Santillana del Mar

Fruit and veg box all organised (a little tip we got from the couple we met in the ferry queue at Newhaven), and we were ready for the off.

This morning we set of in the direction of Bilbao . Along with the steep gradients and heavy fast moving traffic, we steadily bowled along. Because the area is so mountainous there were many apartment buildings. When we did see houses we were surprised to see beans being grown up the stems of the sweetcorn plants in the gardens.

Apart from when we skirted around the edge of Bilbao through the industrial area the scenery was stunning. To the left of the road the mountains, to the right the beaches and the vibrant blue sea of the Atlantic.

 The mountain ranges made us think of the lake district. The greens of the fir and eucalyptus trees that adorned them were lovely.

Along the way we saw pilgrims walking the Camino towards Santiago. Passing by them in Marge we could only admire their determination to keep on walking.

After a 20 minute detour to replenish our water tank and empty our waste (the aires in Spain do not offer full facilities at all their sites unlike France), we continued into the countryside to our overnight stop.

We are now in the region of Cantabrica at Santillana del Mar, just west of Santander. It is a medieval village, and in our guide book is described as ‘the most beautiful village in Spain’, but like most beautiful places, it has become a tourist trap.

The village was very crowded (goodness knows what it’s like in the height of summer).Typically touristy, with overpriced shops, and charging to view all the museums etc. It made us think of Mont St. Michel which has suffered a similar fate.

I was a bit taken aback that people would want to walk around a museum dedicated to the tortures handed out by the Spanish Inquisition. The sign at the entrance stating that the victims were all left maimed for life.

But on a lighter note, we were asked for directions by a young German couple walking the Camino. It was uplifting to see their high spirits and excitement.

We have now travelled over a 1000 miles since leaving home. Time now for a glass of wine to celebrate!