Hendaye. The sea, the beach and, on the far side of the Bidassoa, Spain already. This is where it really sinks in that you’ve made it: four days from the Pyrenees, and now you’re standing on the coast.
Looking back, this was a gentle final day. Around 16 kilometres, with a few hills that never take you higher than 135 metres. It walks easily, even on tired legs. You leave Ascain behind and head through Basque countryside, past meadows, farms and woodland paths. Along the way, the air begins to smell of salt. There’s no need to push yourself, which suits a last day. For the final few hours, the green hills roll gently out towards the ocean, with white houses and red shutters set against the green.