Cycling the Camino Frances: Roncesvalles to Leon

Arrive in Roncesvalles, home of kings! Upon arrival you can get your Credential, or Pilgrim's Passport, at the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María or at the Church of Santiago, also known as the Church of the Pilgrims. Roncesvalles is a small town, but it has a lot of history and incredible corners that will leave you speechless. This city is one of the most important starting points of the French Way within Spain. Bikes will be ready to be used at the hotel lobby.

Start from this mythical point on the Camino de Santiago and descend to the towns of Burguete and Espinal, then crowning the top of Erro. From here a constant descent will take you through beautiful Navarrese towns such as Zubiri or Akerreta, rolling from here parallel to the Arga River, which will accompany you until the end of the stage in Pamplona.

You will quickly reach Cizur and from this point begins the ascent to the Alto del Perdón. Behind you will leave the basin of Pamplona and the Pyrenees, and before you lies the Camino that will take you on a continuous descent through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos until you cross Puente la Reina. Along Calle Mayor you will say goodbye to Puente la Reina and through paths and dirt tracks you will reach Cirauqui, which will welcome you with a beautiful pointed door. Once at the top of the town, descend its Roman road until you reach the bridge over the Salado River to face the last kilometers that will separate you from Estella (Lizarra) through the towns of Lorca and Villatuerta.

As soon as you leave Estella you will find the famous Fuente del Vino and the Monastery of Nuestra Señora Real de Irache. Cycle towards the hamlet of Azqueta and among cereals and vineyards you will reach Villamayor de Monjardín, with its Fuente de los Moros. From this point, and until you reach Los Arcos, you will ride through undulating and uninhabited terrain. Upon leaving Los Arcos your first objective will be Sansol, from where you will descend to the valley of the Linares River and then ascend to Torres del Río. You will arrive in Viana among vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and uninhabited towns. From Viana descend to the city of Logroño.

Continue your French Way today leaving the Rioja capital behind along the Rúa Vieja and after reaching the Parque de la Grajera you will see Logroño on one side and Naverrete on the other, your next destination. Pass near the ruins of the old San Juan de Acre Pilgrims Hospital and ascend to Monte de San Antón, from where you will begin to see the town of Nájera. Leave Nájera, saying goodbye to the Monastery of Santa María la Real; from this point the Camino runs along a dirt track to Azofra, located on a small hill in the center of the Cañas valley. Subsequently, you will continue your route through easy terrain to the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you will learn about the legend of the rooster.

The first part of the stage does not present too many unevenness. Grañón, Redecilla del Camino or Castildelgado are some of the towns along the Camino that you will find on your way before reaching Belorado. From Belorado go on a flat surface until you begin the ascent to the Montes de Oca, which will undoubtedly be rewarded with an unbeatable view. Once in San Juan de Ortega, the Camino will shortly lead you to Atapuerca. Leaving Atapuerca behind follow a series of towns that will gradually take you to Burgos, with its impressive Gothic cathedral or the Monastery of Las Huelgas, to name two of its main virtues. Stay in a central hotel so you can be a stone's throw from all its charms.

Leave Burgos through Ferrán González Street and cross the Arlanzón River through the Malatos Bridge. From this point you will pedal flat towards towns such as Tardajos and Hornillos del Camino. From there you will circulate among wheat fields to Hontanas, pass by the Convent of San Antón and enter the beautiful Castrojeriz. As soon as you leave this town, the Mostelares summit will require your effort; then you will descend to the Pisuerga River to enter the historic Frómista accompanied by the Canal de Castilla. From there you will continue flat towards Villalcázar de Sirga, with a beautiful church that welcomes you and shortly after Carrión de los Condes and its impressive medieval heritage await you.

From Carrión de los Condes you will pedal peacefully until you reach Calzadilla de la Cueza. From Calzadilla ascend a couple of kilometers to later advance towards the towns of Lédigos, Terradillo de los Templarios and Moratinos.

After a steep slope, León, a Roman city dominated by its cathedral, will appear at your feet. A steep and short descent will take you to the center of this fantastic city. Return the bikes at the hotel.

Following breakfast, check out and depart for onward travels.