Bilbao to Portugalete

[AJGuillaume]

Various guides/apps show a number of ways to get from Bilbao to Portugalete.
At this stage we are favouring going along the Ria del Nervion on the East side despite the industrial area along the river.
We're open to opinion/suggestions/advice on that stage.
Taking a bus out of Bilbao to avoid industrial areas is not an option, so don't suggest it
Also, we want to experience the Puente Colgante: what's the best way: in the gondola, or on the walkway at the top?
Thank you!
Buen Camino
Andrew

 

[Kanga]

It was raining heavily when we left Bilbao and that is about all I remember. I am pretty sure we did the "official" route, not the river route. When we got to the Puente Colgante I was delighted to find a nice cafe with big plate glass windows through which I could watch in warm comfort while my intrepid husband "did" the bridge for me - he went over in the gondola and came back on the walkway.

 

[AJGuillaume]

It was raining heavily when we left Bilbao and that is about all I remember. I am pretty sure we did the "official" route, not the river route. When we got to the Puente Colgante I was delighted to find a nice cafe with big plate glass windows through which I could watch in warm comfort while my intrepid husband "did" the bridge for me - he went over in the gondola and came back on the walkway.

G'day @Kanga, that's one of the advantages of staying on the West side of the river: one can experience the bridge both ways

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, AJ,

I have walked on the east side and then taken the puente colgante over to Portugalete. I was lucky that it was Sunday, because I imagine that on a regular work day the traffic would be horrendous. It is all asphalt on the side of the road. And this is a very busy looking port area. There are a few cafés right on the way. I started in Larrabetzu (?) and got to Bilbao before the cathedral opened, so I just kept walking. I was in Portugalete in the early afternoon, but I was bitten by something in the albergue Bide Ona (I called the owners the next day and they were quite concerned, and said they would take immediate action). I have also stayed in the very nice hotel right next to the bridge.

p.s. great views of the Guggenheim from the right side!

 

[pelerine]

I walked on the east side some years ago and the industrial area was just abandoned workshops - not too bad next to the river. For the ponte I was not given an option: as I was queuing for the elevator I was told I was not allowed up on the walkway with my big pack...

 

[Magwood]

I walked on the right side of the river where the views of the Gugenheim are amazing, particularly as it was a bright day and it was beautifully reflected in the water. I don't remember the industrial areas being a problem - the river was always in view with points of interest along the way. I crossed on the gondola. There are options onwards from Portugalete, I took the cycle path which seemed interminable. I'm not sure what the alternative would have been like, but worth investigating.

 

[AJGuillaume]

I walked on the right side of the river where the views of the Gugenheim are amazing, particularly as it was a bright day and it was beautifully reflected in the water. I don't remember the industrial areas being a problem - the river was always in view with points of interest along the way. I crossed on the gondola. There are options onwards from Portugalete, I took the cycle path which seemed interminable. I'm not sure what the alternative would have been like, but worth investigating.

@Magwood it sounds like a great reason to cross the river!
Thank you for sharing!
Buen Camino
Andrew