Distance walked so far : 159 kms
Distance to Santiago de Compostela : 653 kms
A spectacular coastal walk today in temperatures up to 25o. We had a choice of a mountainous route or a shorter (by 7kms) coastal walk. No choice for us. We began our day with breakfast at 7 at a little bar behind the albergue.
We were treated to the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona on the TV in the cafe. The Running of the Bulls starts today.
We began with a steep ascent up a flight of steps which led to a coastal recreational path.
Easy walking with extensive views down the coastline.
Early morning casualty. Several walkers have already returned home after injuries or unreal
expectations of their fitness or of the route.
We skirted the motorway.
Rest stop to enjoy the view.
Small bay and beach of Miono.
We entered the attractive town of Castro Urdiales from the cliffs.
We walked along the eastern beach before coming into the town proper.
Our pension, Restaurant La Marina, is on the waterfront. We pre-booked it (32 euros) as the
local albergue only has 17 beds and wary of the large number of pelegrinos last night in Pobena.
Now, with the ease of the Internet, it is more efficient to check available accommodation on
booking.com as you travel, avoiding the frustration of the broken-Spanish phone call and
wondering if you have a reservation or not. (Comment due to recent experience!)
The castle and the buttressed church of Santa Maria catch your eye immediately as you enter
the town. Santa Maria is considered one of the Camino del Norte's finest churches, with its
flying buttresses and strange friezes from twelfth century Templar times of rabbits kissing oxen,
dragons eating serpents eating birds etc.
The castle is the remains of a Templar castle but the ruins now serve as the lighthouse base.
There are two excellent beaches and this grotto frequented by the locals. I chose to cool off
at the grotto,which is adorned with endearing sculptures of children swimming.
Bob read on TripAdvisor that the pinxtos in Bar Javi were the best in Castro Urdiales. They were so delicious we didn't need dinner.
As a part of Castro's summer series of music, we were able to listen to a very smooth Cuban band, Havana, in a community hall near the beach.
Very happy day's walk and we have thoroughly enjoyed this coastal town, with its beaches and interesting architecture.
M&M
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