The stage, step by step
Leaving Güemes
You leave Güemes with Albergue La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto behind you and continue through a rural setting. The first clear change in the profile is the descent between km 1.4 and km 3.9, which loses 80 m.
Towards Somo
The route continues towards Somo over gentle undulations. Between km 6.9 and km 7.7, there is a 33 m climb with an average gradient of 4.4%; it is not long, but take it steadily rather than turning the stage into a race.
Somo and Ría de Cubas
Somo has services for eating and shopping, including Hosteria de Somo, Las Quebrantas, Pinar and several supermarkets. From Somo or Pedreña, you can take the pedreñera to Santander; if you do not want to cross by boat, there is an inland alternative that adds distance.
Entering Santander
After Pedreña comes the final part of the stage. Santander once again has plenty of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and supermarkets, so you can finish the day without continuing to search for services along the route.
What to see on stage 12
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
This 16th-century church stands in Galizano. The stage passes through the area before approaching Somo and offers a specific heritage landmark on a day dominated by rural and coastal scenery.
Coastal paths around Langre
After Langre, uneven dirt paths and wind-exposed areas appear. It is an attractive section because of the views, but take care with the surface.
Ría de Cubas
The estuary accompanies the section leading towards Somo and Pedreña. The landscape combines water, coast and the Cantabrian countryside before the final entry into Santander.
Santander
The city is the destination for this stage and has a wide range of accommodation and services. Once there, you can choose from options such as Enjoy Santander, Santander Central Hostel and Hostel Allegro.
Where to sleep in Santander
La Cabaña del Abuelo Peuto is at kilometre zero: if you slept there, this stage begins where the previous one ended and you need to find a new bed. Around halfway, on the way to Somo, there are a couple of isolated options such as La Cala and Plea Beach House, useful if you want a short day and an afternoon on the beach. The rest is in Santander, where there is plenty of choice, including Albergue turístico Villa Miguela, Hostel Santander and Hostal San Fernando. Bear one thing in mind when booking: if you cross the estuary on the pedreñera, the last boat determines your arrival time. Check the timetable in the morning and decide accordingly, not the other way round.
Where to eat and refuel
You leave Güemes with almost nothing around you: Restaurante La Terraxa, one kilometre away, is the first proper stop. Around kilometre 4, there is a small cluster of services with El Cruce, El Pajar and village shops such as Covirán and La Tienda; this is the time to buy supplies if you have nothing with you. After that, you have to wait until Somo at kilometre 13, where the choice opens up: Las Quebrantas, Pinar and La Brava for food, plus a Lupa for supplies, all beside the beach. If you are crossing by boat, take your time over lunch in Somo; Santander is on the other side and by then you only need to choose where to go.
Practical tips for this stage
The stage is gentle, but do not leave without water
The average walking time is 3.4 hours and the difficulty is low, but there are no fountains along the route. Leave Güemes with a full bottle and replenish it in Somo.
Take care with the surface after Langre
The coastal paths after Langre have uneven dirt surfaces and may be exposed to the wind. If the weather worsens, slow down and prioritise stability.
Decide in advance how to cross the estuary
You can take the pedreñera from Somo or Pedreña, at an indicative price of around 2.50 euros, or follow the inland alternative. In winter, it is advisable to book ahead if you want to use the boat.
Make your final purchase in Somo
Somo is the clearest place to eat and shop before Santander. You have Lupa, Dia and Alimentación El Parque there, along with restaurants and cafés.
Frequently asked questions about stage 12
How long is the Güemes-Santander stage?
It is 19.4 km, with an average walking time of 3.4 hours. The terrain alternates between climbs and descents, gaining 112 m and losing 190 m.
Is it a difficult stage?
The overall difficulty is low. The profile includes an 80 m descent between km 1.4 and km 3.9 and a 33 m climb between km 6.9 and km 7.7.
Where can I eat before Santander?
Somo, at kilometre 13, is the most complete stopping point: you can sit down for food —at Las Quebrantas or La Brava, for example— and use a supermarket to restock before crossing the estuary. Between Güemes and Somo, options are scarce.
Do I have to cross the estuary by boat?
No. You can cross from Somo or Pedreña on the pedreñera, or choose an inland alternative that adds distance and avoids the boat crossing.