Full Camino - St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago

Your journey starts in St Jean Pied de Port, which straddles the French and Spanish border.

The toughest section stage 1, with a steep climb to the Roncesvalles.  Then pass across the Pyrenees on a route called Ruta Imperial (Imperial Route). You will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic mountain views and a great sense of achievement. An alternative route is available along the valley for those who prefer a more gentle option. 

From Roncesvalles, you will cross two further mountain passes before continuing through beech and oak woods alongside the River Arga to the small village of Akerreta

At first following the River Arga along shaded paths, today’s walk then starts to get slightly busier as you head towards Pamplona as you follow busy main roads into the city.

Pamplona is a beautiful city lined with medieval streets and famous for the running of the bulls festival which takes place one a year where daring men and women tear through the streets chased by bulls. Be prepared to enter a hustling and bustling city, quite the opposite to the Camino. 

After the first 5km along suburban roads, you are soon back in the countryside. From Cizur Menor, a climb takes you through a field of wind turbines, with wonderful views back over Pamplona. The Arga valley then opens up ahead as you descend down to Puente la Reina.

Walking through rolling farmland and vineyards will bring you to Estella, please be aware that there are few trees along this path and therefore nowhere to seek shelter from the sun.

There are also a few examples of Roman roadway on this section from Cirauqui to Lorca, especially where the majority of the track is along such roman roadways. The first section will have three steep climbs up to hilltop villages before you descend into Estella.

The majority of your walk today will take you along beautiful natural paths, starting with the first section up to Monjardin. You will have magnificent views southward of the alternative route and Luquin, both route options join for the last section to Los Arcos.

Wander along natural paths leading you through arable farmland, please be aware that there is little shade along this stretch and make sure you adequately protected against the sun. Today's day is a long one and contains some short but steep sections into the rio Linares and Cornava river valleys.

Just before entering Logrono you will pass through the region of La Rioja which is renowned for the wine it produces, make sure you try a glass with your dinner!

Walking out of Logrono you will be walking along fast-moving traffic via Parque S. Miguel on asphalted paths. There have been ongoing roadworks which can cause adjustments to the route taking you out of the city, please stay alert and follow the shells.

On your way, you will pass the alberges in Navarrete and Ventosa before reaching Najera as you continue your walk on the red soil of La Rioja.

Follow wide country roads through gently undulating farmland as you embark on a gradual ascent from Najera to Ciruena, stop in Azofra before you start the climb.

Once you have reached Ciruena there is a gentle 5km descent into Santa Domingo de la Calzada. The historic town of Santa Domingo is lined with medieval streets and grand buildings, including the 12th century Romanesque and Gothic cathedral.

Be prepared to spend most of your day walking along the busy N-120 and the A-12, two busy roads which will have an effect on your enjoyment of walking. The alternative path still offers an alternative if you wish to try and avoid some of the road walking.

Despite the roads, you will have an opportunity to wander through small villages along the way and admire the local history which can be traced back to Roman times.

Leave the Belorado via its suburbs on a path running parallel to the N-120. The countryside opens up as you make your way in the direction of Atapuerca.

Halfway along this stage, you will 'climb' the mountains of Villafranca Montes de Oca along a path shaded by oak and pine trees before descending into the remote pilgrim village of St John the Nettle. 

Walk into the city of Burgos, there are various routes you can take and therefore familiarise yourself with your options from the book.

After spending time on the Camino big city life can come as a shock and you will be walking along roads to get into the city. Burgos is a stunning city and when you arrive you will be able to appreciate the city's buildings and their artefacts. Burgos is an architectural jewel, filled with monuments worthy of exploring.

A rest day in Burgos allows for exploration of this great city which was the capital of Old Castile for almost 500 years and home to El Cid in the 11th century.

Crop fields dominate the landscape as you enter an area called the Meseta. A short climb after the Fuente de Prao Torre gives you great views of the flat landscape surrounding you for miles, before your descent to Hornillos. A short transfer at the end of today brings you to your accommodation in Isar.

Transfer to Hornillos in the morning to start your walk through the Meseta. There is little shade on this route and therefore make sure you have sun protection with you and plenty of water.

The trail will take you through the pilgrim villages of San Bol, Hontanas and Arco San Anton before you reach Castrojeriz.

Walk along beautiful earth tracks as you ascend up the Alto de Mostelares this morning where you will have magnificent views of the valley below. In the afternoon you will descend again into Fromista via the Canal de Castilla.

Walk along the dirt track running alongside the main roads, you can choose to continue your path past the village Poblacion to Villalcazar or take the more scenic route via Villovieco (see your book).

Both paths will join in Villalcazar with its beautiful Templar church, take a look inside and discover its Retablo of the life of St James.

Walk from Carrion de los Condes to  Calzadilla de la Cueza along the flat and dry landscape, most of the paths you will be walking on are overlay the old paved Roman road Via Aquitana which if you follow will lead you to Astorga.

There are no facilities between the two villages and therefore make sure you have enough provisions for the day.

Walk from Calzadilla de la Cueza to Sahagun, continuing through this flat and dry landscape. Sahagun is a town filled with history and ancient monuments which you will have plenty of time to explore due to your shorter walk today.

Leave Sahagun by crossing the river Cea to Calzada del Coto via groves of poplars, the scenery today remains much of the same as you make your way over the dry vast landscape.  

You follow the Camino Frances Real route until you reach the small stop of El Burgo Ranero. As there is no accommodation in El Burgo Ranero, return transfers are included to Sahagun. 

The long flat paths are slowly coming to an end as you slowly descent into Mansilla de las Mulas. The sweeping open countryside gives you a constant view of the horizon, which has a soft desert touch about it.

The trail guides you through Reliegos, where the route begins to gradually descend into the Mansilla de las Mulas.

Walk alongside the busy N601, this trail will cross the River Esla Mansill, and the Rio Porma before you join the main road into León.  Take care as you walk along busy roads as you enter the city as there is, unfortunately, no designated pilgrim path away from the fast-paced city life and all the noise surrounding it.

Enjoy great views of Leon and the mountains ahead of you from the Alto del Portillo before a steep descent brings you down into León.

A rest day in León allows for exploration of this great city.

Follow the discreet shells out of Leon, past the flawless cathedral and out of the city via San Marcos. There are two routes for today. Our route follows a nicer, quieter route to Villar de Mazarife.

Today is a long days' walk and make sure you set off early, allowing enough time for plenty of breaks. Follow the solitary path from Villadangos del Paramo to Astorga, there are a few villages on the way but make sure you bring enough water and food with you on today's walk. There are some nice sections to this walk which take you along shaded paths.

The first stage of this walk, to Hospital de Orbigo is flat and you can make quick progress. Past Origo you will be faced with some gentle hills, making arriving in Astorga that much sweeter.

Your walk from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino will take you towards the highest point of the entire route(which you will reach tomorrow), beware of the weather as it can change quickly and is unpredictable in this area.

Make sure you have enough layers as you won't be able to pick up any in Rabanal.

Climb up to the highest point of your walk, first reach the peak of Cruz de Ferro followed by Alto Altar which sits at 1515 metres. Be aware that you are at an altitude and therefore look after yourself, bring enough food, water and layers to make sure you are always comfortable along the way. After reaching the peak of Alto Altar you will descend down to Molinaseca to spend the night.

Follow the path guiding you through the busy city of Ponferrada, this stage involves some road walking as you make your way through the city. When walking through the city you will have plenty of chances to stop for a drink and some food, however, be extra vigilant when following the shells as there will be some 'recommended route' which have been created to take you past specific shops.

Once out of the city you have Villafranca del Bierzo to look forward to, as in its micro-climate vineyards have populated the area.

Today will be a strenuous day, there are three different routes which you can choose from which are all outlined in your book. The route you choose will largely depend on the experience you are looking for, all of the options will be a long days walk and therefore make sure you set off early.

This section has some of the steepest climbs along the full Camino making it a challenging day, you will stop at the foothills of the Herrerias de Valcarce, leaving the largest climb to O'Cebreiro to the next day. 

Welcome a short day, the steep climb through a mainly chestnut woodland on a rocky path up to the village of O’Cebreiro.

O'Cebreiro marks the beginning of the Galician culture and is a foretaste as to what awaits you!

Embark on a day of downhill walking today, take extra care to protect your knees whilst walking down. There several villages along the path where you can take a break and enjoy spectacular views.

Make a decision today if you would like to walk the southern detour route via Samos or the northern direct route via San Xil, both options are detailed in your book.

The shorter northern route has new woodland paths which have increased the natural paths by 60% and it takes you up a steep climb to alto do Riocabo, which has beautiful views.  The southern route takes you along the busy LU-633 and via the Benedictine monastery of Samos which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spain.

Leaving Sarria you pass Sarria Castle, with its one remaining tower, the rest destroyed in the peasants’ uprising against the aristocracy in the 15th Century.

You will be walking along shady tree-lined roads and pathways, this morning, passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and A Brea, before reaching the stone marker; a photo opportunity before taking the first step on the final 100km to Santiago.

The Camino ascends to a high point at Pena dos Corvos; at 660m you will enjoy panoramic views, before descending into the lush Rio Mino valley, to Mercadoiro and then Portomarin. Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in one of the cafés surrounding the square.

Cross the Minho river then follow the Camino route as it climbs steadily upwards, then pass through the settlement of Gonzar and Castromaior, where you’ll find the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria.

Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Upon reaching the high point of today’s Camino at Sierra de Ligonde (750 m), descend to the ancient hamlet of Ligonde. After passing Eirexe you cross the Alto Rosario, and descend into the village of Palas de Rei.

Leaving Palace de Rei, you will soon reach San Xulian do Camino, a classical Camino village with a tiny 12th Century church dedicated to Saint Julian. After crossing the provincial border you pass through the hamlet of O Coto and village of Leboreiro. Perhaps stopping for lunch at the town of Melide, famed for its octopus dishes ‘pulpo Galega’.

The shaded forests of oak and chestnut give way to eucalyptus and pine before you ascend to Arzúa.

Leave the old quarter of Arzúa as the Camino leads past oak tree forests, that give way to lush meadows. Visit the medieval shrine at Santa Irene, dedicated to a martyr saint from Portugal, and the Baroque fountain of healing waters.

Throughout the day you’ll be passing different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’.

Today you can look forward to a fabulous day walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino leads first to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash in the river before reaching Santiago.

Tall eucalyptus trees sway in the wind as you make your way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ of Monte del Gozo (368 m). From here, catch sight of your goal - the impressive spires of Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. The final kilometres of your walk takes you through the beautiful streets of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We allow an extra day in Santiago so you can attend the Pilgrim's Mass and explore the city.

After breakfast, your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.