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Walking through a classic Cantabrian montane forest as it transitions into autumn. We would walk through two of these on our way up.
The "Túnel de Haya" (Beech Tunnel)
The trail here is flanked by a mix of Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Hazel trees.
The Sunken Path (Camiín)
Notice how the trail is slightly "sunken" with high earthen banks on either side.
This is a traditional livestock path. Decades (or even centuries) of cattle, goats, and heavy rain have worn the center of the path down, while the roots of the trees on the banks hold the earth in place, creating a natural green hallway.
The Undergrowth: You are surrounded by Bramble and Common Hazel. This is prime habitat for the Cantabrian Capercaillie (a rare forest bird) and, of course, the Brown Bears that Somiedo is famous for, as they often forage for nuts and berries in these thickets before winter.
The "Túnel de Haya" (Beech Tunnel)
The trail here is flanked by a mix of Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Hazel trees.
The Sunken Path (Camiín)
Notice how the trail is slightly "sunken" with high earthen banks on either side.
This is a traditional livestock path. Decades (or even centuries) of cattle, goats, and heavy rain have worn the center of the path down, while the roots of the trees on the banks hold the earth in place, creating a natural green hallway.
The Undergrowth: You are surrounded by Bramble and Common Hazel. This is prime habitat for the Cantabrian Capercaillie (a rare forest bird) and, of course, the Brown Bears that Somiedo is famous for, as they often forage for nuts and berries in these thickets before winter.