Camino Norte - Santander to Gijon

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 disastrous 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 before setting out on your Camino.

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)

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.