Berria

Camino del Norte

To end of camino
601.1
Altitude
10

Santoña

2.60

Berria

3.80

Helgueras

Services
Bar
Yes

The town of Berria has been built on an isthmus that was formed by dueling north winds. The beach here is a popular day tourist destination.

Notice

At the end of Berria, the camino splits. This is one of the rare points where the official camino might not be the best option. Where the main road turns left at the end of town, the camino turns right onto a trail which climbs 100m up to the top of the El Brusco headland. Although this climb affords excellent panoramic views from the top, its steep sandy terrain is not for the faint of heart.

The alternative is to follow the road to Noja.

The Road

The official camino over the Alto de Brusco is straightforward. To follow the alternative along the road, turn left at the bend to follow a pedestrian path past the first roundabout. At the second roundabout bear right to follow the CA-141 in the direction of Somo. There exist several variants of the camino along this stretch, which may accidentally take you away from Noja and to San Miguel de Meruelo.

All of these options require you to turn left off of the CA-141 so if Noja is your destination, keep on the main road and ignore all left-hand turns. When you do leave the CA-141 it will be to the right and is marked Helgueras 2km.

If neither Helgueras, Noja, nor Castillo are on your agenda you can follow the left facing arrows and continue directly to San Miguel.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Not the easiest trail, more so on the downhill than the climb. We did it on a very dry, warm day. I would avoid if wet, as it’s so rocky. There were lots of locals on the trail when we did it though. Well marked.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

As others write, this is not an easy trail.
The weather was fine today but I still had to walk slow and was sometimes unsure where to step.
If the weather is just a little rainy or have been the day before I will not recommend the trail.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I failed to read comment above. This trail is not safe in or after a rainy day. Once you pass the sand, it turns muddy, slippery, and rocky. At points, is so narrow, that as you negotiate the muddy/slippery terrain you get stock by the thorny plants and vines. Poles are a most if it rain or is raining.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Completed the walk around the headland today. Perfectly acceptable on a dry day and if you’ve come this far already you should be fit enough easily. Poles help. There is clay in the soil so I expect that it could get slippery when wet. There are no exposed parts. The consequence of a slip or trip might be a bruise but not a fall. The headland suddenly rewards you with a view of both bays simultaneously. Well worth it. @caminobertie

Camino de Sant…

I stayed in Watsay surf house hostal, which is on the Main Street and minutes from the beach. Plane was very clean with nice staff and big rooms. If you book through booking.com then they charge you for a blanket and towel so better to contact them directly. Dining options limited in Berria, but was recommended to visit “Cacao” in nearby Arganos which did amazing burgers. Ferry from Laredo doesn’t go till 9am so staying here lets you have an early start.