Just after Lezama, you walk through green hills, past scattered farmhouses and along woodland paths. It feels rural, almost as if Bilbao doesn’t exist. Then comes the climb. You gain more than 300 metres over a stretch of five kilometres, and it’s steep. Build up gently – you have plenty of time.
Once you reach the top, the worst is behind you. After that you descend, and you lose more height than you climbed. You’ll feel it in your knees. Gradually the buildings creep closer: first houses and roads, then the bustle of a big city. After days of little villages and greenery, it takes a bit of getting used to. It’s a short day, so you have the afternoon to explore Bilbao.