Full Camino Frances Cycling: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago (self-guided) - 14 days

Arrival Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Piede de Port to Zubiri (52km). In the French town of Saint- Jean Pied de Port, The Way of Saint James/The Camino looks out over Spanish territory. 30 km separates the north and south face of the Pyrenees Mountain range along one of the most beautiful and inspiring stretches of the Pilgrims’ Way. This first stretch offers two possible itineraries, both of which are established Jacobean routes. The first, called the “Route of the Mountain passes of Cize” is harder, but also more rewarding. This route has sweeping views of the Pyrenees and green forests. The second route, through Valcarlos, is more accessible but lacks the stunning scenery of the first one. After Roncesvalles we leave the Pyrenees behind us and we ride through woodland dotted with the farms and fields and old villages of Navarra. This is the hardest day of cycling. After today it gets easier. 

Zubiri to Estella (66km). After Zubiri and its medieval “Puente de la Rabia” (Rabies Bridge) over the River Arga, your trail will follow the river Arga to the hamlet of Larrasoaña, which was once an important stop for pilgrims in Medieval times. You will pass through Pamplona, the city famous for its running of the bulls festival. After Pamplona you will cycle over el Monte del Perdón or Hill of Forgiveness. Savour the moment at the top and the views of the valley beyond before heading down to the medieval town of Puente la Reina. You will cycle through country lanes, fields and vineyards before arriving at Estella.

 

 

Estella to Logroño (49km). Today you leave behind you Navarra and head into the wine growing region of La Rioja. There will be long stretches of serene, undulating countryside without passing any villages before you arrive at the regional capital of Logroño. 

Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (48km). Wine and more wine is what you will see today as you cycle along country roads and lanes with the Cantabrian mountain range to your north and the La Demanda mountain range to your south. 

Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Burgos (75km). Today you will pass through woodland, fields and glimpse the Oca mountains on the horizon. You will pass through the town of Atapuerca with its UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric caves before arriving at Burgos with its magnificent Cathedral (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Burgos to Fromista (65km). Today you will cycle through what was once one of Europe´s largest forests before entering the province of Palencia and the Land of Fields/Tierra de Campo and Fromista with its ´perfect´church. 

Fromista to Sahagun (60km). Along this stretch the countryside is dominated by the seemingly endless austere plains of Castile which take you to Sahagún, the historical and cultural landmark town, boasting emblematic Romanesque Mudejar churches among many other attractions. You are reaching the half way point on your journey. The first 16 kilometres of this stretch go along charming country lanes and bridle paths through farmlands, but the rest of the route largely coincides with the N-120 main road. 

Sahagun to Leon (57km). After leaving Sahagún, you are heading into the plains of León before coming to the splendid city itself. Leon boasts an exceptional artistic heritage, the most outstanding element of which is the Gothic cathedral. Crossing this barren terrain you can either take the less strenuous route along the Camino Real or the rougher route along the old pilgrim road. Whichever route you take, take plenty of water! 

Leon to Astorga (49km). The journey today takes you through a more populated part of the region of Castilla & Leon before arriving at the Roman city of Astorga steeped in history and the home of chocolate in Spain. The region of La Maragatería is famous for its muleteers and deep-rooted traditions. You will also come across the Bridge of Paso Honroso spanning the Órbigo River, and famous for the deeds of Suero de Quiñones, a 15th century knight. During the Holy Year of 1434, fulfilling a promise to a lady and naming Saint James as his witness, this knight participated in some famous jousting tournaments on this spot. 

Astorga - Ponferrada (54km). A tougher cycling day today as you cycle up to The Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro). Your highest point will be Cruz de Ferro, at 1,504m in altitude, it is one of the highest points along the French Way. It is also the symbolic place on the pilgrimage where travellers place a small stone that they have brought from their homeland. From this point it´s down hill to Molinaseca and on to Ponferrada. 

Ponferrada to O Cebreiro (50km). The Bierzo region and Galicia meet on this stretch which culminates at 1,300m in O Cebreiro, which is perhaps the most mythical of all the villages on this part of The Camino, and heavily charged with symbolism. Along the way you will pass through Villafranca del Bierzo with its fine collection of monuments and the Romanesque Church of Santiago. Here, pilgrims who were unable to reach Santiago de Compostela could receive plenary indulgence and forgiveness for all of their sins. The last eight kilometres is a climb of some 690 metres. However the spectacular views of the countryside and the notion that Santiago de Compostela is drawing nearer more than compensate.

O Cebreiro to Sarria (40km). The Bierzo region and Galicia, the lush countryside and the Galician mountains dominate this stretch. In Triacastela you have the choice of two possible routes: to continue along the traditional way, through the village of A Balsa in a setting of woods and meadows, or to take the road to Samos, whose great Benedictine Monastery has attracted pilgrims since ancient times. From here and as far as Santiago de Compostela, The Way makes its way through inhabited areas, passing through a succession of villages. Two of the most important of these are Triacastela and Samos. The Camino makes its way up and down hills, although this stretch descends almost 850 metres between O Cebreiro and Sarria. 

Sarria - Palas de Rei (47km). The Camino leads out of Sarria through some of the most magnificent oak woods to be found on the entire route, continuing through an endless succession of villages and farmland. Historically Portomarín stands out as having been one of the most important towns along the route, but it disappeared under the waters of the Belesar Reservoir built on the Miño River in 1962. The new town of Portomarín, by the ruins of the old town, has tried to maintain its traditional charm. Some of the old buildings from the original site were moved to the new location, such as the Church of San Nicolás (12th century). This penultimate part of the route travels through a countryside of rolling hills and short stretches of plains.

Palas de Rei - Santiago de Compostela (69km). We are just 69 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela now and the route becomes increasingly filled with pilgrims. The Camino takes us across valleys and rivers descending to the Tambre. The succession of ascents and descents continue. On reaching the Monte do Gozo, we have our first glimpse of the spires of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. From here we ride directly into the heart of the city and arrive at the Plaza de Obradoiro.