't have to worry about how to get to your vehicle in Arriondas. Almost every rental organization includes a shuttle service bus service in the price. They'll pick you upward at the finish line, throw the canoes on the trailer, and drive you back to the particular starting base where you left your own dry clothes as well as your car. It's a well-oiled machine.
Why this specific location is therefore famous
It's not just the random river. The descenso del sella ubicación is usually iconic because of the Descenso Internacional del Sella . This can be a massive professional race that happens each August (usually the first Saturday after the 2nd).
On that day, the location transforms. Thousands associated with people line the particular bridges and the riverbanks, drinking cider, wearing traditional "montera picona" hats, and cheering like crazy. There's even an exclusive "Tren Fluvial" (river train) that comes after the race along the tracks. If you're searching for a calm, peaceful nature line, perform not go on the particular day from the International race. When a person want a massive party, that's exactly where you should be.
The rest associated with the year, the particular location is very much more chill. The water is usually shallow and amazingly clear, and the landscapes is spectacular. You've got the Picos de Europa as a backdrop, so that as you paddle lower, you'll see cows grazing on the banks and probably even some trout jumping if you're lucky.
Useful tips for getting your way
When you're searching for the descenso del sella ubicación on your own cell phone, don't just kind "Rio Sella. " You'll find yourself someplace in the center of a woodland with no canoe in sight. Rather, look for the particular name of the organization you booked with.
Most of the big players like Escuela de Piragüismo El Sella or even Los Cauces are located right on the main road (N-634) as a person enter or leave Arriondas.
Things to bring to the location
Since you'll be out in the sun (hopefully) and on the water, you don't want much, but here's the essentials: 1. Waterproof cell phone case: You'll want pictures, however the Sella has a way of "eating" mobile phones if they aren't protected. 2. Sunscreen: Even when it looks cloudy, the representation off the water can burn you. a few. Aged sneakers or water shoes: Don't go barefoot. The riverbed is rocky and may be slippery. 4. A change of clothes: A person will get wet. Even in the event that you don't switch the canoe, you'll get dripped upon by the oars.
Final ideas on the spot
The particular descenso del sella ubicación will be perfectly situated in order to give you a mix of mountain air and coastal vibes. It's one of the particular few places where one can spend your early morning paddling through a valley and your own evening eating fresh seafood by the harbor in Ribadesella.
Whether you're an athlete or just someone who wants to float lower a river with a picnic plus a couple associated with friends, the area is pretty much perfect. Just keep in mind: Arriondas for the particular start, Ribadesella with regard to the finish, and follow the N-634 to find the fun. It's an easy trip as soon as you're there, and honestly, the views alone make the particular drive worth it. Don't overthink the logistics—once you see the first canoe, you'll find out you've made this.