Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

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Flintlock
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Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

So, after having to cancel this trip in 2020 & 2021. It was eventually a green light for the end of September this year. Checks indicated that travel to/from Spain was now back to pre covid days.

Six of us were packed and ready for the off

Our ferry crossing from Rosslare to Bilbao was due out at 10.15am on Wednesday 28th September. We opted to set off on Tuesday morning for a leisurely run down

Some notes to get us down to our lunch stop in the Wicklow Mountains
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Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

So, straight down the M1 towards Dublin, the M50 and off at junction 12, then the R113 & R115 past the Hellfire Club (love that name - gonna have to visit next time).

The R115 takes you to Sally Gap , then straight across and down to Laragh. A lovely area.
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We had a great lunch at the Wicklow Heather bar & restaurant- I have availed of here before & highly recommended.
Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

After lunch it was a quick visit to Glendalough
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Then back to Laragh and south on the R755 then a right onto the L2083.

A quick coffee stop at Glenmalure
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Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

Barry takes the lead on his KTM 790 from here and it's a series of single track roads south through the Wicklow hills and onto our accommodation just outside Rosslare for the night
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A new sticker mysteriously appeared on my bike whilst I wasn't looking!


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Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

So, a short dander down the road to a local recommended pub - The Kilrane Inn for food & drink. The recommendation was sound with good food and service.

Then back to our accommodation for the night.

All was still on track for the Brittany Ferry 10.15am departure from Rosslare Harbour the following morning.
Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

Wednesday 28th September

The weather had improved nicely, from being damp yesterday to sunny & settled for our crossing.

We checked the weather in Bilbao over breakfast which gave heavy rain for our arrival. Based on this we booked our first night in Spain in Bilbao City centre.

A five minute run down to the port to join the queue
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The ferry left port on time with a settled sea beneath us. Not too many fellow travellers on board too which was good.




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Brittany ferries described this crossing as 'No frills' which was fair enough. The Connamara is a small vessell with basic facilities. That said the staff were very good and the ship very clean. At £275 for bike & rider & bunk return we could not complain
Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

After an uneventful, almost 30 hour crossing, we arrived at Bilbao port. It was nice to find that the crew had already taken off the tie down straps from the bikes when we rejoined them down on the vehicle deck.

We were off sharpish & on time. A quick check of our passports by the Spanish Police ( who also directed all bikes to a covered area to shelter from the rain whilst the checks were carried out - a nice gesture)

A quick ride into downtown Bilbao, bikes parked in the underground garage
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A quick shower & change and a short walk to a nearby restaurant
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by bikenav »

20220928_090225.jpg

The ferry left port on time with a settled sea beneath us. Not too many fellow travellers on board too which was good.


did you try your luck with a spinner off the back?
Flintlock
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Flintlock »

Lol - think I would have got a few looks trying that P.

Anyway - we were in Spain so we treated ourselves to a six course Tapas meal - excellent it was too
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Even though it was a very wet night the city centre was buzzing - all restaurants and bars busy.

Back at the hotel and another check on the weather for the next day. The rain was hanging around Bilbao & the North- so we would head south west in the morning
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Re: Picos & Northern Spain. 3rd time lucky.

Post by Spike941 »

The Picos yesterday morning.
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