Walking: The area near the house is a paradise for nature lovers and walking can be done throughout the year as we rarely have snow, although the higher peaks and mountains usually have snow covered tops. The indigenous woodlands crossed by stony brooks are like enchanted woods and there is a profusion of wild mountain flowers on the high meadows. We keep a walking folder at the house.

Canoeing is a big thing in this area. In Arriondas, 20 minutes drive away there are several companies offering classes and self guided river trips with everything included and they are very safe for families.

Cycling: Mounting biking is a very popular activity for people in the area, with well defined routes.

Surfing: Several places on the coast, including schools of surfing. Nearest is Marejada in La Isla.

It is run by my niece and her husband Ricardo, five times Spanish champion and twice European silver medallist. www.escuelamarejada.com – website with English option.

They also run the beachfront café/bar and the pilgrim’s hostel above. The coastal branch of El Camino passes the beach.

Swimming: There are several beautiful beaches about 30 minutes drive from the house. Also there is an open air swimming pool (not heated) about 4 miles from the house, just before you get to Infiesto.

Sightseeing: There are numerous picturesque villages to visit where you can admire the vernacular buildings. The small market towns of Villaviciosa, Lastres and Ribadesella, have lovely old, solid buildings and very inviting cafes and food shops.

Llanes, a port and small seaside resort popular with Spanish people all the year round because of its many restaurants and cake shops is a must to visit. “The Orfanage” and other movies have been filmed there, so there is a cinematic route in the town. The small town also claims to be “the Coast of the Picos de Europa” and to have 30 beaches within a 10km reach, many of them wild.

Oviedo is the capital and it can be reached by train from Infiesto in 45m . It has lovely old buildings and also very modern areas with street sculptures by international names like Botero. The Museo de Bellas Artes is really worth a visit.

Gijón, bigger than Oviedo, is the vibrant rival town by the sea, with a beach and promenade 5 km long. It has a large park next to the beach (with a statue to Alexander Fleming) and also a large Jardin Botanico. There are several museums and an Aquarium.

For more information go to: www.turismoasturias.es (There is an English language option).

Please note nearly all museums in Spain are closed on Monday. Many are free, and those where you have to pay usually have a free day on Wednesday.