Castro-Urdiales to Laredo - How far?

[RodneyK]

G'day Pilgrims,
I'm walking the Norte in September. I have a question about the distance between Castro-Urdiales and Laredo. Some guides and posting suggest the distance is under 30km (if my calculations are correct), others suggest it's closer to 40km. Can anyone clarify this for me?
Thanks,
Rodney

 

[Canuck]

Hi Rodney,

I have two guide books and they both say close to 40K (37 and 39K).

Ciao!
Jean-Marc

 

[AJ]

The most direct route is 25 km.

If you go via La Magdalena it is 37 km.

You have a choice!

 

[deepfat]

I've just got back and took the shorter route. It's got a fair bit of side of the road walking but having just endured the ridiculous 16km detour the official route takes you on between Onton and Castro Urdiales the day before (you basically leave the road 6km from Castro Urdiales which you can see across the bay, and then climb inland up a steep, boring, winding road before coming back) I decided I'd had enough of the yellow arrows for one day! Just at the point where the official route leaves Castro Urdiales (by the bull ring) a coach driver asked us where we were heading and told us we'd be stupid to follow the official route. He said he was from around there and it simply wasn't worth the effort.

 

[RodneyK]

Hi,
Thanks for that information. I suspected there might the 'official' route and then a more direct one. I'll see what else I can find out. The best thing is probably to ask locals. Thanks for the tip about the previous day as well. I'll watch out for that.
Cheers,
Rodney

 

[viajero]

The Castro Urdiales albergue is past the center of town. At the albergue they have distances posted to Laredo. They list 24 km. if going by the highway, and (I think) 34 if going by the camino the whole way. I think these figures are fairly accurate. I walked to Laredo and took the ferry over to Santona. From the center of laredo to the boat is about another 4 km. and from dock in santona to the youth hostel is probably another 2 km (maybe just 1 but it seemed long)

 

[Bridget and Peter]

. I walked to Laredo and took the fairy over to Santona.

But why didn't she use her wings and fly?

 

[viajero]

I'm mortified! Just returned home the day before yesterday. Can I blame jet lag?

 

[Bridget and Peter]

You weren't meant to be mortified, just to have a little smile. It wasn't just a mistake, it was a 'malapropism'!

Surely people who live in grass houses can be forgiven for casting a few nasturtiums. (or something like that)

Birdgit

 

[viajero]