French Way by Bicycle S

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FRENCH WAY BY BICYCLE S. Jean Pied de Port cut onthedotted line Roncesvalles MY NOTES Larrasoaña Arzúa Melide Arca Palas de Rei Palas

Santiago de Compostela Somport Pamplona Portomarín Sarria Triacastela Monreal O Cebreiro Puente La Puente Reina Estella Villafranca del Bierzo León Samos Sangüesa Los Arcos Ruesta Arrés Jaca Ponferrada Rabanal del Camino San Martín del Camino Logroño El Burgo Ranero Astorga Santo Calzada Domingo de la Belorado Nájera 31.1 km 27.3 km 22.7 km 29.8 km 25.7 km 30.8 km San Juan de Ortega Sahagún Carrión de los Condes Burgos Castrojeriz Frómista

22 km km km19.1 14.8 km14 25 km 22.4 km 18.3 km 21.1 km 29.7 km 22.3 km 32.1 km 19.6 km 24.5 km 26 km 37.2 km 18.1 km 39.7 km 19.5 km 25.5 km 39.7 km 28 km 24.3 km 22.7 km 21 km 29.6 km 28.3 km 21.6 km 22 km 24 km 20.4 km 22.1 km 24.9 km

ESTABLISHMENTS THAT OFFER ACCOMMODATION TO PILGRIMS The goal of all the historic ways to Santiago is the over rough terrain, interspersed with continuous clothing before leaving and to have a basic knowledge City of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. And the climbs up and down hills as well as a few mountain of bicycle mechanics. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR AUTONOMOUS REGION OF ARAGON VILLAMAYOR DE MONJARDÍN HORNILLOS DEL CAMINO VALDEVIEJAS SARRIA most famous route of all is the one known as the passes. But the pilgrim can plan these 800 kilometres LOS ARCOS HONTANAS MURIAS DE RECHIVALDO CALVOR PUBLIC HOSTEL In order to use a hostel’s facilities, pilgrims must comply with the HUESCA PROVINCE SANSOL CASTROJERIZ CASTRILLO DE LOS POLVAZARES SARRIA PUBLIC HOSTEL French Way, which crosses the Pyrenees from France as he or she wishes, depending on how physically fit The condition of the route following requirements: SOMPORT TORRES DEL RÍO ITERO DEL CASTILLO SANTA CATALINA DE SOMOZA BARBADELO PUBLIC HOSTEL into Spain. This route is brimming with history, the person is and how much time they have to spare. 1. Each hostel stay will be for one night only, except in cases of illness CANFRANC VIANA EL GANSO legends and art, and boasts a wealth of landscapes Before setting out, the key factors to consider are the The best time of year to cycle along the Pilgrims’ Way

VILLANÚA PALENCIA PROVINCE RULES OF USE or other unforeseen circumstances. RABANAL DEL CAMINO PARADELA is the first fortnight in September, after the hot JACA AUTONOMOUS REGION OF LA RIOJA ITERO DE LA VEGA FONCEBADÓN FERREIROS PUBLIC HOSTEL and natural settings as diverse as they are bicycle and its equipment, physical fitness and food. 2. The hostel door closes at 10pm. SANTA CILIA DE JACA BOADILLA DEL CAMINO MANJARÍN unforgettable. This publication takes us along this Pilgrims should also find out about their route and summer weather has subsided, but when the days HOSTEL NETWORK 3. Hostels must be vacated before 8am. ARRÉS LOGROÑO PROVINCE FRÓMISTA EL ACEBO PORTOMARÍN LOGROÑO POBLACIÓN DE CAMPOS route, which after leaving France, crosses the North plan ahead. Particularly worthy of consideration is are still long. Another good season is from late May 4. In order to allow pilgrims to have a good night’s rest, the lights will ZARAGOZA PROVINCE NAVARRETE RIEGO DE AMBRÓS PORTOMARÍN PUBLIC HOSTEL VILLARMENTERO DE CAMPOS MOLINASECA of Spain and brings us to Santiago. During the Middle how much baggage to take. until the beginning of July. During the spring and be turned off at 10.30pm, with the exception of the common areas. ARTIEDA SOTÉS VILLALCÁZAR DE SIRGA GONZAR PUBLIC HOSTEL Ages practically the only way to travel this route was early autumn the Way is at its very best, although RUESTA VENTOSA PONFERRADA VENDAS DE NARÓN PUBLIC HOSTEL 5. Pilgrims will respect the facilities, leaving them tidy and clean, and CARRIÓN DE LOS CONDES CACABELOS UNDUÉS DE LERDA NÁJERA HELPFUL TIPS FOR PILGRIMS on foot or on horseback. The coming of new means Equipping the bicycle changing weather conditions may put a damper on ACCOMMODATION putting rubbish in the containers supplied. CALZADILLA DE LA CUEZA CARRACEDO DEL MONASTERIO AZOFRA LEDIGOS MONTERROSO of transportation did not change the course of these the trip from time to time. The months of July and The order of priority for accommodation in hostels is as follows: 6. Water and electricity should not be wasted. AUTONOMOUS REGION OF NAVARRE CIRUEÑA PIEROS PUBLIC HOSTEL SCHOOL OF LIGONDE TERRADILLOS DE TEMPLARIOS VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO methods of travelling, except in one case –the bicycle. The basic equipment of any mountain bike should August are not the best times of year to choose, 1. Pilgrims with physical limitations. 7. The drying area is to be used exclusively for drying clothes. Failure PAMPLONA PROVINCE SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA VILLADA LIGONDE PUBLIC HOSTEL CIRIÑUELA PEREJE The strong attraction –both culturally and spiritually– usually be sufficient to tackle a route such as the mainly because of the heat. If you do decide to travel 2. Pilgrims on foot. to comply with the abovementioned regulations, as well as behaviour VALCARLOS MORATINOS TRABADELO GRAÑÓN PALAS DE REI of making the journey to Santiago in the traditional Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago with minimum safety during these months, it is advisable to do so early in RONCESVALLES SAN NICOLÁS DEL REAL CAMINO LA PORTELA DE VALCARCE 3. Pilgrim on horseback. deemed to disturb the everyday functioning of hostels, will enable ALFARO – C. EBRO OS CHACOTES PUBLIC HOSTEL ZUBIRI AMBASMESTAS way –on foot or on horseback– has been maintained, guarantees. It is, however, necessary to fit the bicycle the morning and late in the afternoon. The Way is 4. Pilgrims on bicycles. their managers to invite the offenders to leave, with no liability. This

CALAHORRA – C. EBRO LEÓN PROVINCE PALAS DE REI PUBLIC HOSTEL cut onthedotted line LARRASOAÑA VEGA DE VALCARCE owing to the interest of the pilgrims themselves, to with panniers and a bike rack over the rear wheel. It not pleasant to travel along in winter, due to the 5. People travelling in support cars. may include prohibition from using the facilities of other hostels HUARTE ALCANADRE – C. EBRO SAHAGÚN MATO CASANOVA PUBLIC HOSTEL CALZADA DEL COTO RUTELÁN the conservation of much of the original route and, is also useful to have a small pack under the seat to adverse weather conditions. It is cold and often wet, Vacancies will be filled upon pilgrims’ arrival at hostels, as prior belonging to the network. ARRE – VILLAVA AUTONOMOUS REGION OF CASTILE LAS HERRERÍAS SANGÜESA CALZADILLA DE LOS HERMANILLOS A CORUÑA PROVINCE in recent years, thanks to the creation of different carry a small tool kit. Other convenient equipment and even snows occasionally, and the roads are in reservations are not permitted. AND LEÓN BERCIANOS DEL REAL CAMINO LA FABA IZCO LAGUNA DE CASTILLA services adapted to these types of journeys. Travelling includes handlebar packs to carry maps and poor condition. MONREAL BURGOS PROVINCE EL BURGO RANERO MELIDE RELIEGOS the Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago by bicycle has been information about the route. A speedometer may TIEBAS REDECILLA DEL CAMINO AUTONOMOUS REGION OF GALICIA MELIDE PUBLIC HOSTEL SERVICES MURUZÁBAL VILORIA DE RIOJA MANSILLA DE LAS MULAS accepted as it embodies many of the traditional also be installed. The Compostela RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSTEL RESIDENTS * Bed with disposable bedding PUENTE VILLARENTE PUBLIC HOSTELS PAMPLONA VILLAMAYOR DEL RIO ARZÚA features of the pilgrimage. Indeed, the speed and the A night’s stay in a hostel and the use of its services and facilities costs * Use of the kitchen (no tableware) VILLAVA BELORADO ALCAHUEJA LUGO PROVINCE RIBADISO PUBLIC HOSTEL STA. MARIA DE CARBAJAL changes in pace are complemented by considerable Physical training Before you leave, you must also decide if you wish to € 6 per person per day, and a receipt will be given by the manager * Shower (hot water) CIZUR MENOR TOSANTOS ARZÚA PUBLIC HOSTEL obtain the compostela, the document that serves to ZARIQUIEGUI VILLAMBISTIA LEÓN O CEBREIRO physical effort and the sense of overcoming one’s of the hostel on payment. UTERGA ESPINOSA DEL CAMINO LA VIRGEN DEL CAMINO O CEBREIRO PUBLIC HOSTEL O PINO limitations, being thus conducive to reflection and a Experienced cyclists should practise riding on rough accredit the pilgrimage to Santiago which is issued VALVERDE DE LA VIRGEN OBANOS VILLAFRANCA MONTES DE OCA HOSPITAL DA CONDESA PUBLIC HOSTEL SANTA IRENE PUBLIC HOSTEL terrain with loaded bicycle packs prior to their by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela through VILLADANGOS DEL PÁRAMO certain feeling of solitude, which are all compatible PUENTE LA REINA SAN JUAN DE ORTEGA O PEDROUZO PUBLIC HOSTEL (ARCA-O VILLAR DE MAZARIFE with group travelling and solidarity. departure. Those who are not experienced should the Pilgrim’s Office. This certificate is granted to those MAÑERU AGÉS TRIACASTELA PINO) CIRAUQUI ATAPUERCA SAN MARTÍN DEL CAMINO TRIACASTELA PUBLIC HOSTEL start off gently, gradually building up their cycling pilgrims who have completed the Way for religious HOSPITAL DE ÓRBIGO LORCA OLMOS DE ATAPUERCA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Before you leave skills and stamina and practising on rough terrain. It reasons, either on foot, horseback or by bicycle. Cyclists VILLATUERTA BURGOS VILLARES DE ÓRBIGO SAMOS SANTIBÁÑEZ DE VALDEIGLESIAS MONTE DO GOZO PUBLIC HOSTEL is a good idea to start training a month before must prove that they have travelled at least the last THE FRENCH WAY BY BICYCLE ESTELLA TARDAJOS CASA FORTE DE LUSÍO SAN LÁZARO PUBLIC HOSTEL AYEGUI RABÉ DE LAS CALZADAS ASTORGA HOSTEL MONASTERY OF SAMOS If you start your itinerary at the last village on the departure, riding a little every day, gradually 200 kilometres of this pilgrimage route by presenting Way before entering Spain, via Roncesvalles, as we increasing the distances. The last week should be a card that has been stamped by the different propose here, the distance from Santiago is nearly dedicated to getting used to riding with full bike establishments of the Church and other entities along THE GALICIA WAYS 800 kilometres. Approximately half of the route travels packs. It is essential to have tested all equipment and the Way.

SOS GALICIA AND CIVIL PROTECTION 112 NORTHERN WAY EMERGENCIES AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 061 INFORMATION OFFICE TURGALICIA 902 200 432 Ferrol Neda Barreiros A CORUÑA TOURIST OFFICE 981 221 822 Ribadeo ENGLISH WAY Lourenzá FERROL TOURIST OFFICE 981 337 131 LUGO TOURIST OFFICE 982 231 361 Mondoñedo A Coruña Pontedeume Santiago de Abres OURENSE TOURIST OFFICE 988 372 020 Trabada PONTEVEDRA TOURIST OFFICE 986 850 814 Vilalba Abadín SANTIAGO TOURIST OFFICE 981 584 081 Carral Betanzos GALICIA TOURIST OFFICE IN MADRID 91 5954200/91 5954214 PHONE NUMBERS AND TOURIST INFORMATION AND ACCOMODATION IN SANTIAGO PRIMITIVE WAY Stage of the Way after passing through Melide

Muxía ADDRESSES OF INTEREST Baamonde (RESERVATION CENTRE) 981 958 058/981 555 129/981 568 521 Dumbría MAP OF THE HISTORIC QUARTER OFICINA INFORMACIÓN XACOBEO 981 552 288/902 332 010 Ordes Miraz SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Bruma Hospital Sobrado Vilabade A Fonsagrada [email protected] Lugo Paradavella PILGRIM’S OFFICE 981 568 846 Cee A Igrexa Boimorto INFORMATION CENTRE AND VISITOR CENTRE Negreira Arca Castroverde O Cádavo MONDOÑEDO 982 521 418 LUGO 982 222 673 Fisterra Ponte Maceira Arzúa Palas de Rei WEATHER INFORMATION 881 999 654 FISTERRA-MUXÍA WAY FISTERRA-MUXÍA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Lavacolla Melide RELIGIOUS SERVICES 981 568 846 Rúa de Francos Ponte Ulla BUS STATIONS Padrón Sarria SANTIAGO 981 542 416 A CORUÑA 981 184 335 Portomarín Triacastela PILGRIM'S PASSPORT Boiro Silleda FERROL 981 184 335 LUGO 982 223 985 Catoira O Cebreiro OURENSE 988 216 027 PONTEVEDRA 986 852 408 Caldas de Reis Samos Lalín FRENCH WAY VIGO 986 373 411 NAME: Vilagarcía AIRPORTS www.aena.es Aguiño Portas Castro Cambados AENA NATIONAL INFORMATION 902 404 704 Barro CITY: Piñor de Cea SANTIAGO-LAVACOLLA 981 547 501 A CORUÑA-ALVEDRO 981 187 200 VIGO-PEINADOR 986 268 200 Pontevedra TRAINS www.renfe.es Cambeo COUNTRY: RENFE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS 902 320 320 Arcade Ourense TOWN HALL Redondela SANTIAGO 981 542 300 A CORUÑA 981 184 200 LEAVING FROM: Vigo San Cibrao Paderne de Allariz FERROL 981 944 000 LUGO 982 297 100 SEA OF AROUSA AND RIVER ULLA ROUTE SEA OF AROUSA Taboadela Augas Santas OURENSE 988 388 100 PONTEVEDRA 986 804 300 Allariz Nigrán O Porriño VIGO 986 810 100 THE OF , SIGNATURE: Baiona Vilar de Barrio Sandiás Campobecerros Tui ADDRESSES FOR THE PILGRIM Oia A Gudiña Xinzo de Limia Laza Porto de A Canda PRACTICAL INFORMATION www.xacobeo.es PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO: O Rosal ASOCIACIÓN GALLEGA DE AMIGOS DEL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO www.amigosdelcamino.com PORTUGUESE WAY CATHOLIC CHURCH INFORMATION www.peregrinossantiago.com ON FOOT BICYCLE HORSEBACK OTHER MEANS A Guarda Vendas da Barreira FEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE AMIGOS DEL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO www.caminodesantiago.org Verín WHERE TO STAY www.turgalicia.es / www.pazosdegalicia.com PORTUGUESE COASTAL WAY SOUTH-EASTERN WAY (includes the rural tourism network of Galicia) (VÍA DE LA PLATA) FRENCH WAY BY BICYCLE

S. Jean Pied de Port Roncesvalles

Larrasoaña

Arca Arzúa Melide

Palas de Rei Palas Somport

Santiago de Compostela Pamplona

Portomarín Sarria Triacastela Monreal O Cebreiro Puente La Puente Reina

Estella

Villafranca del Bierzo León

Sangüesa Samos

Jaca Los Arcos Ruesta Arrés

Ponferrada Rabanal del Camino San Martín del Camino Logroño

El Burgo Ranero Astorga Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Belorado Nájera

31.1 km 27.3 km 22.7 km 29.8 km 25.7 km 30.8 km San Juan de Ortega Sahagún

Burgos

Carrión de los Condes

Castrojeriz

Frómista

CARRIÓN DE LOS CONDES – SAHAGÚN SEAL SUGGESTED ROUTE 39 km Templarios (25), Sahagún (64) Ledigos (50), Terradillos de los Calzadilla de la Cueza (84 beds), Pilgrims’ hostels: Sahagún Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 910 m elevation:Minimum 830 m Distance: 39 km highway. coincides with the N-120 rest of the route largely through farmlands, but the along charming little roads of this stretchkilometres go the towns. The first 16 of the narrow streets in the streams and in the shade poplar trees lining a few of in the isolated rows of pilgrim can find some relief the summer season. The hard on the traveller during vast Castilian flatlands is The unrelenting sun of the Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago. halfway mark along the This stretch represents a many other attractions. Mudejar churches among emblematic Romanesque- boasting cultural landmark, historical and important to Sahagún, the most Castile, leading the pilgrim the endless austere plains of is dominated by countryside Along this stretch, the pilgrims to choose from. alternative accommodation options for almost all of the stretches, there are other tradition that must be complied with. Along foot take preference over other travellers, a At some of the hostels pilgrims travelling on reasonably priced. will find pilgrims’ hostels that are very will see, at the end of each stretch, the cyclist become a race to reach Compostela. As you characteristics. particular The Way must never must adapt the routeeach cyclist to his or her interest along the route.artistic Nevertheless, average with the places of historic cyclist and attempt to combine the stamina of The Way is divided into 15 stretches, in an Way, of Santiago. to the city de Port, an emblematic town on the Pilgrims’ neighbouring French town of Saint-Jean Pied Here we present the route that goes from the (Aragón).Roncevalles (Navarre) and Somport Spain through two points in the Pyrenees: along four major roads in France and enters the Frenchmost popular: Way. This route runs and the traditionally been the best-known publication proposes the route that has many different places all over Europe. This itinerary. the Indeed, Way can be reached from at a specific point nor does it consist of a single The Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago does not start very easy very SEAL

SAHAGÚN – LEÓN SAINT-JEAN PIED DE PORT – RONCESVALLES 57 km 26 km las Mulas (46), León (164) de (36), Reliegos (50), Mansilla Camino (7), El Burgo Ranero Hermanillos (16), Bercianos del Coto (24 beds), Calzadilla de los Pilgrims’ hostels: de las Mulas,Mansilla León Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 910 m elevation:Minimum 800 m road) Distance: an ample supply of water. in the morning and to carry early advisable to set out very cases, in summer it is historic pilgrim road. both In takes the traveller along the rougher, route, more solitary Camino Real, and the other strenous, travels along the stretch. The first, less alternative routes on this pilgrims have a choice of two in summer and winter. The an arduous proposition, both Crossing this barren plain is Gothic cathedral. element of which is the the most outstanding heritage,exceptional artistic of León,of the city with its appearance on the horizon ultimately rewarded with the of the plains, the pilgrim is addition to the austere beauty is difficult and stony. In changeable and the way of León. is very The scenery Way penetrates into the plains After leaving Sahagún, the Roncesvalles (80 beds) Pilgrims’ hostels: Roncesvalles Ibañeta, Saint-Jean Pied de Port, Alto de Places of cultural interest: difficult-advanced Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 1.480 m elevation:Minimum 233 m (CizeDistance: 26 km route) scenery.such spectacular accessible but does not offer through Valcarlos, is more the way. The second route, of deciduous trees all along landscape and lush woods views of the Pyrenean comes across sweeping travellerrewarding. The difficult, but also more passes of Cize” is more “Route of the Mountain tradition. The first, called the which have a long-standing possible itineraries, both of This first stretch offers two stretches of the Pilgrims’ Way. beautiful and inspiring along one of the most Pyrenees range Mountain and south face of the north separates the kilometres Spanish territory. A mere 30 of Saint James looks out over Jean Pied de Port, the Way the FrenchIn town of Saint- 57 km (via the pilgrim 57 km Calzada del easy SEAL

LEÓN – ASTORGA RONCESVALLES – PAMPLONA 49 km 48 km Astorga (96) Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias (25), Hospital de Órbigo (80), del Páramo (70 beds), Pilgrims’ hostels: de Órbigo, Astorga Hospital Camino (20th century), of the VirginSanctuary del Places of cultural interest: Maximum elevation: 950 m elevation:Minimum 800 m Distance: 49 km this spot. jousting tournaments on in some famous participated witness, this knight naming Saint James as his promise to a lady and Year of 1434, fulfilling a During the Holy knight. Quiñones, a 15th century the deeds of Suero de Órbigo River, and famous for Honroso spanning the across the Bridge of Paso stretch, the pilgrim comes At 33 on this kilometre traditions. muleteers and deep-rooted famous forMaragatería, its us into the region of La of Astorga,Roman city takes stretch, en route to the accessible plain. The last more populated and continues on through a The journey to Santiago Arre (20), Pamplona (20) Zubiri (18 beds), Larrasoaña (34), Pilgrims’ hostels: PamplonaZubiri, Villava, Viscarret, Pasos de Roldán, Places of cultural interest: moderate-difficult Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 962 m elevation:Minimum 420 m Distance: 48 km sections. follow the road on these two it is raining, it is advisable to from Zabaldica onwards. If the last leg of this stretch, down the Alto de Erro and the exception of the descent not especially difficult, with Barring this, the way itself is breaker”.veritable “leg ways that make this route a through narrow winding on a roller coaster ride This stretch takes the cyclist towns in the Navarra Region. and carefully-conserved delight in the magnificent invites the traveller to barren lands. This route with farmlands and dry and conifers, interspersed small patches of oak woods Pyrenean forest gives way to immense behind. The we leave the Pyrenees On this stretch of the Way Villadangos SEAL

ASTORGA – PONFERRADA PAMPLONA – ESTELLA 54 km 44 km Ponferrada (158) (46), (20), Molinaseca El Acebo de Ambrós (20), Riego Foncebadón (20), (10), Manjarín del Camino (154), Rabanal (16), El Ganso Santa Catalina de Somoza (34), Rechivaldo (24 beds), Pilgrims’ hostels: Ferro, Ponferrada Molinaseca, del Camino,Rabanal Cruz de Castrillo de los Polvazares, Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 1.504 m elevation:Minimum 500 m Distance: 54 km along the French Way. one of the highest points de Ferro, 1,504m in altitude, the pilgrim must climb Cruz to Santiago. On this stretch around the hills all way up and down snaking sinuous ways and roads route of the flat plains to the transition from the straight Way also undergoes a Similarly, at this point the cultures. gap that divides the two as a bridge across the act their customs and landscape Hereand Galicia. the people, transition between León region begins, the marking Irago,Mount the Bierzo of this stage. the vicinity In roughly halfway through which ends Maragatería through the region of La The way continues along beds), Estella (100 beds) (20 beds), Puente la Reina (200 Pilgrims’ hostels: Cirauqui, Estella Alto del Perdón, Puente la Reina, Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 780 m elevation:Minimum 397 m Distance: 44 km inclement weather. it difficult to travel in of this stretch makes part Alto del Perdón. The muddy during the ascent to the except for the last leg, This way is relatively easy, their way for the pilgrims. built to help the pilgrims on this town’s historic bridge is symbol of this junction towards Santiago. The together as one to head join other from Somport, from Roncevalles and the Way, one entering Spain the two routes of the French of Puente la Reina, where enters the emblematic town travelling halfway, the cyclist towns and villages. After farmlands dotted with plains and furroweddry region crosses of Navarra. It of the ancient the heart This stretch penetrates into Cizur Menor Murias de difficult moderate SEAL

PONFERRADA – O CEBREIRO ESTELLA – LOGROÑO 50 km 49 km Cebreiro (92) (14), Laguna de Castilla (14), O Vega de Valcarce (38), La Faba (120), Pereje (24), Trabadelo (30), (70 beds), Villafranca del Bierzo Pilgrims’ hostels: Cacabelos, Vilafranca, O Cebreiro Places of cultural interest: advanced Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 1.320 m elevation:Minimum 460 m Distance: 50 km for the effort. nearer more than compensate that Compostela is drawing and the notion countryside views of the spectacular 690 metres. However the ascend some kilometres chestnut trees. The last eight banks are lined with oaks and the Valcarce River whose through the narrow valley of same vein, from Villafranca this route continue in the The first few along kilometres indulgence. plenary de Compostela may receive are unable to reach Santiago Santiago, where pilgrims who the Romanesque Church of of monuments and collection admire this town’s fine Bierzo, the traveller may destination, in Villafranca del symbolism. Prior to this heavily charged with villages on this Way, and most mythical of all the Cebreiro, which is perhaps the culminates at 1,300 m in O meet on this stretch which The region Bierzo and Galicia beds) Viana (40 beds), Logroño (98 beds), Torres (30 beds), del Río Pilgrims’ hostels: Logroño Irache, Torres del Río, Viana, Places of cultural interest: moderate-easy Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 590 m elevation:Minimum 420 m Distance: 49 km ways. dirt problems with mud on the weather, there may also be along the route. During wet unpleasant companion all the wind becomes an hills to climb and where ending succession of steep a breaker”,“leg with a never- This is an arduous stretch – way on our journey. grain and vineyards line the region Fields of La Rioja. of Logroño, capital of the of the gates of the city the historic Piedra Bridge, at crosses the Ebro River over and of Irache Monastery the great Benedictine skirts stretch Compostela. This until it reachesthis direction turns west, and continues in Logroño, the French Way westerly After direction. stretch travelling in a south- This is the last leg of Los Arcos (88 Cacabelos difficult- SEAL

O CEBREIRO – SARRIA LOGROÑO - SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA trough A Balsa, 40 km; trough Samos, 43 km 48 km (84), Calvor (22), Sarria (41) Condesa (18 beds), Triacastela Pilgrims’ hostels: Triacastela, Samos, Sarria Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 1.330 m elevation:Minimum 450 m Samos, 43 km Distance: and Sarria. metres between O Cebreiro stretch ascends almost 850 down hills, although this Way makes its way up and Triacastela and Samos. The of these are important villages. Two of the most through a succession of inhabited areas, passing Way makes its way through Santiago de Compostela, the From here and as far ancient times. pilgrims sinceattracted has Monastery Benedictine road to Samos, whose great and meadows, or to take the A Balsa in a setting of woods through the village of along the traditional way, possible routes: to continue choose between two Triacastela the pilgrim can dominate this stretch. In mountains Galician and the The lush countryside The region Bierzo and Galicia Calzada (102 beds) (20 beds), Santo Domingo de la beds), Nájera (58 Azofra Pilgrims’ hostels: Domingo Navarrete, Nájera, Santo Places of cultural interest: moderate-difficult Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 715 m elevation:Minimum 390 m Distance: 48 km arduous stretch. conditions on an already the valley make for tough winds bearing down upon during this leg. The strong crosseswhich the cyclist valley of the Ebro River flank the vast to the north, the south, and of Cantabria The hills of La Demanda, to River. bridge spanning the Oja with a magnificent 24-arch along the Way in this area, influence can also be seen saint’spilgrims. The saint to attend to the founded by the eponymous Pilgrims’ Way, as it was Saint James and the traditions associated with and Calzada, rich in history Santo Domingo de la a stretch which leads us to of make up the countryside Vineyards and farmlands via A Balsa, 40 km; via via A Balsa, 40 km; Navarrete (33 Hospital da moderate SEAL

SARRIA – PALAS DE REI SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA - BURGOS 47 km 75 km (112) Palas de Rei pilgrims’ pavilion Ligonde (20), Palas de Rei (64), (30), Vendas de Narón (32), (22), Portomarín (110), Gonzar Barbadelo (18 beds), Ferreiros Pilgrims’ hostels: of the route– –in the vicinity Portomarín, Vilar de Donas Places of cultural interest: difficult Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 730 m elevation:Minimum 360 m Distance: constantly changing course. breaker” owing to the keep it from being a true “leg which, however, does not stretches of plains,short of rolling hills and countryside route travels through a of the This penultimate part (12th century). Nicolás such as the Church of San moved to the new location, from the original site were of the old constructions Some maintain its traditional charm. the old town, has tried to of Portomarín, by the ruins of River in 1962. The new town built on the Miño Reservoir under the waters of the Belesar route, but it disappeared towns along the important having been one of the most Portomarín stands out as farmland. Historically succession of villages and continuing through an endless found on the entire route, magnificent oak woods to be through some of the most The Way leads out of Sarria Burgos (102) Ages (38), Olmos de Atapuerca, (60), San Juan de Ortega Belorado (22) Villafranca (20), beds), Redecilla del Camino (40), Pilgrims’ hostels: Atapuerca, Burgos deposits of the Sierra de San Juan de Ortega, Villafranca de Oca, de Montes Redecilla del Camino, Belorado, Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 1.165 m elevation:Minimum 640 m Distance: 75 km of Burgos.monumental city plains, leading us to the becomes dominated by landscape once again beautiful set of buildings, the After visiting this de Ortega. of San Juan of the Monastery setting historic and artistic rewarded by the natural, pilgrim will see his efforts is behind him, the Mountains of the Oca highest section pass of La Pedraja, and the Once the arduous mountain region.the Bierzo woodland before entering to be the last major area of throughthe cyclist what is these small peaks takes stretch. The ascent up to geographical feature on this the most characteristic The are Oca Mountains 47 km Grañón (70 moderate- difficult SEAL

PALAS DE REI – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA BURGOS – CARRIÓN DE LOS CONDES 69 km 86 km San Lázaro-Santiago (80) San Lázaro-Santiago (400), do Gozo-Santiago Monte (50), Santa Irene (36), O Pino (126), (70), Arzúa (130), Ribadiso Melide Pilgrims’ hostels: Gozo, Santiago de Compostela Melide, A Lavacolla, do Monte Places of cultural interest: Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 560 m elevation:Minimum 290 m Distance: 69 km of the city.into the heart sight. From here we go directly Santiago –the goal is now in the towers of the Cathedral of we have our first glimpse of reaching do Gozo, the Monte highway several times. On this stretch crosses the N-547 for arduous cycling. Moreover, ascents and descents makes Tambre.of succession The rivers descending to the takes us across valleys and rather wearisome. The Way it village,village after making stage, the Way travels through major difficulties on this last the land does not present any Even though the contour of have made. them for they all the efforts strength. Santiago will reward stretch with renewed this last they need to tackle them the encouragement which affordsexpectation, filled with a sense of Compostela, the pilgrims are goal of Santiago de fromkilometres the ultimate At this point, just 70 (19), Carrión de los Condes (89) Campos (13), Villalcázar de Sirga Frómista (55), Población de (14), Boadilla del Camino (64), Castillo (12), Itero de la Vega Castrojeriz (106), Itero del Bol (10), Hontanas (34), Hornillos del Camino (20), San Burgos (10 prazas), Tardajos (10), Pilgrims’ hostels: de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes Castrojeriz, Frómista, Villalcázar Places of cultural interest: difficult Level of Difficulty: Maximum elevation: 920 m elevation:Minimum 800 m Distance: 86 km vantage points. views offered by these rewarded by the stunning horizon. The pilgrim is hill, another appears on the as he reaches the top of one pilgrim As must tackle. soon series of hillocks which the appears to be flat, there is a Although this stretch Campos. Palencia called Tierra de located in the region of Carrión, all of which are Villalcázar de Sirga and towns such as Frómista, monumental heritage of Pisuerga River, and the eleven arches spanning the Romanesque in origin with include Fitero Bridge, sites of interestJames. Other linked to the Way and Saint cultural landmarks closely stage is filled with numerous Like the previous stretch, this Mato (20 beds), moderate Villabilla de moderate- SEAL