The crossing was incredibly smooth and we slept well in the dark cabin waking just before 8am.  We used the microwave near the restaurant to heat our water for coffee then later treated ourselves to another full English breakfast so that we wouldn’t be desperate for lunch when the ferry docked.  continued...

Despite the promise of another beautiful day, we awoke to a thick fog. Our planned mini walking route was a little misty as we approached the gothic Santander Cathedral.  We took a quick look inside and the recorded choral music created a spiritual atmosphere. continued...

We wound our way through the old town and out of Laredo via two long steep hills with incredible views under brilliant blue skies. However, there were clouds ahead and before long a mist had rolled in clouding the coastal views. continued...

Playa de Brazomar was the only place we had missed from our ChatGPT tour and it was lovely and calm as we cycled past it to pick up the Via Verde Castro Urdiales to Traslavina trail out of town, which had its own dedicated tunnel.  continued...

The walking tour started in Arriaga Plaza, near the theatre.  The guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable so it was an interesting couple of hours learning more about the development of Bilbao, with a specific focus on the old town.  continued...

After viewing the hills around Bilbao from the top of the funicular yesterday, it was a relief to catch a train over the first hill.  The station assistant was most helpful as we bought a Barik card that can also be used for public transport in San Sebastián.  Interestingly, one card can be used to service multiple people.  continued...

We woke to a drizzling, foggy day so were glad that we only had a relatively short distance to cover and could delay our departure till the 11am check out time.

The hills were long but not too steep and the weather started to clear as we cycled along the wetlands of the Mundakako Itsasadarra delta.  continued...

The town beach looked much more appealing at low tide as we cycled past.  The raised pathway to San Nicolas was clearly visible but definitely not suitable for bicycles.  The climbing soon began, with fabulous views back to Lekeitio and along the coast.  There were heaps of cyclists on road bikes heading in both directions at high speed. continued...