ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO
THE CAMINO BY BIKE 2012
Pamplona to Leon and Leon to Santiago
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 Pilgrims’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 solidarity.
The Pilgrim’s Way from Pamplona to Santiago by biclycle is divided into 13 stretches, to combine the stamina of the average cyclist with the places of historic and artistic interest along the route.
PRICEPAMPLONA - LEON£850 per person indouble or twin room
£1015 in single room
£1347 for a singleperson travelling alone
+ bike hire £160 per bike
LEON - SANTIAGO
£710 per person indouble or twin room
£810 in single room
£1115.00 single roomand single traveler
+ bike hire £240 perbike
INCLUDED PAMPLONA - LEON
8 nights hotels 4 ** &4 *** (4 bed, breakfast and dinner & 4 bed & breakfast)
Luggage transport
Roadbook - route notes and maps
LEON - SANTIAGO
7 nights hotels 6 ** &1 *** (6 bed, breakfast and dinner & 1 bed & breakfast)
(possibility to upgradehotels in Astorga, Ponferrada & Santiago)
Luggage transport
Road book
NOT INCLUDEDTransportation between home and holiday
Lunches, drinks, four dinners
Anything not mentioned above
DIFFICULTY
Moderate to strenuous
WHEN TO GODaily May through September
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44) (0)1242 254353
Pamplona – Leon / 398 Km / 8 nights- 7 days ride
Day1: Arrival in Pamplona - Overnight Pamplona ** B&B
Day2: 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 to Santiago.
Overnight Estella** HB
Day3: 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
75km – 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 Condes86km – 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: Carrionde los Condes - Sahagun
39km – 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 through farmlands, the rest of the route largely coinciding 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 holiday after breakfast.
Leon - Santiago de Compostela
312 Km / 7 nights – 6 days ride
Day 1: Arrival in Leon - Ovenight Leon ** HB
Day 2: Leon - Astorga
49 km – Minimum elevation 800 m – maximum elevation 950 m
The journey to Santiago continues on through a more populated and accessible plain. The last stretch, en route to the Roman city of Astorga, takes us into the region of La Maragateria, famous for its muleteers and deep-rooted traditions.
Overnight Astorga ** HB
Day 3: Astorga - Ponferrada
54 km – Minimum elevation 500 m – maximum elevation 1504 m
In the vicinity of Mount Irago, the Bierzo region begins, marking the transition between Leon and Galicia. Here the people, their customs and landscape act as a bridge across the gap that divides the two cultures.
On this stretch, the pilgrim must climb Cruz de Ferro 1504m in altitude, one of the highest points along the French Way.
Overnight Ponferrada ** HB
Day 4: Ponferrada – O Cebreiro
50 km – Minimum elevation 460 m – maximum elevation 1320 m
The Bierzo region and Galicia meet on this stage which culminates at 1300m in O Cebreiro, which is perhaps the most mythical of all villages on this Way, and heavily charged with its symbolism.
The first km along this route continue in the same vein, from Villafranca through the narrow valley of the Valcarce river. The last 8 km ascend some 690metres. However the spectacular views of the countryside and the knowledge that Compostela is drawing nearer compensates for the effort.
Overnight O Cebreiro (Hospederia) HB
Day 5: O Cebreiro - Sarria
43 km – Minimum elevation 450 m – maximum elevation 1330 m
The lush countryside and the Galician mountains dominate this stretch. In Triacastela, the pilgrim can choose to continue along the traditional way or to take the road to Samos, whose great Benedictine Monastery has attracted pilgrims since ancient times.
From here, the Way makes its way through inhabited areas, passing through a succession of villages.
The stage makes its way up and down hills, although this stretch ascends almost 850m.
Overnight Sarria ** HB
Day 6: Sarria – Palas de Rei
47 km – Minimum elevation 360 m – maximum elevation 730 m
The Way leads out of sarria through some of the most magnificent oak woods to be found on the entire route, continuing through and endless succession of villages and farmlands.
This penultimate part of the route travels through a countryside of rolling hills and short stretches of plains, which, however, does not keep it from being a true “leg breaker” owing to the constantly changing course.
Overnight Palas de Rei *** HB
Day 7: Palas de Rei – Santiago de Compostela
69 km – Minimum elevation 290 m – maximum elevation 560 m
At this point, just 70 km from the ultimate goal of Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrims are filled with a sense of expectation which affords them the encouragement they need to tackle this last stretch with renewed strength. Even though the contour of the land does not present any major difficulties on this last stage, the Way travels through village after village, across valleys and rivers …
The succession of ascents and descents makes for arduous cycling.
On reaching the Monte do Gozo, we have our first glimpse of the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago. From here we go directly into the heart of the city.
Overnight Santiago ** B&B
Day 8 : End of holiday after breakfast
BACK TO TOPUnique scenery. Fascinating history.
GETTING THERE
Arrival Pamplona - Regional airport. Train station.
Arrival/departure Leon - Train station. From Leon nearest airports are Asturias Oviedo (Easyjet) or Valladolid (Ryanair). Train from Madrid 4 hours. From Santiago you can fly or take a train.
WHAT TO TAKEA swimming costume, rucksack/day pack, water bottle, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rain gear, compass, torch and a first-aid kit. A mobile phone with roaming facility.
WHEN TO GO
Daily 1st April to 31st October
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44) (0)1242 254353