Camino Frances Pyrenees to Santiago
|
St Jean Pied de Port - Logrono 8 days /7nights / 7 walking days  | For pilgrims heading for Spain and Santiago, the crossing of the Pyrenees has always been the highpoint in every respect. From Roncesvalles, the route heads for Pamplona and Logrono, two towns with notable historic centres. |
Day 1: Arrive St. Jean-Pied-de-Port
Day 2: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port – Roncesvalles
Altitude at departure: 180m/594ft
To cross the Pyrenees, it is better to use the Route Napoleon which tallies with the old Roman road between Bordeaux and Astorga, and was used by pilgrims. The other route via Arneguy is less interesting. Initially, we climb up to Our Lady of Biakorri (or Orisson) at 1095m/3614ft, then a short respite before continuing up to the Col Lepoeder at 1430m/4719ft, the high point of the entire pilgrimage. From here, descend to Puerto de Ibaneta and Roncesvalles.
Altitude at arrival: 920m/3036ft, 24.9 kms/15.6 miles, 8 hours Day 3: Roncesvalles – Zubiri
Altitude at departure: 920m/3036ft
This first completely Spanish section is essentially Pyreneean. Pass several pretty villages Burguete, Espinal (871m/2874ft), Viscarret...whilst everywhere is the shade of the immortal Roland.
Altitude at arrival: 526m/1736ft, 21.8 kms/13.6 miles, 6 hours
Day 4: Zubiri - Pamplona
Altitude at departure: 526m/1736ft
The itinerary follows the Arga Valley as far as Zabadilca before crossing to Pamplona, the first major Spanish town on the route. Don't be taken in by the frequently unattractive nature of Spanish towns' suburbs – they often conceal fascinating historic centres (casco antiguo). Pamplona is just such an example and it worth spending time exploring the old town's ancient streets, especially as unusually dinner is not included tonight.
Altitude at arrival: 415m/1370ft, 20.8 kms/13 miles, 5 hours 30 mins Day 5: Pamplona – Puente la Reina
Altitude at departure: 415m/1370ft
With the Pyrenees far behind us, we continue across Navarre. After the picturesque village of Zariquiegui, we cross the Sierra del Perdon, bristling with windmills. At the top (780m/2574ft), we pass a surprising group of pilgrms fashioned in metal, before descending to Puente la Reina, joining point for pilgrims coming from Arles via the Somport pass. As the accommodation is just outside the old town, you may prefer to visit it tomorrow.
Altitude at arrival: 346m/1142ft, 23.5 kms/14.7 miles, 5 hours 30 mins.
Day 6: Puente la Reina – Estella
Altitude at departure: 346m/1142ft
As the route heads towrds the Rioja region, which we will reach the day after tomorrow, the landscape is flatter and drier. Nonetheless there are curiosities to enjoy along the way – roman roads, medieval bridges...half-way we will cross the restored centre of Cirauqui (498m/1643ft)
Altitude at arrival: 426m/1406ft, 22.1 kms/13.8 miles, 5 hours 30 mins Day 7: Estella – Los Arcos
Altitude at departure: 426m/1406ft
The route flanks immense fields, whilst a short detour is worthwhile to the monastery of Irache, where a curious wine fountain has been built.The more sober-minded may prefer to quench their thirst further on a the fountain of Villamayor de Monjardin.
Altitude at arrival: 447m/1475ft, 21.3 kms/13.3 miles, 5 hours 15 mins
Day 8: Los Arcos – Logrono
Altitude at departure: 447m/1475ft
Today we pass from Navarre into Rioja, famous for its vineyards, and watered by the Ebre river. The old town in Logrono, the regional capital, hides some fine surprises for the walker.
Altitude at arrival: 400m/1320ft, 27.9 kms/17.4 miles, 6 hours 45 mins.(End of the stay at the end of the afternoon) - possibility one night additional at Logroño.
|
|
