Camino del Norte Day 1

We headed inland from the rugged coast around Santander - a lively city of fine buildings, open spaces, sandy beaches and wide promenades.

After two hours we had done 9.5 k and were still in Santander. In desperate need of coffee we followed signs across the road to a shiny new VW dealership who were offering coffee and rest stop to those walking the camino. We sat while the receptionist made us coffee which we drank with sweets, apples while several salesmen were selling cars and camper vans. Our only payment was to have our photo taken- so if you should be in a VW showroom on the outskirts of Santander you’ll see the five of us grinning on their wall of ‘fame’

When we left the city the walk took us along the railway line, under the motorway and then through various upmarket housing developments scattered across the hills, the scenery was pleasant but not exactly inspiring.  

 We reached Santa Cruz de Bezana but lunch seemed elusive until we invaded a small garden shop that in amongst fertiliser, compost and bedding plants sold fresh fruit and veg, bread, cheese and cakes. We bought a loaf of bread hunk of cheese. With a borrowed knife and cans of drink lunch was served  

The camino continued along well signposted roads until we veered off under the motor way to get to our hotel, walking up hill and down dale taking our lives into our hands on a road without footpath. When reached the hotel my hip and knee were just about to refuse to walk another step, blisters were bleeding under two of my toes and I was unable to bend my neck back enough to drain a drink. But sitting with my shoes off and a beer on the table, I soon recovered my good humour. A sleep, a shower, good food and lots of laughter left me feeling that I would manage another day. The Hotel Palacio de Arce was very grand with thick stone walls, snowy table cloths and a magnificent  gateway. No slumming it on the first night.