Camino del Norte - Day 4 - Markina-Xemein to Bilbao - 50 km by bus

The forecast was for extreme weather once again, 40 degrees in Bilbao, for which we were headed over the next 2 1/2 days. Faced with this and a 25 km leg with 400 m ascent, we decided to bail-out and take the bus to Bilbao. Meg and Mark had spent a week there a couple of years back and we were keen to explore it so it made sense for us to leapfrog a couple of days and meet them there. They decided to walk all the way there - they are true pelegrinos.

The walking leg was Markina to Guernika-Lumo, then Guernika to Lezama, then Lezama to Bilbao.

We went on the motorway

The bus dropped us about 1 1/2 km from our hotel, and being good pelegrinos we decided to walk there, stopping for coffee en- route of course

The walk was quite lovely in the mild morning temperatures, especially around the river

We opted for a slightly upmarket hotel, as most don't have a/c rooms as it so rarely needed.

We got to the hotel just before 11 am and they kindly checked us straight in. The street signs had the temperature at 26 deg, and this was the forecast. Thank goodness we went on the bus!!

We decided we would venture out for lunch, food being more important than comfort! It was pleasant enough if you kept to the shade

We headed into the depths of the old town through the shaded narrow streets. 

Lots of distractions there.

We decided to leave the pintxos for the evening and instead went for the AUD 20 menu del dia at Gorbea Restaurant. This proved an excellent choice. A great 3 courses plus a Navarra rosado (rose). Melt in your mouth beef checks and grilled Iberian pork for mains 

...and who can pass up the flan for dessert

After lunch we strolled to the main plaza in the old town, surrounded by pintxo bars

..and we saw the remnants of yesterday's Basque parade.

The heat in the shaded streets was quite intense so we headed back for the a/c, passing this en-route

.. but stopping for the odd touristy photo

The afternoon was definitely stay in the a/c. It was still 38 degrees at 6 pm. We ventured out at 7 pm, walking up the river and over the stylish pedestrian bridge

To the Gugenheim, with a couple of impressive sculptures outside - pick the one with the skinniest legs!

The building of course did not disappoint.

..and puppy was outside!

We stopped at a cafe opposite where there was a great Sengelese band playing.

..and it was another kalimutcho (iced red wine and coke mix - a Basque summer favourite

Then off to a well reputed beer and gin bar

..and as it was only 10 pm, we rounded it off with some vino tintos and pintxos at a very local El Globo 

Even after that it wasn't quite dark and the evening city lighting was a treat

..and the stroll along the river almost cool