Bilbao to Biarritz

[Elliott97]

Hi folks, this will be my first time in Spain.

I am planning to walk from Bilbao to Biarritz, France. I have a rough layout of stops along the way but plan to hug the coast line as much as possible, stopping +/- 10 miles each day. I am using CalTopo for mapping/navigating my route.

What are peoples experiences with public/private land. My map shows a number of trails that cut up and over hillsides and take you off of the main byways and through roads but I want to be respectful as not to trespass unknowingly. Can anyone speak to this?

General tips/heads up are welcome, thank you!

 

[Tincatinker]

Hmm, interesting route selection. A marked trail is a marked trail. A right of passage exists. Just don’t wander or frighten the horses.

 

[Vacajoe]

We did the same walk but in the opposite direction in Oct 2021. Although we followed the designated Camino for much of it, we did go off-trail for a few days to visit Loyola. We found a variety of hiking trails and rural paths that worked for us and the locals we met upon the way seemed untaxed by our presence. In fact, some were extremely helpful when we asked for help in locating the right path to follow. Just remember to have as little impact on their countryside as possible: follow a trail quietly, be kind to strangers, don’t harass the animals, and leave no trace.

 

[Elliott97]

We did the same walk but in the opposite direction in Oct 2021. Although we followed the designated Camino for much of it, we did go off-trail for a few days to visit Loyola. We found a variety of hiking trails and rural paths that worked for us and the locals we met upon the way seemed untaxed by our presence. In fact, some were extremely helpful when we asked for help in locating the right path to follow. Just remember to have as little impact on their countryside as possible: follow a trail quietly, be kind to strangers, don’t harass the animals, and leave no trace.

Love this, thank you very much!

 

[John Holland]

I walked the same route but in the opposite direction a few years back, sticking as close as possible to the coast. I found no problems with private land, as long as I followed the camino signs. Just remember, that when walking in towards Biarritz all signs with point towards Bilbao. So you need to frequently look behind you to ensure you are on the correct path. I walked the opposite way on another camino and got lost because I did not look behind often enough and thus could not find the markers. Fortunately a very kind shepherd corrected me.

 

[trecile]

The app Mapy.cz shows walking/hiking trails including the Camino, which is the dark blue line in this screenshot.

 

[crackmrmac]

If the weather is good and your pack not too heavy use Mapy.cz to follow GR121 coastal route from Pasai Donibane. Yes it is a steep climb and you need to be attentive.