6 Day Cycling and Yoga Retreat, Los Picos de Europa
During this five day Yoga and Cycling retreat, we begin each morning with an invigorating session of Ashtanga Yoga with our resident teachers in the Asturias Yoga shala. After a rest and a wholesome vegetarian brunch sourced from our garden and other local/organic sources, we will set out for 2 to three hour bike rides each day to explore the zone, on quiet roads and tracks along the fringes of the incredibly spectacular Picos de Europa National Park.
Daily Cycling Routes
Day 1
La Molina Canyon.
We begin with a relativley short cycle from the yoga shala to the nearby Molina canyon. Where the road ends we have the option of continuing by bike (on techincal trails) or walking into a deep and little known canyon of crashing waterfalls, steep limestone walls and fine mountain views
20 km – 10km road, 10km off-road
Day 2
El Camino Encatau
El Camino Encantau (the Enchanted Path) is an ancient pilgrim route through deep forest considered to be populated by powerful spirits. Today the route passes many intricate woodcarvings of Asturian deities and a couple of traditional villages and from time to time provides dreamlike vistas of the Picos de Europa. Mainly on dirt track and empty lanes, it lends itself perfectly to mountain biking. Here we have the option to cycle from the yoga centre or drive to the start of the route.
12km off-road route plus and extra 30km on-road if opting to cycle from the house; 10km (4km on-road 6km off-road); 22 km on-road (double if you want to return by bike)
Day 3
Cueva de Alda
Cueva de Alda is a huge underground cave filled with fabulous stalagmite formations, secret chambers and underground pools. Due to its remote location and difficulty in finding the entrance, it is very little visited and we are likely to have it to ourselves. We will cycle to the entrance, then explore the cave and finally enter a special chamber with magical acoustics where we will have a chanting session accompanied by Tibetan bells and an Indian Bansuri (bamboo flute). Afterwards, we will return via a long descent on a mountain track giving great views over the Gueña valley.
Day 4
The Wild and Beautiful Beach of Torimbia
From the yoga shala we will cycle by road to the coast, following the sinuous flowing curves downward, meeting the ocean at the near deserted and wildly beautiful bay of Torimbia (a beach which cannot be reached by car). Weather permitting, we will stay for bathing, a picnic and a sunset yoga session. From here we will be picked up and driven back to the house.
22 km on road (double if you want to return by bike)
Day 5
Traverse of the Eastern Massif
For the final day we will follow a high altitude trail that crosses the entire Eastern Massif of the Picos de Europa – quite simply one of the most spectacular bike trails on the planet. The route is 25km in total, but the last 12 are a pedalling free downhill cruise into la Hermida, where, conditions permitting we will take a bath in the natural hotsprings.
25 km 19 km off road and 6km road
On this retreat we have two biking guides and a yoga teacher. The retreat is restricted to a maximum of six participants, which will ensure a good deal of individual attention during yoga classes. The classes will mainly be Ashtanga yoga, and participants may be complete beginners wishing to learn how to practise experienced pratictioners looking for quality adjustments. The biking is generally on hilly terrain. An off-road capable bike and a reasonable level of cycling fitrness are required. Hence the afternoon rides can separated into two groups if anyone is looking for easier bike route options.There will also be options to walk the routes instead of cycling. During bad weather we may choose instead to stay in the yoga centre for extended yoga instruction or massage treatments.
Reservations
- Retreat (without accommodation): 615 EUR
- Retreat+Private Bell Tent: 760 EUR
- Retreat+Double Room: 760 EUR
- Retreat+Private Room: 905 EUR
- Retreat+Private Cabin: 1,050 EUR
- Equipment rental (Bicycle + Helmet) is an extra 120 euros.