Bilbao to Santander

JohnLloyd · Sep 30, 2018

Hola!

I’ve completed the Frances in the last few weeks, followed by a stag do in San Sebastián and I’m now in Bilbao in contemplation of the next step.

There’s a Wednesday ferry from Santander to my hometown of Plymouth and I’m thinking of doing a slice of the Norte between the two.

I’d love to hear about that section of the route.

Former member 49149 · Sep 30, 2018

Go on! Why not? And aren’t you lucky to be able to sail off into the sunset! Enjoy this closing stage of your camino. And once more thanks fo your posts, I really looked forward to them.

JohnLloyd · Sep 30, 2018

Thanks Kirkie - and for your support on that night in Leon!

trecile · Sep 30, 2018

Do it! And don't miss the wonderful albergue in Güemes.

miriamaok · Sep 30, 2018

I did this section in May - some great sections. I would skip the walk out of Bilbao but definily do the fab day from Laredo to Guemes. And th next day by the coast to Soma to get the ferry across to Santander.

JohnLloyd · Sep 30, 2018

Where would you start?

trecile · Sep 30, 2018

I had no issue with walking the stretch from Bilbao to Portugalete. I always find something of interest to see, even in industrial areas. And I walked most of that section with a young couple and had very nice conversation with them, which made the walking go faster and easier.

Pierre Julian · Sep 30, 2018

Bilbao to Santander is wonderful. Laredo is wonderful. And, you get to take to boats (which isn't cheating!) The walk out of Bilbao on the northern bank is fascinating, so I wouldn't advise getting the train to Portugalete. I love the transitions out of Camino cities. Plus the Vizcaya Bridge is amazing and loads of fun. I say do it!

JohnLloyd · Sep 30, 2018

Pierre Julian said:
Bilbao to Santander is wonderful. Laredo is wonderful. And, you get to take to boats (which isn't cheating!) The walk out of Bilbao on the northern bank is fascinating, so I wouldn't advise getting the train to Portugalete. I love the transitions out of Camino cities. Plus the Vizcaya Bridge is amazing and loads of fun. I say do it!

Is the Northern bank the one where the Guggenheim is?

Pierre Julian · Sep 30, 2018

No the opposite bank. You can cross the bridge just opposite the G.

FLEUR · Oct 1, 2018

Last Thursday we left Pamplona having completed our walk on the Camino del Baztan. Bus to Bilbao , left luggage available there at the information office. Another bus to Toledo and ferry from there to Santona to meet up with our husbands. The ferry leaves from the far end of the beach but there is a bus to there from the bus station.
Two nights recovery in Santona then 24 hr ferry journey from Santander to U.K.
Time to gently return home.
I recommend the Spa on board, the Cap Finistere ferry, the Amma Japanese massage definitely helped cure my aching shoulders and neck.

t2andreo · Oct 1, 2018

If you are at Bilbao or plan to be, do not miss the Guggenheim Museum. I visited in August after my month volunteering at Santiago. It was wonderful, especially if you like modern art.

Plus, the city of Bilbao is as wonderful.

Hope this helps.

JohnLloyd · Oct 1, 2018

I’m just walking into Castro-Urdiales now (a new record distance day) and I think I’ll stay here overnight.

That leaves me a bit short of time to get to Santander for the Wednesday evening ferry to Plymouth, so I reckon I’ll get the bus closer to there tomorrow.

What are your recommendations for somewhere that’s reachable by bus from Castro-Urdiales, but also not too far from Santander?

JohnLloyd · Oct 1, 2018

t2andreo said:
If you are at Bilbao or plan to be, do not miss the Guggenheim Museum. I visited in August after my month volunteering at Santiago. It was wonderful, especially if you like modern art.

Plus, the city of Bilbao is as wonderful.

Hope this helps.

I luxuriated at the Guggenheim ALL DAY yesterday!

FLEUR · Oct 1, 2018

JohnLloyd said:
I’m just walking into Castro-Urdiales now (a new record distance day) and I think I’ll stay here overnight.

That leaves me a bit short of time to get to Santander for the Wednesday evening ferry to Plymouth, so I reckon I’ll get the bus closer to there tomorrow.

What are your recommendations for somewhere that’s reachable by bus from Castro-Urdiales, but also not too far from Santander?

Santona possibly or Toledo and ferry to Santona. We had (car )transport from there to Santander but there must be buses. Rome2rio might have the info.
Do you have a ferry booking?

JohnLloyd · Oct 1, 2018

I’m on the 2115 out of Santander on Wednesday and I’d like to be in town by lunchtime or early afternoon.

I’ll check out Toledo and Santona!

FLEUR · Oct 1, 2018

There's also a ferry from Soma to Santander but I don't know anything about accommodation there.
In Santona there is an albergue in the centre of town. Restaurant, bars and shops a plenty.
Santander is a great place to spend time before ferry departure. Bus and train stations are close to the ferry port.

JohnLloyd · Oct 1, 2018

trecile said:
I had no issue with walking the stretch from Bilbao to Portugalete. I always find something of interest to see, even in industrial areas. And I walked most of that section with a young couple and had very nice conversation with them, which made the walking go faster and easier.

The Flying Ferry made that bit very worthwhile!

JohnLloyd · Oct 1, 2018

I think I’ll just get the bus to Santander from Castro Urdiales tomorrow.

I’m too far away to get to Santander for Wednesday evening and the bus options seem to get weird after here.

Thanks for the tips!

Former member 49149 · Oct 2, 2018

JohnLloyd said:
I think I’ll just get the bus to Santander from Castro Urdiales tomorrow.

I’m too far away to get to Santander for Wednesday evening and the bus options seem to get weird after here.

Thanks for the tips!

You are choosing well, I would say. Imagine being stuck mid route! I lived in Portugalete for some time, and picked up a lot of my Spanish there. Your posts are reminding me of that time... including the beach in Castro Urdiales. So yes, take the bus and then you can just have a relaxed day waiting for the ferry...back to your ‘normal’ life.

JohnLloyd · Oct 2, 2018

Here’s what happened

http://johnelsewhere.blog/2018/10/02/bilbao-and-beyond/

FLEUR · Oct 3, 2018

An interesting read. I hope you enjoy Santander. The ferry home gives a great opportunity to re adjust. That said I arrived on Sunday night on the Cap Finistère and I am still in a post Camino fog.
Bon voyage.

Maggie Y · Oct 6, 2018

Thankyou for sharing

arch · Oct 7, 2018

JohnLloyd said:
Hola!

I’ve completed the Frances in the last few weeks, followed by a stag do in San Sebastián and I’m now in Bilbao in contemplation of the next step.

There’s a Wednesday ferry from Santander to my hometown of Plymouth and I’m thinking of doing a slice of the Norte between the two.

I’d love to hear about that section of the route.

Make sure to stop in Guemes with father Ernesto

Camino Chrissy · Oct 8, 2018

trecile said:
Do it! And don't miss the wonderful albergue in Güemes.

Love that albergue... Ernesto is an amazing man!

Camino Chrissy · Oct 8, 2018

JohnLloyd said:
I luxuriated at the Guggenheim ALL DAY yesterday!

I loved the Guggenheim, but I preferred the outside more than "most" of the art inside, although the interior of the building is an awesome structure, as well.

AJGuillaume · Oct 28, 2018

Camino Chris said:
I loved the Guggenheim, but I preferred the outside more than "most" of the art inside, although the interior of the building is an awesome structure, as well.

Same here. We weren't attracted by the exhibition at the time, but we spent hours walking around.

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