El Camino del Norte - The Less Trodden Path

El Camino del Norte - The Less Trodden Path

Often overshadowed by the more popular and transited French and Portuguese Way, The Camino del Norte is an absolute gem of a route. The Camino de Santiago originated in ancient times as a pilgrimage taking Christians to visit the tomb of Saint James (Santiago). All routes take you to the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, and more specifically Santiago Cathedral. Whichever route you take you know which direction you´re heading and where you´re eventually finishing. Unless of course you choose to continue your journey on to Finisterre (Land´s End).

By far the most popular route is the French Way with the Portuguese Way catching up fast. Especially the last 100km which is the minimum you need to walk to get your Pilgrim´s Certificate.  Here at The Way Experiences, we are keen to encourage anyone interested in doing the Camino to also consider opting for the less trodden path. Not just because we love putting routes together for people but also because there are so many other stunning routes and amazing experiences out there. Equally rewarding and definitely more exclusive, these routes are also steeped in history and beauty.

The Camino del Norte starts at the border town of Irun and after 34 stages and 824km you will find yourself in Santiago de Compostela. All sections are wonderful but a particularly lovely section of The Camino del Norte starts in Bilbao and finishes in Santander. Your 5 days walking would look something like this -

Day 1 – Bilbao to Portugalete (14km) starts in the old part of Bilbao, crosses the suspension bridge and travels along a quiet route along the banks of the River Cadagua, over the famous Devil´s Bridge, uphill to the small town of Baracaldo before arriving at Portugalete.

Day 2 – Portugalete to Castro Urdiales (27km) follows the beautiful rocky coastline and passes through the village of La Arena with its´ fine red sandy beach. Castro Urdiales has a great mix of modern and medieval architecture and great views of the beach and harbour with its’ brightly coloured boats.

Day 3 Castro Urdiales to Laredo (24km) will take you along stunning coastal cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea, past a medieval castle, green valleys and several ancient churches before arriving at the popular  surfing beach town of Laredo.

Day 4 Laredo to Escalante (16km) a flatter but equally scenic route where you will reach a point where you can cross over to Santona by boat. Today you will get the chance to walk through the Santona Marshes and see both mountains and the coast.

Day 5 Escalante to Santander (17km) – today you will walk along the stunning beaches of Berria, and Helgeras and take the traditional boat called a Pedrenera across the bay from the town and surf beach of Somo to Santander itself. Santander is an elegant city which has it all – great architecture, beaches, museums and food.

So why not take the less trodden path?

El Camino del Norte - The less trodden path

 

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