Today, Bro. William travels from Estella towards Los Arcos - a distance of over 21kms, or 13 miles. There are two routes from which to choose.

As in yesterday's stage, the majority of this scenic route is on natural paths.

The first section is through native holm oak and pine trees as we wind our way up to Monjardin.

There are magnificent views southwards over the alternative route, which passes above Luquin.

The two routes join for the last stretch into Los Arcos taking us through remote vineyards and open country but with little shade and few water fonts.

For the recommended route (1) (via Irache Monastery and wine fountain) we turn left downhill for [0.3 km] and cross over the N-111 and up the dirt track opposite for a short distance to the rear of the Bodegas Irache.



With its beneficent pilgrim wine fountain Fuente del Vino, we can fortify ourself at the generosity of the Bodegas.

Then we come to the ancient Benedictine Monasterio de Irache which has long been connected with Roncesvalles and the camino. A community of monks served pilgrims here since the 10th century but were forced to vacate in 1985 due to a lack of novitiates.

Luquin, a typical hill village with winding streets radiating out from the Basilica and the parish Church of San Martin. The latter has an interesting and finely carved portico and adjoins the modern square with seating.

We wind our way down through the village and out onto an open path crossing over the N-111 (close to the village of Urbiola where the Knights of St. John maintained a medieval pilgrim hospice) continue through fields to Azqueta.

Azqueta - a quiet village with the parish Church of San Pedro. Just before entering the village we pass the 13th century Fountain of the Moors Fuente de Los Moros with its splendid double arch of distinctlv Mozarabic influence.


Villamayor de Monjardin - lying at an elevation of 650m with splendid views of the surrounding countryside and dominated by the tower of the 12th century San Andres Church.

The conical peak of Monjardfn with the ruins of St. Stephen's Castle Castillo de San Estehan forms a distinctive backdrop to the village.

Cruce - here the alternative route joins from the left and both routes now continue along remote farm tracks that undulate through mixed farmland with uninhabited vineyards interspersed with olive trees, but with little shade.

On this stretch we pass the ancient Fountain of the Well (not drinking water) that is generally dry, like the rio Caudiel that it adjoins. From here it is a gentle climb up through the remote Pass of the Goats Portillo de las Cabras before our gentle descent to Los Arcos.



Los Arcos - a compact crossroads town of Roman origin and now straddling the N-111 and connecting Estella with Logrono with regular bus service to both.

It was and remains a classical pilgrim halt.

The eastern gate (no longer visible) into the old walled city was called Gate of the Shells Portal de In Concha that also provided access to the Jewish quarter in the town.

Bro. Williams' thoughts of today - When I had to make a choice which path I would walk I always opted for the shortest because there are many roads to God hopefully I have chosen a short route.