Navedo Canyon, in the La Hermida Gorge

What it is

The Navedo, which the guide's website also spells Naveo, descends through beech woods and enormous chestnut trees in the heart of the La Hermida Gorge, next to the Picos de Europa National Park. It has a short approach and a basic level, so it is the canyon to start on: jumps, natural slides, abseils and swimming stretches for two or three hours in the water. No experience is needed; you do need to be comfortable in the water and not mind getting wet from head to toe. As the N-621 is the only direct road from the coast to Potes, the canyon is handy whether you come from the sea or are sleeping in Liébana.

With whom and how much

It is guided by Liébana Aventura, from Potes, with guides qualified by the Spanish Association of Mountain Guides and the UIMLA. The rates it publishes are per person:

• €80 if there are two of you.
• €70 from three people.
• €60 for families with minors.

The price includes civil liability and accident insurance, the guide, all the technical equipment (harness, helmet and full wetsuit), transport from the meeting point for groups of four, VAT and high-definition photos of the descent. The meeting point is agreed when you book.

On age, the website gives two figures: the Navedo listing admits families with children from age 5 and the FAQs speak of family activities from about age 8, always with an adult. Confirm when you book according to the child.

What to bring

Swimsuit, trainers or boots with a good sole that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes for afterwards. The guide provides the rest, and the photos too, so your phone and anything that must not get wet stay in the car. If anyone in the group is not a confident swimmer, tell the guide when you book: it is the first thing they need to know to decide whether the Navedo is their canyon.

When

The season normally runs from spring to early autumn. Dates may change because of rain or the flow: if the day is not safe, the guide offers another date or an alternative canyon. Book on 657 111 194, also by WhatsApp, or at [email protected].

If you already have experience

The same guide runs the Cicera canyon, intermediate level and more technical, in sandstone and limestone, five to six hours: €100 per person if there are two of you and €90 from three. For the rest of the day, in the same gorge you have the La Hermida thermal cave to warm up, the via ferrata and, once in Potes, the walk round the old town. In winter, the same company runs snowshoeing.