The Picos de Europa National Park's showpiece visitor's interpretation centre, Sotama, in the municipality of Cillorigo de Liébana, close to Potes, is well worth a visit even if it's not raining and even if it does resemble an outsized matchbox from the exterior.

Although opinions are divided as to the aesthetics of the centre's outward appearance once inside the "wow" factor kicks in. Spread over three levels, inside you'll find a projection room with films being shown on a double screen of aerial views of the mountains and their wildlife, a map and book shop, interpretation panels and displays of local architecture, centuries-old traditional practices such as farming, manufacture of local products orujo, clogs, cheeses, etc. and the now defunct mining industry. From the management of hay meadows, through woodland birds to river wildlife, the visitor is shown a taste of what can be found once out in the Park itself. Perhaps the most impressive is a room with a 360o degree view of the Picos and the Cantabrian mountains taken from Pico Jano. Experience the view yourself by walking up a track from the village of Dobarganes, off the N621 roughly half-way up between the village of Bores and the San Glorio pass.

Here are some images taken of the visitor's centre. (The exterior, taken on a dull, winter's day, will be replaced as soon as I can get there on a sunny spring day!)