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Day 1, onto Roncesvalles
Day 2, onto Larrasoana
Day 3, onto Cizur Menor
Day 4, onto Puente La Reina
Day 5, onto Estella
Day 6, onto Los Arcos
Day 7, onto Logrono
Day 8, onto Najera
Day 9, onto Santo Domigo
Day 10, Belorado
Day 11, onto St. Juan


Day 12, onto Burgos
Day 13, onto Hornillos
Day 14, onto Castrojeriz
Day 15, onto Fromista
Day 16, onto Carrion
Day 17, onto Terradillos
Day 18, onto El Burgo Ranero
Day 19, onto Mansilla
Day 20, onto Leon
Day 21, onto Mazarife
Day 22, onto Astorga


Day 23, onto Rabanal
Day 24, onto Molinaseca
Day 25, onto Villafranca
Day 26, onto O'Cebreiro
Day 27, onto Triacastela
Day 28, onto Sarria
Day 29, onto Portmarin
Day 30, onto Pala de Rei
Day 31, onto Ribadiso
Day 32, onto Arca
Day 33, onto Santiago

Day One - St. Jean Pied de Port
Day One includes the journey from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles, a journey of nearly 25 kms, or 16 miles.

Day One - lots of energy and enthusiasm - and a heavy pack !!

'Route de Napoleon' is a strenuous uphill walk but is rewarded with stunning views in all directions.

The first part, as far as Huntto, is through steeply wooded countryside that gives way to open hill and moorland, interspersed with some woodland (mostly beech) on the Spanish side.

While the uphill section will stretch the leg muscles, injury is more likely on the steep downhill stage into Roncesvalles.

At Pic D'Orisson, can be seen the statue of the Virgin - Virge D'Orisson set against an impressive mountain backdrop of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

On the French side of the border, the journey takes in such places as Etchebestea, Huntto, Cruceiro.

At the border with Spain there is Frontera, then onto Col de Lepoeder (at 1,450m above sea level and the highest point of the days' journey), Don Simon and finally, Roncesvalles, where a friendly Alberque will be awaiting.

Roncesvalles (Orreaga) is a small hamlet, utterly dominated by its imposing abbey. Pilgrims' Mass is held at 8pm each evening and, as part of the service, the nationality of each pilgrim is read out and pilgrims are invited to the front of the church.

Journeys' Start


The moving ceremony and the communal meals that follow in the hamlet's two restaurants make the stay in Roncesvalles feel like the beginning of an important journey.

Having said that, the abbey's strange zinc roof and its location in a sun-starved valley can make Roncesvalles seem rather bleak and grey.
Day One, 23rd July

The hospitality of this region is graphically captured in the writings of many foreign authors, notably Ernest Hemingway who stayed for extended periods in Burguete and Pamplona.

Fighting bulls and horses are bred in the hills. Trout from the mountain streams and local game make up much of the cuisine of this area.

The Navarrese love a sense of occasion and this is no more apparent than in the running of the bulls held during the festival of San Fermin in Pamplona in early July.

Bro. Williams' thoughts of today - to have health , energy , time, and a sense of God in your life is a Gift. Climbing up and up was difficult I was told this was the hardest part of the whole journey. I experienced rain sleet mist and sunshine in such a short time and distance.
    To Previous Page Day One Onto Larrasoana