Spain's BEST Coast Is Served By A Remarkable Little Narrow Gauge Railway...

The north of Spain is served by a narrow gauge rail network all the way across its five regions. And I knew nothing about it. So today I put things right and head off on a day trip from Santander, Cantabria to Llanes, Asturias. This video is music-free, allowing you to soak up the authentic experience of this cool little train journey. Let me know in the comments if it's something you've done before and if you have any recommendations for other sections of this extensive network. Enjoy the video!
Filmed on Tuesday 5th March 2024
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Thumbnail designed using Canva
This video is not sponsored and all opinions are my own
I don’t pretend to be a travel expert, but I love what I do and would be honoured if you came along with me. My channel focusses on the wide-eyed wonder and excitement of finding somewhere new, and my genuine reaction to it. You may not get a history lesson in my videos, but who knows, you might pick up some useful travel tips along the way, add a few destinations to your bucket list and hopefully be entertained by what you see. Thanks for watching, it means a lot to me :)
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/ stevemarsh
FAQs:
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born in Glasgow but have lived in Carnoustie, Dalgety Bay, Stonehaven, Edinburgh, Montrose, and further afield (Salamanca, Spain & Devonport, New Zealand)
WHEN DO YOU UPLOAD?
Saturdays at 10am Scottish time. Occasionally a bonus midweek video will pop up (in which case, likely to be Tuesday at 5pm)
WHY IS THERE A DELAY BETWEEN TRIP AND VIDEO APPEARING?
This is a result of doing all this myself I’m afraid. Editing takes time and I also like to schedule videos a bit in advance in case of any problems/illness/cancellations etc. Keeping my uploads appearing every Saturday morning is important to me, so I don’t want anything to get in the way of it. Also, I occasionally need some time off to recover from trips!
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I film with a GoPro11 and my iPhone12. I edit on iMovie and use epidemicsound.com for music. I also use canva.com for thumbnails etc. I also have a DJI Pocket 3 (bigger sensor) for nighttime, although I’m still getting to grips with it.
WHY DON'T YOU SPEND LONGER AT DESTINATIONS?
The usual suspects I'm afraid - time and money! Hotels especially these days make my eyes water like a true Scotsman. Also my weekly upload schedule means I need to keep on the move.
WHERE'S ALICJA?
Alicja will feature whenever possible, but she has her own life and a proper job so it can take a while for our schedules to match up. Trust me though, I prefer it when She is there too!
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Yes I do. I've only ever accepted a complementary ticket as compensation for a previous problem. All my opinions are frank and honest reflections of travel as I experience it.
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It's my income, I can't do this for free. Notice I don’t have mid-roll ads though!
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I don't like to upset the flow of my videos, so I don't even include mid-roll ads anymore (at significant loss of income to myself), so I prefer not to include sponsorships either. I'm open to a small slide at the start/end of each video, but I don't want to get into talking about products, it's something I don't like as a viewer myself (especially as a viewer who pays for KZbin Premium). So it's probably a polite no, although all of this goes out the window if you offer me something which can give me the chance to make a video for my audience that would otherwise be impossible.
#SteveMarsh #Spain #FEVE

[@steve-marsh]

There will be a follow-up video this Tuesday at 5pm UK time taking a closer look at Llanes :) Have a great weekend everyone!

[@megaflux7144]

cant wait!

[@BobG127]

Looking forward to it!

[@kudzumoose3861]

Yes!!

[@Andy1962-in-Kinross]

I’m looking forward to seeing an area of Spain that I’ve never visited.

[@rosemarymee]

⁠

[@sonkeschluter3654]

I am too one of these strange people that didn’t need music when instead you can listen to the sounds of the journey.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for this :)

[@MeriMorMick]

Thank you. I always prefer authentic sounds.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks, I tend to agree! Will only use music when I have no alternative :)

[@christianpatton1852]

Me too :)

[@christopherperkins3416]

The sound of the train is much better than the music

[@stephensaines7100]

Ditto!

[@AnnemarieOshelda]

me too . Thanks.:)

[@janetmackinnon3411]

No reflection on your choice of music, but the actual sounds of the journey feed our fantasy of travelling with you.

[@chilllytube]

Music-free is best, thanks

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers :)

[@Diseased_Mr_T]

Authentic sounds all the way for me. Great video, thanks 😊

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks mate!

[@martinb8337]

Another vote for music free. Works particularly well on the small trains, the sounds of the journey are so evocative. Great video.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I was on holiday with family in Gijon about 15 years ago, couldn't find car hire to get us back to Bilbao for the flight home. We took this train, from memory it was about £35 for 5 of us, a magical journey, the "kids" (22,24,29) still talk about it now.

[@anajimenez2277]

The feve´s train driver staff here in Santander, we have all already seen your lovely video and we love it !! thank you very much ❤. Muchas gracias por hablar tan bien del precioso viaje en nuestro tren. 🚂💨

[@echosonicmusic]

Definitely music-free for me. Thanks for this lovely video, you have made me want to visit northern Spain again. Thoughts about visiting Valladolid?

[@steve-marsh]

I've only ever been to the bus station (in my Salamanca vid) but I'd love to explore more. My problem is Salamanca being too close! :D

[@michaelsaayman2802]

Nice video Steve. I think the video is better with original sounds instead of music, it makes it more real.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for that mate!

[@brigittescott-florek263]

Great video,the sound of the train is the best music for me

[@steve-marsh]

Even with all the beeps :D

[@PixelVibe42]

@@steve-marsh The driver must have RSI from pressing that horn ... 😆

[@pa1954]

@@steve-marsh Better without the music by a mile

[@tomasral]

Hello! I’m from Asturias and use narrow gauge railway regularly. I’m glad you have shown it to your viewers and enjoy Asturian landscape!

[@Cepia120]

Really good video congrats . Litle mistake at 0:36 the railway you took is not caled Cercanías its caled Renfe AM (Ancho Metrico) (Metric gauge) but many railfans or locals just caled as the old name Feve(Ferrocariles Españoles de Via Estrecha) (Spanish Narrow gauge railways). Another fun fact at 4:32 that train you took is the 2400 series feve train that has the nickname Apolo In a reference to the nasa porgram due to it was verry hard to drive. At 23:07 theres a 2700 series which is nicknamed "Ikea" due to the reliability but it is a verry confy train to ride on (: At 11:56 the Feve network is one the largest narrow gague railway in the South of Europe with 1250km and used to be much larger reaching Mallorca,Cataluya,Valencia, Basaque country and the French border but rigth now there being operated by a operstor from each comunity so what Renfe has its the clasic Feve network with the 1250 km if tracks. And this railway became really famous latly because of the "trains could not fit tunels" which was when Adif and Renfe kinda sumited the wrong mesument for CAF(the train manufacter for the new trains) and well it was in media for a while rigth now there being build with the correct mesument (: If you look for a remarcable Cercanías line you can look to Madrid to! With the C9 line from Cercedilla to Cotos ( It was the onlly Narrow gague line from Renfe before 2012 when FEVE went backroupt) that is expecting to close in few wecks or months renovation and new trains soon but the fun 442 series train could pontencialy be lost I really recomed that line to!!! I will be loking forward to your next adventures in Spain. (:

[@HeidiPriest]

Love listening to the locals

[@theovenengen4067]

I'm not one to be tooting my own horn, but... that train driver certainly is. Wonderful video as always Steve, keep them coming!

[@steve-marsh]

🤣

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Because there is a multitude of ungated level crossings

[@SurfDetector]

6:47 I do much prefer the authentic sounds of the journey as opposed to a music soundtrack. Many thanks for taking us on another lovely adventure. Cheers

[@user-ur7zs8uj5x]

I always prefer the authentic sound than music. Thanks again for such a lovely post as ever. A.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I had no idea that part of Spain was so picturesque. The region has definitely climbed up my list of places to see in Spain.

[@steve-marsh]

The colour of the landscape hints at some rainy days, but worth the gamble I'd say :)

[@Simonsvids]

I visit that area often as my son lives there, but he is Welsh like me and used to the weather which is similar to Wales and it has a lovely oceanic climate unlike the rest of Spain which is dryer and more sunny.

[@carolynstewart9103]

What a lovely train..no you don't need music all the time..atmosphere on train is good....aw so nice to see Alicia...lovely surprise...look forward to seeing your next video steve...thankyou once again....scenery ....wow 🤩💃

[@jules4105]

Authenticity every time!

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you!

[@keithsimpson8335]

It's nice just having the natural sounds of the train and surroundings. A great look at real Spain.

[@deems5937]

No music thanks Steve, we just enjoy the sounds of wherever you take us. I thoroughly enjoy all your videos. Thanks from Otago, New Zealand.

[@marykneeland1214]

You are SUCH a curious, respectful explorer, big thank you! 😊

[@60_Degrees_North]

Definitely no music overlay required... Unless necessary. 👍 Thanks for bringing this one.... It's the only time I'll get to see it.

[@haroldsmith45302]

Thank you for this excellent train journey through parts of Northern Spain. The scenery you passed through was great. It becomes much more mountainous and stunningly attractive as one rides the FEVE trains westwards towards Ferrol. The natural sounds and aural ambience of the journeys are best, please.

[@lesleywebb9615]

This is a gorgeous area of Spain, which I visited several times in the 80s. I stayed in Llanes a couple of days and it was delightful. We also went to Ribadesella further along the coast and spent time walking in the Picos de Europa which was great. I can't wait for Tuesday's video so that I can see whether Llanes has changed much. Thanks for posting Steve

[@noahcount7132]

Whether you choose to keep the ambient sounds on your videos or replace them with music, Steve, you do it so well that it's a good fit either way. Looking forward to your tour of Llanes. 👍

[@dirtywaterpj_dj]

A decade or so ago I drove through the mountains of Cantabria (with a friend from Torrelavega), visited medieval villages, stopped at a cafè that was literally in the clouds. My scenery was absolutely gorgeous. I imagine that so many people have no idea.

[@steve-marsh]

That sounds to me like absolute heaven! (And a bit closer to it up in those mountains)

[@imarsden1972]

I’d normally say no music and keep the authentic sounds but the tooting of that horn was doing my head in 😂

[@hayleyjohnson3392]

Totally agree

[@Xafilah33B]

Lovely part of Spain. Weather is cooler and wetter than the Costas - in summer it’s near perfect. The food is to die for.

[@steve-marsh]

I can't wait to explore it more!

[@FSL123]

​@@steve-marshYou have to visit the Basque Country and the north of Navarre. Close to the French border. Beautiful landscapes over there. It's like Switzerland

[@user-wv8cs4si4n]

What a great vlog, thank you Steve, definitely prefer the authentic sounds and no music. Lovely seeing Alicia waiting for you at the end, and how happy you were to see her. I said a big ‘aaah that’s so lovely’ but then I am a bit of a soppy one 😊Looking forward to the next instalment 👍🏻

[@theBusManiac]

You need to take the Bermina Express from Tirano in Italy, via St Moritz to Chur in Switzerland. That's a narrow gauge railway and the scenery on there will blow your mind! Don't need music by the way, still a great video without it.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for the tip!

[@TorstenLif]

I definitely agree with this. And if you're even half a train buff, you'll be hanging dangerously far out the window to capture going around the helix at Brusio. But staying on a train that passes St. Moritz is definitely a good idea. I once had to waste an hour there waiting for my next train. Streets lined with expensive "sport" cars but not a grocery store to be found. I finally got some freeze-dried stuff from a shop with climbing/hiking gear.

[@georgobergfell]

Well, the Bernina Express or Glacier express are actually pretty expensive, so better take the local trains that stop everywhere. There are also other narrow gauge railways in Switzerland, like the MOB, or the BOB..

[@TorstenLif]

@@georgobergfell I don't know what price difference there is between the local and express services on the RhB, but bypassing St Moritz without having to linger there, is worth a few CHF in my opinion.

[@simonticehurst5899]

Love the sounds of trains and local chatter on a journey makes it seem more authentic as if I was there great content Steve much appreciated for all your effort.

[@LukefromMansfield]

I was watching you at the top of a mountain in Scotland an hour ago, now you are in Spain!! Another great video Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

It's nonstop mate :D

[@mottmott5156]

No music needed it's nice to feel like we are actually there. Thanks Steve for all your great videos. Janet

[@awhisperinthewind4253]

tourist hotspots are ok for the masses but give me this kind of travel adventure every time

[@steve-marsh]

I'm with you there!

[@michaelscott2789]

You had me at train. The fact that it was wee gauge just made it better. I love trains.

[@petergoddard1960]

Perfect for a leisurely day trip without the stress of driving. Wonderful views from the train, and time enough to drink them in as you trundle along your way. I'm looking forward to Tuesday's look around the town. I know my Saturday is off to a good start with a Steve Marsh video and some good coffee.

[@steve-marsh]

Ah cheers Peter! Enjoy the rest of the weekend too :)

[@joannharrington2279]

I could ride that train all day. What a great way to see the countryside.

[@simonwhitlock9189]

It is Saturday evening here in Oz and a Steve Marsh video has arrived to make my weekend, lovely journey with great scenery thank you so much and take care.

[@steve-marsh]

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :)

[@chrissiecarr5721]

I’m taking the train trip with you and I certainly don’t need the music, thank you very much 😉But,it would be great to have a friendly chat while we are on our way😊🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇺

[@francismurphy6745]

My favourite part of Spain, thank you Steve for a great video Happy travels

[@BoadiceanRevenge]

Lovely way to see Spain! Thanks Steve! As for music, either way is fine by me! 🙋🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🙏

[@erinmcgrathejm4985]

What a beautiful day trip. The North coast seems so much less touristy. And, what a beautiful day you had for your travels! Alicja was a surprise at the end of the video! Thanks for taking us along. Cheers, and ATB!

[@srcarranza]

Thank you Steve, for sharing. As when you fly, I prefer the authentic sounds of the journey. Definitely.

[@michaeltb1358]

I once spent a few weeks working in a village called Trubia near Oviedo. It was a chemical plant and the railway ran right through the plant. Sometimes we used the train to travel from Oviedo. That line is electrified. Great little trains, and there are also freight services.

[@MargaretMckenna-jc1ee]

Don't need music Steve thank you for the journey

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Margaret!

[@lynnb_and_ky_springer_spaniel]

Must be 10am, looking forward to this one Steve 🥰

[@steve-marsh]

Morning! Thanks :)

[@Scaw]

Thank you for not forcing me to hit the mute button in order to eliminate unwanted music. Natural sounds are definitely best. If someone prefers music, let them mute the natural sounds. Then they are free to play whatever they choose. Great video. Your videos have encouraged me to plan to repeat your voyage from Rosslare in the summer.

[@ukdavepianoman]

That would have been a good thumbnail "I took a train to Santander...and arrived in Olviedo". Just as well you checked. Great scenery. Really does look an interesting route along the coast both ways. It's nice to hear natural sounds, people chattering in the carriage etc. - but you do choose great music too.

[@martintattersall2528]

I was delighted when I saw this vlog! Many thanks, Steve. I used to own a house near Ortigueira, which is on the FEVE system. I used the little train frequently, usually to travel between the city of Ferrol at the extreme western end of the line, and my house. On several memorable occasions, I did the marathon journey from Ortigueira to Santander to get the ferry to Portsmouth as a foot passenger. An overnight in Oviedo is necessary for that, not to mention a tolerance for many, many hours on the train! I love the scale of the FEVE, those tracks wind through the hills and valleys at a leisurely pace, and you see all the local journeys and local folk linked together whilst you do the marathon!

[@steve45]

I'm going to buck the trend here. I think I'd actually prefer appropriate mood/background music, especially when there is nice scenery. Not sure it would have fit in on this video, but yeah I like a bit of setting/situation appropriate music.

[@Joncl]

Fantastic video. Love the real sound of the train and people chatting.

[@brianstanton6663]

It’s music free for me Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers!

[@BrianS5588]

Totally enjoyed this video, what a train trip! As far as I am concerned the sound of the train is music! (Bus journeys can have music over them, as they are not trains!)

[@steve-marsh]

Even with all the beeps! :D

[@TorstenLif]

​@@steve-marshA honkin' great little train!

[@josephmansfield2875]

Nice one Steve spent 5 days in Llanes 2 years ago so am looking forward to the next video. Great place to use as a base one beach after another around the coastlineDrove from Bilbao right across to Galicia and saw this train popping up every now and again. The Picos de Europa mountain range is v picturesque.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh so glad you've had the pleasure! I'd never even HEARD of it before!

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Nothing like simple, scenic train journey to relax and watch on a Saturday evening 😊 Thank you Steve

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Steve that was an excellent video I knew absolutely nothing about the north coast of Spain 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers James! Slowly getting round to discovering the north coast and it's a revelation!

[@Manilasailor]

On my first trip to Cantabria and Asturias, by car from Santander, we stopped in a layby to have some lunch which we had bought at a local shop. There was a Spanish car in the layby and the driver was looking at us standing by our car eating. He came over and it turned out he was an Englishman who had married a lady from Galicia. He asked what we thought of the North of Spain. We said it was beautiful and not so touristy. He made us promise that when we got home to the UK not to tell anyone. We went back many times after that.

[@simonboulton4490]

Steve another great video the line is like a regional railway service which connects small towns and villages to the larger rail terminals in the big cities and large towns.

[@steve-marsh]

Spain have such a great network!

[@ColinOBear]

Much more enjoyable listening to the train making its way through that gorgeous countryside. Thanks for showing me a part of Spain I knew about but have never seen. 😊❤

[@alastairross9628]

Had no idea the north coast of Spain was so beautiful. Look forward to the next video. ❤

[@steve-marsh]

Honestly, it's new to me too, but must be one of the best coastlines ANYwhere. Can't wait to continue the adventures there!

[@FSL123]

The green Spain

[@lesleysmith8300]

I have been to Santander twice. Lovely place. Nice beaches across the water.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh totally agree, the wee ferry across to Somo is a fun day-trip on a sunny day :)

[@AB_to_the_J]

Hi Steve, next time you visit Germany, you must see Thuringia by train. Weimar, Jena, Eisenach and Erfurt are "must see"-cities. Thuringia has lots of beautiful landscapes and the famous "Thüringer Wald". And there are no weird people like in Leipzig Connewitz. Another special spot is the Moselle. Riding by train along the Moselle ist one of the coolest travels here in Germany. From Koblenz to Trier, it's stunning. Wiesbaden is also worth a visit.

[@barball3955]

Another great video. So tempting to get off to explore the authentic small Spanish villages. Reminds me of the time when travelling on the stopping train from Barcelona to Sitges with my blonde, blue eyed, gregarious son. The elderly ladies going about their daily lives all wanted a cuddle. For a short time I felt 'part' of a very welcoming friendly community. Oh and just as good, probably better without music.

[@steve-marsh]

What a fantastic experience :)

[@andylane247]

Asturias is great. Go to Gijon and especially Oviedo. Great cidre and food !!!

[@steve-marsh]

Oh top tips! Yeah I'd love to explore that coastline more!

[@censport]

A free train ride? A Scotsman's gotta love that! 😉 Thanks for the ride, Steve, that was quite enjoyable. And being greeted upon your return, it can't end better than that!

[@user-ws5xw5jx7f]

Wonderful video. Very beautiful journey. I have travelled a lot by the Cantabric Coast of Spain, with my wife and my daughter, taking these regional trains, and we were with bikes. Is so amusing to visit the villages, the towns and the countriside of the north of Spain. Even if It rain a lot, It is a great experience. Manuel from Madrid.

[@hjones451]

You're a born traveller and hero, Steve - Hardly a well published or advertised way to travel, which I guess is what makes it so special.

[@MocomaminecraftYTOficial]

Some clarifications I think may be useful: The "cercanías" services don't only exist in the narrow gauge railways. In fact, Santander has an iberian-gauge cercanías line (C-1) and two narrow gauge ones (C-2 and C-3)! The reason why in Santander there are separate stations for both gauges is historical, as they were built by different companies and the services were never merged. In nearby Oviedo, for example, both Cercanías kinds (Cercanías and Cercanías AM (Ancho Métrico - Metric Gauge)) can be found at the same station. Also, there are some cities like Sevilla that have only iberian gauge Cercanías. Similarly, not only Cercanías services run on the narrow gauge tracks, there are also some regional trains to Oviedo (R2) and Bilbao (R3). In fact, the one you took was a Regional service to Llanes! the cercanías line running on the same tracks, C-2, doesn't reach that far. Also, yes the regional trains specifically, those that venture from Community to Community, are famed for being very slow, so most people take the bus or the car on those routes. Iberian gauge is what you'll find yourself traveling most often in Spain - that is, if you don't take the HSR services. Most HSL in Spain are built in UIC gauge, same as the rest of europe, for compatibility reasons. There are even some kind of trains (Alvia services, also some Intercity and in a few weeks some AVE even) that are able to change gauge on movement, by passing through a specialized facility. Finally, I don't know what happened at Llanes. Normally that is the point where the two services (Santander-bound and Oviedo-bound) cross, but never before when I was on that train did I have to change at the station. Very glad you liked green Spain! I may be biased as its my homeland, but it is the most beautiful part of Spain.

[@BerndTonn]

"Cercanías" is just Renfe's brand for local trains in any Castilian-speaking region.

[@MocomaminecraftYTOficial]

@@BerndTonn suburban lines specifically, but yes. Also the language has nothing to do, Valencia being an example. Its only in the case of Catalonia that is called Rodalíes.

[@MikeJackson1955]

That actually looks like a comfortable train, albeit not a high speed version. TBH, that is the better way to travel. Well done Steve, keep them coming.

[@davidwood4892]

Another excellent "wee" video Steve...Great commentary as always with some sound advice. ❤

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks again David!

[@BrixtonTone]

Love the north coast of Spain and it's rail system. Couple of years ago I went by train from Oviedo to Viveiro stopping off at places along the way. A great holiday experience that I hopefully will one day repeat

[@user-fh4yn5bv4f]

Anything close to the sea, I’m happy but the landscape and mountains added are the best! Love sounds of train and great when standing in vestibule! Thanks Steve for great video and great sounds! From B. C.🇨🇦

[@raymondsouthorn1578]

I did the Feve narrow guage train between Bilbao and Santander. Such a beautiful journey up into the hills. The train stopped at places that just had a slab of concrete as a platform. I think the locals had to ask the guard to get the train to stop at them!

[@JanetTurner-ff6zk]

The beat way to travel to see cities, towns and landscapes, is by train. Totally agree with you Steve. Been along many routes in Scotland.👍👍😃

[@Paul.in.Ireland]

Original authentic sounds or music makes no difference because its another Steve marsh classic! ( But i do prefer the authentic sounds if im totally honest 😜) ... Beautiful little train journey along a gorgeous location.... Have a wonderful weekend Steve! 🤗

[@steve-marsh]

You too mate! Cheers :)

[@freedomforever6718]

Beautiful countryside. Nice relaxing pace. No music is a good thing. Thanks.

[@johnallan4826]

Music is fine to cover copyright, but I prefer the sounds of the tracks and chatter, very enjoyable journey, almost felt like a local on commute. What a nice surprise at the end. It’s good to get a free journey but I would always have reasonable cash on me for small journeys as you never know, but not your fault if closed, typical card society. Thanks

[@steve-marsh]

Good point mate! Aye, bless Alicja for popping along to meet me :)

[@janettesinclair6279]

I love a train journey. These are all the interesting wee places and lovely views that you miss if you fly. Look forward to the next bit.

[@davidsmith7653]

I'd love to see the full journey on that "wee" train to the end of the line so get yersel back there soon with Alicja. A couple of days trip with an overnight stay would do nicely.

[@steve-marsh]

I met people on the train going the whole way, I wish I could've joined them :D

[@LeoJBR]

Much better with no music, just the ambient train sounds. I can always stick some tunes on at my end! 🎵

[@sandykelemen1012]

There was quite a scandal last year, I believe, when Renfe wanted to renew the fleet of trains but they didn't fit through the tunnels 🤣

[@steve-marsh]

Oh jees, I need to read about this :D

[@sandykelemen1012]

They had spent €258 millions of people's tax money on it

[@julioo.m7560]

There is no need to exaggerate since those trains were only in plans. They were never built, let alone that money was wasted. The gauge of the metric network is very specific to each line, and these new trains (already awarded and under construction) have to serve all lines.

[@sandykelemen1012]

Well, I've read differently in Spanish papers... However, do newspapers always tell the truth?

[@morrisminors9750]

Thanks for a great video, Steve. It is a journey I would love to make. As you say, Northern Spain looks more alpine than Mediterranean. On a technical note, I notice much of the narrow guage system is electrified. Governments have been promising electrification of the lines in the North of England for years. Even the lines to Kingston upon Hull couldn't get electrified when East Hull MP Prescott was transport minister!

[@DavidMKempMusicandTrains]

Steve, I just love the natural way in which you present ALL your videos, especially the Train videos when they are backing music free. Thanks to you I can visit and go places that I have never been to. Cheers. Great video.

[@beverlyzimmermann5868]

Thank you for the lovely trip

[@amitzdullnicker2k]

Team "No Music" here! 👍🏻

[@steve-marsh]

Sweet, thanks!

[@sandram44]

Beautiful part of Spain. I always enjoy Saturday morning with Steve and now can look forward to Tuesday. 😊

[@perolden]

Oh yes! this seem to have been a brilliant trip! The meter gauge raiways in northern Spain actually go into France with their metre track! The Iberian track of 1,668 metres is the normal, it used to be 1,74 m, but it changed to the Portuguese standard. there are some metre track railways in southern Spain as well. all new train tracks are bulit in the new standard track since 1992, 1,435 m. If you take a Talgo-train across the border from Spain you will see that the train (with axle-less boggies) change from Iberian 1,669 to standard 1 ,.435. Actually the tram in Trondheim,is the worlds most northerly tramway, after the Arkhangelsk(Russia) tramway was closed down, uses 1 metre gauge , it has since 1901. sadly, they have closed 4 of it's five lines. Trondheim was the archdiocese of not only Norway, but also Iceland, Greenland, Faroes, Shetland, Orkneys, Isle of Man and the Hebrides until the reformation, so for hundreds of years the people of Man and Hebrides needed to go north to Trondheim with any problems the local bishop could not handle... The reason why the train is so slow, i guess, is just for poor maintenance, and the railway authority probably put up limits. they don't want to spend money if the rails are to be changed for a new standard gauge, and new rolling material, the EU wil pay a large proportion of this new infra structure. spain has other track gauges as well, 1,445 m o,918 m and so on on their metro and tramways. Thank you, looking forward to new train travels in Spain, would the new video appear on tuesday?

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for the awesome comment! I've always wanted to do the trip where they change gauge. Yeah, a closer look at Llanes coming up on Tuesday!

[@TorstenLif]

I was once told that the reason Spain chose a wider track gauge was to have more space between the wheels so they could fit bigger steam cylinders. Spain was said to be Europe's second most mountainous country (after Switzerland, of course) so they felt they needed more powerful locos and in those early days the cylinders/pistons sat under the chassis, between the wheels, so wider meant stronger. Then some Austrian engineer basically turned the engine design inside out and put the cylinders on the outside instead and the entire wide-track concept pretty much became obsolete. OR the reason was to be incompatible with France, to make it more difficult for them to invade.

[@perolden]

@@TorstenLif That might be, but my general experience is that it is just coincidences that rule these matters. Spain has only borders with France and Portugal, I have a hard time believing that defense played a role, only romans, puinicians and vandals got there before the muslims, and then it took another 400 years before Napoleon came, in 2500 years that is not much. Mountainous? Well, that could have been the case was it not for that in Norway , which is way more mountainous than Spain , if you count mountains, and not elevation. Spain is Europes second highest country after Switzerland with an average height over the sea of 600 meters, Switzerlland is on 1300 meters. But if we count the terrain in mountains an valleys the , that is true mountains, and not vast lands more or less flat on a higher altitude the counting goes like this: -------------------------------- Greece is actually the third most mountainous country in Europe, after Norway and Albania. It's hard to believe, but some 80 percent of the nation's landmass is covered in rolling hills. -------------------------------------- www.mygreekodyssey.com/2019/01/06/standing-on-top-of-greece/ ------------------------------ skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/31439/is-spain-the-second-most-mountainous-country-in-europe --------------------------------------- And Norway used 1 metre gauge on 80% of their railways, Norway started building railways in 1847, only the ones connecting to Sweden was standard gauge. So the mountain hypothesis I find hard to believe. Nowadays the gauge is standard 1.435 all over Norway. However, in Norway the steep inclines (which you don't see as much of in Spain), made metre track the cheapest. Flåmsbana is a good example standard gauge 55 per mille incline

[@SkyQueue-xo3ee]

Hi steve great video as always, really encouraging us to try and travel more

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for coming along!

[@travelvideos]

24:22 They are basically living in the "wrong" time zone that is why the sun is up late in the evening. Their correct time zone is GMT or GMT -1

[@steve-marsh]

Ahhhh!

[@archiediggins641]

I loved Northern Spain. And this vlog is just fantastic

[@damedavidfrith55]

Music free nice to be able to listen to what we can see thanks for sharing your trip ❤

[@teaeff8898]

I enjoy the sound of what’s going on. And your commentary. 😃👍

[@user-yg9yv6mk9d]

Love this video, it's answered all my questions about doing the North Coast next summer..

[@steve-marsh]

Oh you'll absolutely LOVE it. Research well, because there are so many hidden gems!

[@ALM1919]

I do prefer your videos without music as I only really like listening to industrial heavy techno haha but In my head I could still hear “tooodayyy is not tomorrrrrowwwww, there’s noooo time to borrrrrowww” haha absolutely love your videos Steve!

[@markh8116]

Looks great! I very much enjoyed the video. Yet to visit Santander, so I must check out the railway too when I eventually get there. While studying Spanish in San Sebastian , I used “Euskotren” for exploring a bit outside classes. Very scenic views in parts too. I flew back to the UK via Madrid from San Sebastian Airport, which is actually in Hondarriba . A nice town also, well worth some time. The French town of Hendaye just across the water in a little boat.

[@mrscuteas]

My list of places I want to visit just keeps growing 😂❤

[@steve-marsh]

Mine too! Need to explore that whole coastline!!!

[@BobG127]

Such a scenic route... yet another pleasant video. I'm eager to get to the end of most other channels' videos well before the 25-minute mark. Here I always find a sort of relaxing and interesting entertainment that I would happily watch for an hour. When I think of coastal Spain, I usually imagine the Sun Coast with its throngs of beachgoers. But the world isn't just about sun and sand. I look forward to the next video. Btw, Steve, I appreciate the natural sounds of travel, as long as annoying passengers or crying babies don't ruin the experience -- and as long as there aren't long, monotonous sequences. I happen to also like the music you choose, so whichever way your artistic bent takes you, I will still be a regular viewer.