We’re delighted to share that Macs Adventure has been featured in The Times, with travel writer Gemma Bowes recounting her family’s unforgettable self-guided walking holiday through Asturias and Cantabria in northern Spain. The article follows their journey from historic cities to dramatic mountain landscapes and wild Atlantic beaches - and shows just how well this trip works for families with older children. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether a walking holiday can keep everyone happy, this one might just be the answer. 

Read the full article in The Times here >

Mountains, beaches and cider: a journey for the whole family 

Starting in Santander, the family eased into the adventure with tapas, culture and seaside architecture before heading west into the lush landscapes of Cantabria and the mighty Picos de Europa. Thanks to luggage transfers, detailed route notes and flexible daily options, the trip balanced big hiking days with plenty of downtime - crucial when travelling with teenagers. 

Highlights included riding the vertiginous Fuente Dé cable car, hiking through misty alpine scenery, and dipping tired legs into icy mountain streams. Even when the weather closed in, the sense of adventure didn’t fade, helped along by wildlife spotting, village cafés and hearty local food. 

Flexibility that makes family walking holidays work 

One of the key themes Gemma highlights is flexibility. Shorter walks, optional bus rides and alternative routes meant the itinerary could be adapted day by day - whether that meant tackling a dramatic gorge walk or opting instead for ice cream in a medieval village. 

The famous Cares Gorge delivered one of the most memorable days, with narrow paths carved into sheer limestone cliffs, while quieter moments in villages like Sotres offered insight into rural Asturian life - complete with pungent blue cheese and carefully poured local cider. 

From the peaks to the sea 

As the route descended from the mountains, the scenery shifted to farmland, rivers and finally the jaw-dropping Asturian coastline. Empty beaches, turquoise water and dramatic rock formations proved irresistible, even to the most reluctant young hikers. The final nights in Nueva de Llanes brought stylish accommodation, great food and the perfect end to a journey that truly delivered “something for everyone”. 

Gemma describes the region as “like the Alps nestling up to Cornwall” - a lesser-known corner of Spain that rewards curiosity and slow travel. 

Read the full article in The Times to discover the family’s complete journey, honest reflections, and all the memorable moments along the way. 

And if this story has sparked your interest, explore our self-guided walking holidays in northern Spain to see how you could experience it for yourself.