This walk explores the 1st section of the Camino Frances, beginning in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishing in the famous Bull Run town of Pamplona.
The Camino de Santiago is probably the most famous Christian pilgrimage route of all and this section explores the 1st section of the Camino Frances. It begins in France at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishes in Pamplona, the town famous for the Running of the Bulls Festival. You will follow the ‘Route Napoleon’ over the Roncesvalles Pass and then cross the Basque country, taking in the numerous cultural highlights along the way.
Price:
£395.00 pp based on two people sharing
£80.00 in a single room supplement (double room for single occupancy)
Supplement for person walking alone please ask
Difficulty:
4 to 6 hours walking a day. Easy to moderate route with 150 to 500 metres of altitude change per day.
Luggage:
Your luggage is transferred from accommodation to accommodation every day.
Day 1: Arrival at St Jean Pied de Port (overnight and dinner)
Day 2: St Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles, 24.9 km/15.6 miles.
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, 21.8 km/13.6 miles.
Altiitude at departure: 920m/3036ft.
This first completely Spanish section is essentially Pyreneean. Pass several pretty villages – Burguete, Espinal, Viscarret…whilst everywhere is in the shade of the immortal Roland.
Altitude at arrival: 526m/1736ft. 21.8 kms/13.6 miles. 6 hours.
Day 4: Zubiri – Pamplona, 20.8 km/13 miles.
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. Dinner is not included tonight.
Altitude at arrival: 415m/1370ft, 20.8 kms/13 miles, 5 hours 30.
Day 5 – Pamplona
After breakfast we bid you farewell.
