I picked up a card in the outdoor shop for a mountain group, more walking than climbing. Whereas the hills in England are rarely mountaineering, you can get led astray here. So: Montañismo is hill walking, up to and including winter hill walking, Senderismo is hiking but not necessarily up big hills, alpinismo is alpine style climbing, escalada deportivo is sport climbing and caminar is a bit of a stroll (I think). Anyway, I called the number on the card, and expressed an interest in joining them on their next walk. The lady on the phone, Ana, was very helpful and said the easiest way to find out more was to meet them in their office. They have an office. And a website which is here (Naranco is the name of the hill immediately to the west of Oviedo).

So last night I wandered along and met half a dozen lovely people. The office has a bookshelf full of trophies the group has got in its 30 year history, there are a set of old wooden ice-axes on the wall, along with some fine photographs. They told me a couple of the things they have planned (a week in Andorra in summer, a few weekends here and there as well as their usual programme of activities) and we chatted for a while. We had a little wine and some snacks (manchego cheese, anchovies and chorizo) because that´s what they do every Thursday. They made me feel very welcome, and I´m looking forward to the first walk (which is, coincidentaly, the same walk I did the very first time I came to the Picos five years ago) a week on Sunday.  ¶ 10:59 AM