San Sebastian

On the last day of our holiday we drove the 20 miles along the coast from our base at Fuenterabbia to the popular holiday resort of San Sebastian. There is no sign of the 1813 siege works as you approach the town, which has the feel of a very modern Spanish town. The road runs along the river towards the dominating mass of Mount Orgullo with the Castle of La Mota on the top. We parked immediately below the castle, and climbed the steep path to the castle keep, passing the site of the Mirador Battery on the way. Unfortunately the small museum was closed, but with the help of Jac Weller’s “Wellington in the Peninsular” we were able to follow the various stages of the siege.

Looking towards Isle of Santa Clara from the Castle of La Mota. The island was occupied by the Royal Navy to establish a siege battery, but also to prevent the constant coming and going of small French ships which took in ammunition, stores and reinforcements, and evacuated wounded.

Jan enjoys the views across the bay from the Castle Keep.