Alternative coastal route Castro Urdiales - Laredo

[Jen Ben]

Hi, We are walking from Bilbao to Santanter early May and I have have been reading about the alternative coastal walk into Laredo. This route isn't an offical Camino route but is very beautiful and looks like a great alternative to the roads into Liendo.
Has anyone walked this way? Would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Colette Z]

The locals in Pontera (?) warn you away from it given the heavy rain. I listened and ended up doing 39 km on pure highway, at least 2.5 weeks ago. . But others took it and said its nice but demanding. I don’t regret staying “safe” because since then I’ve taken all costal routes (GR red/white) and have seen enough coast for my lifetime LOL. Buen Camino !

 

[Jen Ben]

Thanks Colette, we might have to decided closer to the time and see what the weather is doing - was the 39km the official route? I didn't realise it was all highway.

 

[Colette Z]

No highway is option but don’t do it it’s horrible. The issue is that you walk 1st 10k some road I remember and not too safe. Before Pontera (can’t remember how you spell it) under a huge highway bridge new signs direct you up a hill to left that’s the official LONG route which I started 3 k but an old guy walked me back down to the bar to go the coastal route saying the official route was crazy too long. At the bar the lady told me to. Go to coast route. After walking 5 k near the start of the coastal a local lady cane running out of her house to warn me strongly NOt to go alone due to falling rocks etc. In the end I took highway. Play it by weather. Buen Camino