Castile Riverside Inn to Inn Walking Vacation

This trip can start any day of the week from mid April into July and September through October and the first weeks of November.

During these times, daytime temperatures will range between 10°-25°c. It can be changeable but expect some rain in April with the weather generally more settled in May and June as well as September. It can be damp in October but, just like early spring, it could be glorious and the colours in autumn are just lovely.

The ideal start day is Wednesday as you will then reach the village of Orbaneja for the weekend when the restaurants will be open. We can work with start dates on other days of the week, there will just be fewer options in the village of Orbaneja.

Peak season is from mid July to end of August but we do not generally offer this trip during that period as the area is busier with summer vacation makers from Spain, and it is too warm for this trip to be enjoyable.

We do guarantee only one departure a day, so if you have a limited travel window and specific dates we suggest you book around nine months ahead. If you are flexible with dates, then three-four months ahead should be fine.

Yes, you certainly can, travelling as a foot passenger with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth. This 'No Fly' option would cut the carbon footprint for this trip by around 70%.

Please note though that the cost difference compared to flying is higher than if you were taking your own car on a self-drive trip. Expect to pay around £200 per person extra. That includes your own sleeping cabins and usually breakfasts and dinner. You might prefer to maximise this 'investment' by staying for longer and combining your walk with time spent elsewhere in northern Spain if you can stay for longer.

There are regular sailings between Portsmouth and Santander/Bilbao, and between Plymouth and Santander, and we will happily advise on your options. Both the start and end points of this trip are within a couple of hours or so of the Spanish ports, so it's all very comfortable.

Timed right, in 2021 you will spend one night aboard the ferry in each direction. As of 2022, outbound sailings from Portsmouth will take around 30 hours and require two nights on board. The pay off for this is that the new ferries will cut carbon emissions by a further 25% compared to the current boats. The return journeys are usually then just one night. There are no planned changes for the Plymouth route, so it's one night both ways.

Receive Full Details & Ask About No Fly Options

In common with all of our Inn to Inn walking vacations, most of the costs of the tour are fixed so going solo will usually mean you pay nearly the same for one person as you would for two. If you enjoy walking alone and time to yourself then the experience itself will be absolutely lovely, and safe.

You can expect to be walking for an average of between five and six hours at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time for a picnic and to enjoy the countryside. The longest walk is 21km but it is largely flat. Elevation gains/losses throughout the week are not dramatic. Some days you will leave on foot from your hotel, but mostly you will be transferred by road to be dropped off at the start of the walk .

Altitude gains and losses are not significant on this trip, with height differences of below 300m except the first days descent of 500m, but it is gradual, not steep.

We provide detailed OS maps, walking notes and a smart phone with a GPS-enabled navigation device - your route is pre-loaded. Most of our guests like to navigate using maps and written notes but appreciate having the reassurance of the GPS just to check if they feel unsure at any point.

With all of the navigational tools at your disposal, and the friendly locals, you are unlikely to get lost but if you do get into any difficulties, simply call the local support number - we are always on hand 24/7.

Your main luggage is transferred ahead for you each day you move on. This is the case with all our Inn to Inn trips. You just carry a day pack with what you need for the day. The hotels are very familiar with this system.