Camino Norte - Bilbao to Santiago

Bilbao is a wonderful city filled with art, history and flavour of Northern Spain. Spend time walking the old city exploring the cobbled streets filled with fashion, food and charming shops. For art lovers a visit to the Guggenheim Museum is not to be missed.

This morning you take the Metro from Bilbao to Portugalete (travel time approx 35-50 minutes, 20km) to leave the city. The walk from Portugalete will take you towards the Cantabrian coast and out of the Basque region. From La Arena there are two options to Onton and Castro Urdiales. Following the coast line is a stunning walk. Part of the route also follows the track-bed of the former railroad that carried iron ore to waiting ships. Castro Urdiales is a long-inhabited town, with human remains dating back to 12000 BCE. Be sure to visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its strange iconography on the main entrance's frieze, which dates from Templar times. Distance: 27km/16.7mi, highest point approx 180m Option: It's possible to walk Bilbao to Portugalete - this must be requested at time of booking as an extra night is required in Portugalete. Distance approx 19km/12mi, highest point approx 200m, undulating terrain.

From seaside Castro Urdiales the trail takes you on winding paths between cliffs and sandy beaches. You'll pass through small fishing villages including Islares, were you can see the ruins of the 16th century Hospital de la Vera Cruz. Head inland to La Magdelena and follow a beautiful dirt path to Liendo, a quiet rural village surrounded by nature in the heart of the Valle de Liendo. Distance: 24km/14.9mi, highest point approx 230m

This morning you will head to Laredo, which was an important Roman site known as Portus Luliobrigensium. Today it is Cantabria’s largest resort town - its beach is around 5km long at low tide. Continue walking to the end of Laredo's peninsula, at El Puntal, following the signs to the Santona ferry (payable locally, approx EUR3 per person. If you prefer to walk, its an extra 10km/6mi via the Colindres bridge). Continue north to the coast and the Playa de Berria, before ascending to the Punta del Brusco for impressive coastal views. Continue to the modern coastal resort town of Noja. Distance: 23km/14.5mi, highest point approx 200m

This stage takes you from the Cantabrian Sea to the Güemes Valley. There are two walking options - one via Isla and Ajo nearer the coast, the other via San Miguel de Meruelo and Güemes, leading gradually towards the Cantabrian Sea once again. Overnight in the town of Galizano. Distance: 19km/11.8mi, highest point approx 120m

From Galizano you head to the coast, where the route is along beautiful cliffs and beaches. At Somo you take the ferry to Santander. (It runs every half hour on weekdays and hourly on weekends - payable locally, approx EUR4 per person). Santander is the capital of Cantabria and a major city on the Camino del Norte. Whilst the harbour area is modern, as a result of a disaster explosion in 1893 and a fire in 1941 which destroyed much of the historical heart, the town has a lovely vibe and the beaches are a great place to relax after the camino walk. Distance: 15km/9.4mi, highest point approx 50m

Today starts with a taxi transfer to Mogro-Ermita Virgen del Monte to shorten this otherwise long stage. From here you walk to Santillana, passing through Miengo, Cudón, Requejada, Viveda and Camplengo. Santillana is one of the most picturesque towns along the Camino Norte. Take some time this afternoon to explore the well-preserved medieval towers, Renaissance palaces and the Romanesque Santa Juliana Collegiate Church. Distance: 21km/13mi, highest point approx 120m

Continue to Comillas passing through a landscape of grassy fields with sprawling vistas, broken periodically by church towers. The walking is mostly on local roads on undulating terrain through the towns of Oreña, Cóbreces, Trasierra and La Iglesia (Ruiloba). Arriving into Comillas signals your return to the coast. Comillas has some of Cantabria's most important Art Nouveau buildings including Sobrellano Palace Chapel and the Pantheon, the Pontifical University and the wonderful El Capricho by Antoni Gaudi. Distance: 23km/14.4mi, highest point approx 150m

The walk today takes in a mix of trails and roads with few gradients and through quaint villages. There are also several bridges to cross, over marshes and estuaries. From the highest points you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast and the Cantabrian mountain range, where the Picos de Europa massif stands out. Today's destination is the medieval gem San Vicente de la Barquera, known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights. The Santa Maria de los Angeles church, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, holds the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio del Corro. It is an important stop on two Jacobean Routes: the Camino Norte and the Lebaniego Way. Distance: 12km/7.5mi, highest point approx 90m

Leaving San Vicente de la Barquera and its estuary, this is a more rural stage as the trail moves away from the coast. You will pass towns such as La Acebosa, Hortigal and Serdio. Shortly after Pesués you will reach Unquera, the last town in Cantabria, and soon after crossing the bridge over the Deva River you will reach today's destination, Bustio, in Asturias. Breakfast is not included at Bustio, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions. Distance: 16km/10mi, highest point approx 140m

Breakfast is not included today, you can try one of the local bars. Walking mainly on paved roads with moderate slopes, today offers beautiful landscapes - the views are spectacular, with the coast on one side and the Picos de Europa on the other. Llanes is a lively and popular coastal town with a long history, evident by the remnants of its 800 year old city walls. Don't miss the unique "Memory Cubes", the work of Spanish painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola Goicoeche at the port's breakwater. Distance: 24km/15mi, highest point approx 120m

Today you will walk past several fascinating monasteries. It's a long walk but the path is gently undulating. You'll follow a mix of trail and road through small villages and countryside. You'll pass beaches such as Palombina, Torimbia and San Antolín, which are popular in summer, before heading inland through rural areas that are less touristy. Continue to Ribadesella, known for its beaches and its UNESCO listed Tito Bustillo Cave with prehistoric cave art, located 2.2 km (round trip) from the Plaza de Santa Ana. Distance: 31km/19.4mi, highest point approx 100m

The route today heads inland before returning to the coast. This is the last real stretch along the coast, so be sure to appreciate the views. You'll pass through several beaches and small villages. Your destination is the picturesque market town of Colunga, with its modernist buildings and palatial houses. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 100m

Continuing through small and historical villages, today's route takes you away from the coast and through more mountainous terrain. You'll pass through Priesca which is home to one of the oldest churches on the Camino - the Church of San Salvador, built in 921, and Sebrayo with its beautiful Church of Santa María. Continue to Villaviciosa, known as the 'apple capital' of Spain and these can be sampled in one of the town's many cider distilleries. Pre-Romanesque Asturian art stands out here, including the Church of San Salvador de Valdediós. Distance: 18km/11.2mi, highest point approx 100m

The trail today leads you to Gijon, the largest city you will have seen in a week. It's a tougher stage with two steep climbs (approx 340m and 200m) as you walk from the interior of Asturias to the coast. In the small village of Casquita you might meet other pilgrims heading towards Oviedo on the Camino Primitivo. Continue to the bustle of Gijon, where you will find the impressive Universidad Laboral. Further into the city you can enjoy its many charms such as the Cimadevilla neighbourhood and the impressive San Lorenzo beach, along with its Roman past with the Campo Valdés Hot Springs. Distance: 32km/20mi, highest point approx 400m (Alto Cruz de Peon)

On this stage there are some stretches through an industrial area and along the highway, but you will also walk through the Monte Areo recreational area, which features a prehistoric dolmen (you will need to detour slightly to visit the Dolmen de San Pablo). Your destination is Aviles, a prominent naval town in the Middle Ages which today has lots to see for those interested in architecture. Distance: 25km/15.6mi, highest point approx 190m

The walk today begins in Plaza de España in Avilés, passing through the historic centre before leaving the city. The route crosses the villages of San Miguel and Piedras Blancas and passes by the Church of Santiago del Monte. From there, you walk along the main road to Soto del Barco. This stage is mainly on paved roads, with moderate but continuous inclines, with typical waymarks of the Camino to show the way. Distance 17km/10.6mi, highest point approx 200m

Leaving Soto del Barco, you gradually reach the Plaza Marqués in Muros de Nalón. There are well-trodden dirt paths and paved roads leading to El Pitu and Cudillero, from where there are two options - to walk along the Camí Real de Las Ballotas (along the coast) or through the Sierra de Las Palancas (through the mountains - only recommended in clear weather). The coastal path ascends along a trail parallel to the highway and continues toward La Magdalena, descending to Concha de Artedo Beach. Cross through forests on either side of the small town of Mumayor then follow the road to Soto de Luiña. This stage has moderate elevation changes. Enjoy the scenery and the stops along the way. This and tomorrow's stages are some of the most beautiful of the Camino Norte, with the coastal route offering impressive views over the cliffs and access to the beaches. Distance 22km/13.8mi, highest point approx 190m

Starting from Soto de Luiña, the route follows a quiet secondary road with little traffic, passing through the villages of Novellana and Santa Marina until it reaches Ballota. From here, you ascend along a path to Río Cabo Beach and then pass through the village of Tablizo. Finally, an uphill stretch on a paved road leads to the medieval whaling port of Cadavedo. Distance 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 160m

From Cadavedo, this shorter stage continues along a road that soon becomes a trail. Passing through fields and forests, you arrive at Querúas and then cross the village of Chano de Canero. Continue following the VA1 road towards the port of Luarca. After skirting the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora la Blanca, descend to the Paseo del Muelle in Luarca. This afternoon you can take a stroll around the rectangular harbour. Distance: 18km/11.25mi, highest point approx 140m

This morning will start with a climb heading out of Luarca, before the path levels out for the rest of the day. The route takes you away from the coast and through countryside to the lively market town of Navia. There are moderate slopes through the day, as you follow the road on paths and paved tracks between houses and crop fields. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, highest point approx 180m

A morning transfer (at 8.30am) takes you to La Caridad to continue the walk (you can walk this section and forgo the transfer however it adds 10km to the day). This is the last day of the Norte that is close to the coast. From La Caridad the route passes through Valdepares, Porcía and El Viso. At El Viso variant walks are possible, or continue along the main route to Tapia de Casariego. The stage from Tapia de Casariego to Ribadeo runs along paths that wind between steep cliffs and fine golden sandy beaches. Cross the ‘Ponte dos Santos’ bridge over the River Eo to enter Galicia and arrive in Ribadeo. The town is renowned for its Cathedrals Beach, the second most visited site in Galicia - after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, of course! Distance: 23km/14.4mi, highest point approx 60m

The route today takes you through dense and fragrant eucalyptus groves. Villages along the way are often quite small. It's a gradual ascent for most of the day, with one steep section from A Ponte to Vilamartin Grande. From here, a taxi transfer (at 3pm) will take you back to Ribadeo where you stay overnight again. Distance: 18km/11.2mi, highest point approx 400m

This morning (8.30am) transfer back to Villamartin Grande to continue walking from where you left off yesterday. A visit to Lourenzá and its impressive Baroque monastery is one of the day's highlights. From Lourenza the path leads into the rolling hills, where fantastic views make the climbs worthwhile. Continue to Mondonedo, once a capital of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia. Its historic quarter has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest. Wander the picturesque streets or visit the Os Muiños neighbourhood with its traditional architecture and canal structure. Distance: 18km/11.3mi, highest point approx 250m

Today's stage leads you from Mondoñedo, gently ascending through the Valiñadares Valley to the plateau of Terra Chá. There are paved and unpaved sections, offering splendid views and a gradual ascent towards Abadín. Enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage along the way. Distance: 17km/10.6mi, highest point approx 600m

From Abadin you follow paths that wind through rural landscapes and native forests. The route runs parallel to a national road as you make your way to Vilalba. This medieval town had a cultural boom in the 20th century, emerging as a town with rich journalistic and literary activity. San Simón da Costa cheese (D.O.P.) and Vilalba's roscón (cake) stand out. Distance: 21km/13.1mi, highest point approx 540m

Continue walking through rural Galicia, along rural paths and past small villages en route to Seixón de Abaixo. At 4pm a transfer takes you to your accommodation in Friol. Distance: 31km/19.4mi, highest point approx 500m

At 8.30am a transfer takes you back to Seixón to continue walking. There is an option to shorten the long and quite challenging walk by extending the transfer to Miraz (just let the driver know where you would like to be dropped off). The trail today brings you to Sobrado dos Monxes for your overnight accommodation. The town is home to an impressive 10th century monastery. Distance walk: 28km/17.5mi (or 23km/14.3mi), highest point approx 680m

The terrain is easier today as you walk the last part of the Camino Norte and join the Camino Frances. You can stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos, continuing to Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Overnight in Arzua. Distance: 22km/13.8mi, highest point approx 500m

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people or O Pedrouzo a little along the way. The walking is lovely, with gentle slopes leading past green fields and rural landscapes, gradually becoming more urban. Distance 18km/11.1mi, highest point approx 400m

The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated landscapes. At Monte do Gozo take a small detour for spectacular views of Santiago then continue downhill to the city. Arriving in fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 21km/13mi, highest point approx 360m

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.