Ruud Streefkerk

Located in the Picos de Europa National Park, in northern Spain, Ruta del Cares is one of the most breathtaking hiking trails you can walk in Europe. This 11 km long rocky path along the gorge of the River Cares, connects the small towns of Puente Poncebos and Posada de Valdeon, while offering stunning views all the way. The path is quite narrow, with rocks on one side and a precipice on the other. With a width of 1 to 3 meters, it is important to be careful if you have fear of heights. A minimum of fitness and good shoes are required. Every year, more than 200,000 people visit it, but in the last 20 years 6 people have also died. In the summer, especially in July and August and at Easter, the number of walkers can even be overwhelming! In 1999 we walked halfway through it from the West and then back again, in 2000 half the way from the other side. It's autumn 2016 and we set off once more. This time we notice that at our age, with a slower working balancing-organ, we find it somewhat scarier....