2 weeks on Camino Norte

[elhungaro80]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I am planning 2 weeks on Camino Norte. I am arriving to Santander on the 7th of June and I got until the 21st when I will leave from Asturias airport. It is about 12-13 days of hiking. I have a dilemma.

I enjoy nice coastal walk, close to the sea but also hiking in the hills and visiting medieval villages. I guess the more nature, dramatic cliffs and forest walks are my preferences. I am wondering where to start and where to finish.

1. Does it worth going back to Bilbao and walk from there till about Gijon or should I start in Santander and finish around Ribadeo. (I have already walked Irun-Bilbao which was amazing). I heard mixed reviews regarding Bilbao-Santander etap.

2. I am an experienced hiker and normally fast but this time I prefer to go slower and stop in pleasant villages and possible for a swim here and there. Because of this I would probably be relatively late arriving in albergues. Could this be a problem finding bed in albergues or it is not that busy on the norte that time of the year?

3. Any locations worth spending an extra day? I am expecting a friend join me for a few days so I like to find and recommend a place to catch up. Preferably by the sea.

4. Any food recommendation on the way? I love pulpo and fabada but any other suggestions?

5. Does anyone has experience camping on the way? I am considering this option too.

Buen Camino!

 

[Tia Valeria]

The scenery from Santander is wonderful and there are many interesting old villages including Santillana del Mar.
Camping - there are few camp sites and wild camping is illegal in Asturias. Albergues give you a better option and facilities.
Buen Camino