Back on the Camino: A New Adventure Through Northern Spain

The backpack is packed (well, almost). The flights are booked. And my feet? They’re itching to hit the trail again. This June, I’ll be picking up where I left off on the Camino de Santiago (Norhtern route) in Bilbao, resuming my journey from Bayonne to Santiago after a pause last year due to a loss in the family. Now, it’s time to lace up (or, in my case, strap on my sandals) and dive back into the rhythm of walking, one step at a time.

The Route: A Bit of Everything

This walk isn’t just a straight shot to Santiago—it’s a winding, meandering, choose-your-own-adventure kind of Camino. From Bilbao, I’ll follow the Camino del Norte, hugging the dramatic northern coast, until I reach San Vicente de la Barquera. There, I’ll veer inland onto the Camino Vadiniense, making my way to Cistierna, where the Camino Olvidado will carry me westward to La Robla.

At La Robla, I’ll pivot north onto the Camino San Salvador, climbing through the Cantabrian Mountains toward Oviedo—because what’s a pilgrimage without a little uphill suffering? From Oviedo, I’ll join the Camino Primitivo (the oldest of the Caminos) until Melide. And then? I have a decision to make. I’ll either:

1. Walk straight into Santiago on the Camino Francés, or
2. Hop a bus to Ferrol and complete this year’s Camino on the Inglés with my brother-in-law, adding a bit of historical flair to the final steps.

Either way, Santiago is the goal, and every twist, turn, and elevation gain will just be part of the story.

Packing Lighter, Walking Smarter

This year, I’m making a bold move: downsizing from a 36L to a 24L backpack. That’s right—less gear, fewer gadgets, and a lot more faith in the “I’ll figure it out” philosophy.

How am I pulling this off?
✔ Hiking in sandals instead of boots (because my feet prefer freedom).
✔ Ditching extra charging equipment and unnecessary electronics.
✔ Leaving behind things I’ve barely touched in past walks (goodbye, bulky first-aid kit and extra sets of clothes).

It won’t be truly minimalist, but it will be lighter—dropping from 10kg to around 7kg, not counting water or snacks.

The Big Picture: One Step at a Time

In total, this journey will cover around 800-900km. Add that to the 200km/280km (route/total) I walked last year from Bayonne to Bilbao, and by the time I reach Santiago, I’ll have clocked somewhere between 1100 and 1200km.

I’ll be walking for five weeks, with a total of six weeks away to soak in the experience, rest my feet, and enjoy Spain’s incredible landscapes (and food—let’s not forget the food).

So, here we go. New routes, fewer possessions, and the same love for the Camino. Every journey is different, and this one promises to be full of surprises, stunning views, and hopefully, just enough challenge to keep things interesting.

Buen Camino! 🚶‍♂️🌿☀️