Blogs from Ferrol, Galicia, Spain, Europe

1st February Originally Ferrol was a fishing port, but its development was due to Philip V recognizing the strategic value of its estuary and building the A Graña arsenal and shipyards. Ferrol came to control Spain's maritime interests in the North Atlantic, threatened by England. In 1800, the British fleet landed on Doniños beach, in what is known as the Battle of Brión. The objective was to take Ferrol and destroy the shipyards, but the local forces responded quickly, causing the English to withdraw. Currently, Ferrol continues to suffer the effects of the economic depression of the 80s, as a consequence of the naval crisis and a reduced military presence, plus the effects of the recent real estate crisis, this was obvious as I walked around. I took the shuttle bus from the ship, the bus ... read more

SC writes: So we’re working our way along the north coast visit towns and staying in towns and cities along the way. Yesterday we stayed in Ribadeo, and tonight we’re in Ferrol. See the map for ease of reference. Some of the smaller costal towns are throbbing and vibrant, with lively markets, shops with sales on, and neat little cafes for the necessary tea or coffee and comfort. Others are frankly asleep...That’s the Siesta for you. Noteworthy points from our travels over the past two days: An excellent dinner last night in Ribadeo, a little port town, having a little festival. I had the local specialty of octopus, which was great. Cathy had pork loin marinated in lemon and herbs - tender and delicious. The food so far has been mainly good, and usually interesting. Being ... read more

As Peter, Paul and Mary once sang, when 'they were leaving on a jet plane': All my bags are packed I'm ready to go! And so they are! The grass is cut, my luggage is indeed packed and......I've done all the jobs Mandy had asked me to do (I think!!). Steve Forbes is driving down from Lymm to pick me up and drive us both to Gatwick. He arrives bang on 1pm as planned and after a light lunch, kissing Mandy goodbye, we are on our way. And we hadn't gone more than a few miles before we hit our first snag - the road between Leighton Buzzard and Tring was closed (goodness knows why!), but a quick detour through Cheddington and we were back on track. The M25 is the usual slog, but we still ... read more