The route goes from sea level at the Ondarreta beach up to a height of 325 metres at the Venta de Orio. The steepest slope is on the way up to Igeldo, as the difference between the two points is 12 kilometres. After an abrupt descent down the cobbled streets of the San Nicolás district, pilgrims come out at the bridge over the N-634, and continue along this road until a local road which crosses the A-8 viaduct.