El Camino del Norte – Day 17

After breakfast at my favourite pension La Arboleda, we set off to find our way back to the Camino. The aim today was to walk the 25 km from Colombres to Llanes. There were two options, the formal route along the N-364 or the recommended coastal path. It was longer with more ups and downs but the advice was that it would be worth it.

Even though it was overcast with a 20% chance of rain, Sheila and I were in high spirits. After a comfortable night and a good breakfast so we struck out for the coast.

The guidebook advised that the scenery today would be the best of the entire route. Gaze up to the Picos de Europa to the south while meandering along clifftops overlooking secluded sandy bays. The low hanging clouds did however detract from the view of the mountains.

We met more pilgrims along the route today than we had on any of the previous days. Lots of Germans in particular.

One of the things I’ve really enjoyed on this pilgrimage are the smells of the countyside. Today we walked through woodland and the smell from the eucalyptus trees was divine.

We past through Pendueles, where we had planned to stop for lunch at 11.30am. It was far too early to eat so we plodded on.

I was looking forward to seeing the geyser at Bufones de Arenillas. When we arrived, there was no geyser. Still it was a lovely spot to stop for a break.

We had a steep 100m climb after Andrin where I enjoyed a most expensive lunch. The viewpoint from the top over two secluded bays complete with surfers, down to Llanes and south to the Picos de Europa was hugely impressive and well worth the climb.

We took the coast road to Llanes instead of the inland footpath forgetting that we had a reservation at Albergue Estación. Whats the worst thing after a 25 km hike… to climb unnecessarily for a kilometre back to your accommodation because you walked past it.

A geat days walking. Sheila and I must be getting fitter and stronger because we are no longer collapsing in a heap at the end of the day. There is no doubt, life is a little better when you are not exhausted.