Full Spanish Camino Rambler

Make your own way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the traditional starting point of the Camino and 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 purchasing supplies for snacks and lunch tomorrow. You should also collect your pilgrim stamp from the Pilgrim Office or Tourist Office.

Your Camino begins with crossing the old roman bridge over the River Nive. Leaving St Jean, it is a scenic and long steep climb to Orisson in the French Pyrenees, following the 'Napoleon Route'. From Orisson an afternoon transfer (at 2pm) takes you back to St Jean for overnight. We recommend an early start to enjoy the views and climb. Ascent 500m/descent -50m

Transfer to Orisson this morning (10am) to continue your Camino. Today is impressive as you climb towards the Franco-Spanish border. There are cols to cross today, and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery. Ascent 650m/descent -700m

The trail crosses undulating green hills and passes through typical Basque country villages. These villages are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows. Today's destination is Bizkarreta-Gerendiain (Spanish: Viscarret-Guerendiain), thought to have been founded in the 12th century and once home to an historic pilgrim hospital. Ascent 250m/descent -300m

You will walk through lovely wooded areas with beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. Continue to Zubiri or, dependent on availability, further along the trail (approx 6km/3,75mi) through the town of Larrasoana to Akerreta. Ascent 200m/descent -220m

There are a few ups and downs again today. Pass through Zuriain and continue towards Zabaldika. From here you walk up the hill past the small village of Arleta. Reach the Magdalena brighe over the Arga river and finally reach the Pamplona city walls, entering the historic quarter through the Portal de Francia. It's a wonderful walk into this historic city, with its cathedral and old town. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas). Ascent 170m/descent -160m

From Pamplona's main square you follow the Camino signs to make your way out of the city. The route takes you from the old town to walk through parks in the modern part of the city before the landscape opens out. You can take a short detour that will allow you to view the octagonal chapel of Eucate, one of the Roman jewels of the trail of Aragon. In the afternoon (3pm) transfer from the small village of Zariquiegui to Pamplona and your hotel. Ascent 150m/descent -130m