Camino - St Jean to Pamplona

Make your own way to St Jean Pied de Port, the capital of the Basse-Navarre and the Pays de Aze. It is also one of the three remaining French provinces of the old Kingdom of Navarre. There is time in the afternoon to take a stroll along the cobbled streets and up to the town lookout. You can also explore the many arts and craft shops. We recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route.

The Camino begins with crossing the old Roman bridge over the River Nive. Today's walk is quite impressive as you climb towards the Franco-Spanish border. The first section you will be hiking through pastoral lands with impressive views of the Pyrenees. You will cross three cols today (including Col Lepoeder at 1430m), and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery, or continue to Burguete (dependent on availability). Today is quite long - we recommend an early start. An optional return transfer is available if you are booked at Burguete - please ask for our rates. We recommend an early start as today is quite long. Distance: 25km/15.5mi (28km/17.5mi if booked at Burguete). Option: It's possible to split this stage - walk to Orisson (7.5km) or Valcarlos then transfer back to Saint Jean for overnight, transferring back in the morning to recommence walking. A supplement applies for the return transfers plus an extra night in Saint Jean is required, must be requested at time of booking.

This stage offers Pyrenean landscapes and welcoming Navarrese villages with a Jacobean tradition. While the trail largely descends from Roncesvalles, there are two summits along the way - Alto de Mezkitirz and Alto de Erro. The villages you'll pass are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows, and there are lovely wooded areas of beech and oak. Continue to Zubiri, or if staying in Akerreta past the local quarry and the town of Larrasoana to your hotel. Distance: 23 or 28km /14.4 or 17.5mi

Today's walk has a few ups and downs however there is a shorter distance to cover. Continuing through the valley you follow the course of the Arga river and pass through Zuriain and other small towns such as Irotz where the 16th century Church of San Pedro is located, and up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From Buriin, a village that disappeared in the 14th Century, there is a steep descent into Villava. The route then connects to Burlada and leads you to the final climb into Pamplona – a wonderful walk into this historic city. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas). Distance: 20km or 15km/12.5 or 9.4mi

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights here on request.