Races and stuff.

[Bierzo Baggie]

One thing (amongst many) intrigues me: I take it there were no sign posts or markers on the route. How did you manage when isolated from the rest of the pack? Was the route pretty much a fait accomplis because it was the only way you could go?

Hi Sweder!
The race was marked with bits of red tape stuck to rocks or branches. If you get lost you just go back the way you came until you find the red tape. The Aquilianos is marked in a similar way.
This is fine if the visibility's good. I came to Villamanín once before 2 or 3 years ago and there was mist. As you couldn´t see the markers the race circuit was reduced to a straight up straight down assault on the last peak which meant I hadn't seen most of it and I definitely hadn't seen the "chasm". An english fell race would probably have gone ahead as I'd guess a spot of orienteering is taken for granted.

And as for it being dangerous it's all pretty relative. For most of those guys this was a 15km stroll in the park. Sadly I haven't got much of a head for heights:o