Pamplona to León

The goal of all historic ways to Santiago is the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. And the most famous route of all is the one known as the French way, which crosses the Pyrenees from France into Spain. The route is brimming with history, legends and art, and boasts a wealth of landscapes and natural settings as diverse as they are unforgettable. During the Middle ages practically the only way to travel this route was on foot or horseback. The coming of new means of transportation did not change the course of these methods of travelling, except in one case – the bicycle. Travelling the Pilgrim’s way to Santiago by bicycle has been accepted as it embodies many of the traditional features of the Pilgrimage. Indeed, the speed and the changes in pace are complemented by considerable physical effort and the sense of overcoming one’s limitations, being thus conducive to reflection and a certain feeling of solitude, which are all compatible with group travelling and solidarityThe Pilgrim’s Way from Pamplona to Santiago by bicycle is divided into 13 stretches, in attempt to combine the stamina of the average cyclist with the places of historic and artistic interest along the route.

Day 1 :   Arrival in Pamplona -  Ovenight Pamplona ** B&B

Day 2 :  Pamplona – Estella 
44 km – Minimum elevation 397 m – maximum elevation 780 m
This stage penetrates into the heart of the ancient region of Navarra. It crosses dry plains and furrowed farmlands dotted with towns and villages. After travelling half way, the cyclist enters the emblematic town of Puente la Reina, where the two routes of the French way join together as one to head Santiago.
Overnight Estella ** HB

Day 3 :  Estella – Logrono
49 km – Minimum elevation 420 m – maximum elevation 590 m
This stage skirts the great Benedictine Monastery of Irache and crosses the Ebro River over the historic Piedra Bridge, at the gates of the city of Logrono, capital of the region of La Rioja. Fields of grain and vineyards line the way on this journey.
Overnight Logrono *** B&B

Day 4 : Logrono – Santo Domingo de la Calzada
48 km – Minimum elevation 390 m – maximum elevation 715 m
Vineyards and farmlands make up the countryside of a stage which leads us to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, rich in history and traditions.
The hills of La Demanda, to the south, and the hills of Cantabria to the north, flank the vast valley of the Ebro River which the cyclist crosses during this leg.
Overnight Sto Domingo de la Calzada *** B&B

Day 5 :   Sto Domingo de la Calzada – Burgos
75 km – Minimum elevation 640 m – maximum elevation 1165 m
The Oca mountains are the most characteristic geographical feature on this stage. The ascent up to these small peaks takes the cyclist through what is to be the last major area of woodlands before entering the Bierzo region. After visiting the beautiful Monastery of San Juan de Ortega, the landscape once again becomes dominated by plains, leading us to the monumental city of Burgos.
Overnight Burgos  ***  B&B

Day 6 : Burgos- Carrion de los Condes
86 km – Minimum elevation 800 m – maximum elevation 920 m
Like the previous stretch,  this stage is filled with numerous cultural landmarks closely linked to the way of St James. Althought this stage appears to be flat, there is a series of hillocks which the pilgrim must tackle. As soon as he reaches the top of one hill, another appears on the horizon. The pilgrim is rewarded by the stunning views offered by these vantage points.
Overnight Carrion de los Condes *** HB

Day 7 : Carrion de los Condes - Sahagun
39 km – Minimum elevation 830 m – maximum elevation 910 m
Along this stage, the countryside is dominated by the endless austere plains of Castile, leading the pilgrim to Sahagun, the most important historical and cultural landmark. The first 16 km of this stretch go along charming little roads throught farmlands, but the rest of the route largely coincides with the N120.
Overnight Sahagun ** HB

Day 8 :  Sahagun - Leon
57 km – Minimum elevation 800 m – maximum elevation 910 m 
After leaving Sahagun, the Way penetrates into the plains of leon. The scenery is very changeable and the way is difficult and stony. In Addition to the austere beauty of the plains, the pilgrim is ultimately rewarded with the appearance on the horizon of the city of Leon, with its exceptional artistic heritage, the most outstanding element of which is the Gothic cathedral.
Overnight Leon ** HB

Day 9 : End of the Trip after breakfast.