Balmaseda

Camino Olvidado

To end of camino
462.9
Altitude
147

Mimétiz

8.10

Balmaseda

5.10

El Berrón (Olvidado)

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Correos
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Train
Yes

Balmaseda is the terminus for the Bilbao-Balmaseda train line — useful if you want to slice up these first flat kilometers differently. The town has a medieval bridge with a tower that's one of the most photographed spots on the early Olvidado. There's a Hotel Convento San Roque and an albergue that takes pilgrims.

Balmaseda is a pleasant town with all services. It's the last town in the Pais Vasco before crossing into the province of Burgos.

The Road

After Balmaseda, the landscape changes as you enter Burgos province and the Valle de Mena. It becomes much less urban — forests, dirt paths, streams. Still not much elevation. The walking is pleasant if not spectacular.

City Map
Accommodation in Balmaseda.

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I did the section between Balmaseda and VdM after violent storms. One stream was a torrent - it was just about walkable without getting swept off my feet, but disconcerting (put you valuable in a waterproof bag!). A km or so later there was a 20m stretch of path completely under water, which came up almost up to my knees. There is no workaround for these! Worth bearing in mind in very stormy weather.