This hike is, by far, the easiest one I’ve done since I started this project. For this, I had to choose a trail that was nearby, short and undemanding because we had to make it back to Bilbao by around lunch time.

Seven of us met up at Bolueta station where we started looking for the gate to Parque de Montefuerte. After crossing Río Nervión, we got lost because there were no signs pointing the way to the park. We eventually saw an old man who was walking towards Bilbao and asked him where the trail towards Malmasín is. He asked us to follow him and at a certain point, he gave us the directions that lead us to the park entrance.

Once we were inside the park, it was impossible to get lost because there were wooden signs and markers everywhere. Ironic, no? We walked along well-worn paths up Gaztelu (250 m) where our group had to split after taking our sandwich break. Two girls had to start heading back because they had Spanish classes at around 13h00. The rest of us decided to do what we came there for and finish what we started.

We walked another 600 m uphill to Malmasín (362 m) where we had another good view of the Greater Bilbao area. From there, I saw the five summits we reached the week before. I also knew that beyond that range was Serantes, which we reached two weeks prior. It gave me a good feeling, having this image in front of me. On top of that, my legs felt as though they were slowly getting stronger and getting used to walking uphill and downhill. I like that.

If I were to list the things I am liking about hiking, these would be the items on that list:
1. It provides good exercise at almost no cost;
2. It reconnects me to nature and gives me a chance to breathe fresh air after a week of being stuck indoors;
3. It presents incredible photo opportunities;
4. It allows me to explore the area surrounding Bilbao and gives me an appreciation for Basque Country and its landscape; and
5. It gives me a chance to hang out and bond with friends.