Discussion boards hosted by Cycling UK. Post by mullinsm » 7 Mar , pm. Post by BeeKeeper » 8 Mar , am. Post by scelder » 8 Mar , am. Post by bikepacker » 8 Mar , am. Post by mullinsm » 9 Mar , pm. Post by mullinsm » 10 Mar , pm. Post by bikepacker » 10 Mar , pm. Post by ThimbleU » 10 Mar , pm. Post by bretonbikes » 11 Mar , am. Post by BeeKeeper » 11 Mar , am. Post by mullinsm » 11 Mar , am. Privacy Terms. Quick links. Failing that, any useful info regarding routes would be appreciated.
I'm taking the ferry early June to Santander and will be camping where possible, so the bike will be heavy. Did LeJog camping last year by the scenic route so not a total novice, but this is my first time cycling on the continent and I'm especially interested in the hills in northern Spain. How bad are they? Please tell me they aren't as steep as Devon! What's the kindest route without main roads and what's a realistic daily target in this region for an unfit 50 year old on an 80lb bike?
Also, given that the coastal route is away from the major tourist areas, how easy is it to get by without a word of Spanish or French well almost? However, to avoid the busy coastal roads it goes up into the hills. Steep hills by all acounts. I looked at the coastal route from Santander to Hendaye and the bit to Bilbao looks OK but hilly but thereafter it really didn't look very attractive with potentially very busy narrow roads and tunnels.
As a result and because of time constraints, we are going to take the trains from Santander to Hendaye. There is a narrow gauge to Bilbao and then a more normal train to Hendaye. We are hoping to do it the same afternoon we get off the ferry in Santander but this may be pushing it due to the train schedules so it is likely we will end up camping at Bilbao arriving in Hendaye the next day to start our gentle toddle up the west coast to Roscoff. We are arriving in Santander on Monday 3 June - may see you!
However, came across this site with the info you might be looking for. From Santander take the estuary ferry across to Samo, the road then to Laredo good campsites here is undulating with no hard climbs. After it gets quite lumpy through to Bilbao the worst being after the town of Castro-Urdiales.
