Camino Del Norte -Day One

Camino Del Norte - Day One
Irun to San Sebastián
Distance 26.5km
Total Ascent 710m Descent 720m (And don't my legs know it!)

First of all, thank you very much for supporting me in raising some money for the BIRD charity. See my just giving page for details.
Today began with catching a 7.30am bus from Bilbao to Irun on the French/Spanish border. A great journey but made me realise how hilly this route is going to be. The bus wound it's way through the narrow valleys with villages, farms and industries all jostling for space. There were lots of low dark clouds hanging on top of the hills.
Finally arrived at Irun station at 9.15am so after a quick cup of coffee and a croissant, off I went on my merry way trying to find the yellow arrows to begin the Camino Del Norte.
It is only 860km to Santiago De Compostela. I must be off my head.
I promptly got lost until a friendly alberque manager found me and put me on the path.
The guide book makes it sound easy. It's not!
It does say that the first day is probably the most spectacular. It offers incredible views from the high ridge and passes Neolithic dolmens, medieval towers and castle ruins.
The only problem is that you have to get on the ridge. Almost 700m straight up.
Thankfully, it was slightly overcast which kept the temperature at around 21c. I, however, was at gas mark 6 for most of the day.
It was an amazing day with stunning views. A long climb out of Irun followed by a long descent into Pasal Donibane where I caught a small ferry (70 cents) across the harbour with some other perigrinos.
The numbers of pilgrims are increasing on the Del Norte as the Camino France's appears to be getting busier. 368,000 walked the Camino France's last year.
After crossing the harbour, it was another long slog up the other side for 700m. I dragged my sorry body up another ridge and back down the other side into the beautiful seaside town of San Sebastián/Donostia. I wound my way through the town trying to find the Albergue with no luck and finally decided that life was too short and I was too tired, so I have checked into a lovely hotel.
Washed and admin done. I am about to go and find ANYTHING to eat.

Don't expect future blogs to be so long.

Do donate to my just giving page for B.I.R.D. It may encourage me to post more pictures etc. Thank you for your support and messages of encouragement. I have a feeling I am going to need them.....😎Read more