choices, choices, choices

[Cyla Nelson]

I have walked a couple of different legs 2 years ago (LePuy to Figeac and Asturga to Santiago). I plan a week trip on the norte in early June. My thought is to go from Aviles to Ribadeo but would like some idea of what this particular leg is like.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I have walked a couple of different legs 2 years ago (LePuy to Figeac and Asturga to Santiago). I plan a week trip on the norte in early June. My thought is to go from Aviles to Ribadeo but would like some idea of what this particular leg is like.

I have not walked Aviles to Ribadeo, bit have walked from San Sebastian to Llanes. And whole some will say that thw whole route is beautiful, I believe there is a strong concensus that the first week of the Norte is the most beautiful. Harder, no doubt, but spectacular as well. I would start in Irun if I walked it again and make my way to Guernika or Bilbao.

 

[jsalt]

My thought is to go from Aviles to Ribadeo but would like some idea of what this particular leg is like.

Quite a nice section, I think, but I don't remember it very well, as it was raining when I walked it . However, I do remember some great bars, menu del dias, great camino buddies I am still in touch with, and some really good albergues though . Have fun.
Jill

 

[Jan_D]

Hi Cyla, it's a pretty stretch of coast, although perhaps not as spectacular as other parts of the Norte, and I also recall a lot of road walking and long stretches of nothing but a few randomly spaced houses, with nowhere to stop for a cafe con leche or snack. It's more remote and rural than other parts of the Norte, although there are some picturesque fishing villages such as Cudillero or Luarca. Oh, and a donativo in Tapia de Casariego which is on a cliff above the sea - the albergue itself wasn't very clean (the 3 times I stayed there at least), but there's something amazing about falling asleep to the sound of the waves!
Personally I found this stretch a bit trying: I think maybe I was just tired at this point (after walking for 3 weeks), but I think it's also because you get spoiled with geographical and cultural experiences along the Norte, and this section is a little less 'eventful' in that sense. Also, many pilgrim families have just been 'torn apart' when some branch off onto the Primitivo, and not many people start after Aviles, so I've found that the vibe isn't particularly 'festive' along this stretch - anyway that's just my subjective experience; it could be totally different for you!

 

[Redvespablur]

I have not walked section you are asking about but I do concur that Irun to Bilbao is a great week of walking. Two great cities, the coast and burros aplenty. Norte was our first Camino and because we were clueless did not get most of this section. Going back in 2018 to have another go at it.

 

[Kanga]

I particularly liked the section from Ribadeo to Arzúa. Away from the coast, but beautiful walking through Galicia.