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Locals do cross the bridge along the line but it is not legal. There was a rumour that the train would take pilgrims and locals across the bridge free, but this was before FEVE became part of RENFE and may have been a myth anyway. Terry walked round which adds about 11kms to that stage. Together we actually took the FEVE (cercania) from Santander to Barreda where we started our Camino. Trains are half-hourly, heading west, along that section so you would not have a long wait for one to ride across the bridge. It is a fairly busy line with cercanias in both directions and also goods trains which carry wide loads. Better safe than sorry was our motto.
Buen Camino
Hi, I am walking the Camino Norte starting September 2016. The Cicerone guide on section 12 says that in order to avoid a 12 klm detour you can "do as the locals do" and walk across the railway bridge. Is this safe or would I be better (safer) catching a train for the one stop it takes to get across the river. I only ask as in UK if caught on a railway line apart from possibly being strategically and unhealthily placed across the front of a moving train you would also be prosecuted. Anyone done this section and can advise ? Thanks and Buen Camino.
Funny, when in Guemes we were told to behave and hop on the train. As guests in Spain I think the least we can to is follow the law and hop on the train or take the detour.I walked across the bridge, as encouraged by the hospitalero at Guermes.
Buen Camino!
Hi, I am walking the Camino Norte starting September 2016. The Cicerone guide on section 12 says that in order to avoid a 12 klm detour you can "do as the locals do" and walk across the railway bridge. Is this safe or would I be better (safer) catching a train for the one stop it takes to get across the river. I only ask as in UK if caught on a railway line apart from possibly being strategically and unhealthily placed across the front of a moving train you would also be prosecuted. Anyone done this section and can advise ? Thanks and Buen Camino.
Hi,
I was also informed about the possibility of walking on the train bridge by the hospitaleros in Güemes.
So the bridge is possible, but try to figure out when the train will pass, and do NOT bring a large backpack.............../BP
Taking a train 2 minutes over a bridge isn't cheating. The old time pilgrims used to cross all the river mouths by boat.
Unless (like me the first time I walked) you are determined to walk every step of the way, l
If you want to take this risk, you should undo the chest and waist straps on your backpack, and be prepared to drop it on the ground and lie down
The trains are pretty infrequent - and you should certainly check the timetable (if only to know which way the next train will be coming so that you can walk on the other side of the two tracks) - while you're walking you should also keep your ears alert for the sound - dropping to the ground though is likely to be over-dramatic and ill-advised - my advice would be to merely step away and then stand still - and on the bridge itself you are both away from the track and slightly below it
I would do the same if I would do this stage again!!Thank you everyone for the interest you have shown and the sound advice. I have probably lost too many of my nine lives over the years to take any chances with moving trains (passenger or freight) and bridges. I will therefore ride on the train rather than risk riding under it. Last stages of preparation and boarding pass printed so the countdown to my start date has well and truly begun. Thanks again.
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