Full Camino Frances Cycling: Sant Jean Pied de Port to Santiago (self-guided) in 9 days

Arrival at Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona (68km). From the French town of Saint- Jean Pied de Port, the Way of Saint James looks out over Spanish territory. 30 km separates the north and south face of the Pyrenees Mountain range along one of the most beautiful and inspiring stretches of the Pilgrims’ Way. This first stretch offers two possible itineraries, both of which are established Jacobean routes. The first, called the “Route of the Mountain passes of Cize” is harder, but also more rewarding. This route has sweeping views of the Pyrenees and green forests. The second route, through Valcarlos, is more accessible but lacks the stunning scenery of the first one. After Roncesvalles we leave the Pyrenees behind us and we ride through woodland dotted with farms and fields and old villages of Navarra before arriving at the capital Pamplona. This is you toughest day cycling. 

Pamplona to Logroño (95km). Today we cycle through the very heart of Navarra. After about 22km you come to the town of Puente la Reina. This is the point where the two routes of the French Way, one entering Spain from Roncevalles and the other from Somport, join and continue as one to Santiago de Compostela. The town is famous for its bridge, specifically constructed to help pilgrims on their way to Santiago. 

Logroño to Burgos (122km). Vineyards and farmlands make up the countryside of a stretch which leads us to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, steeped in history and tradition, the influence of The Camino is very apparent here. You will see the hills of La Demanda to the south, and of Cantabria to the north. The Oca Mountains are the most notable geographical feature next. The ascent up to these small peaks will take you through what is to be the last major area of woodland before entering the Bierzo region. Once the arduous mountain pass of La Pedraja, and the highest section of the Oca Mountains is behind you, you can enjoy a cruise down to the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega. After visiting this beautiful set of buildings, the landscape once again becomes dominated by plains, leading us to the monumental city of Burgos.

Burgos to Carrion de Los Condes (86km). This stage is also filled with numerous cultural landmarks closely linked to The Camino. Sites of interest include Fitero Bridge, Romanesque in origin with eleven arches spanning the Pisuerga River, and the monumental heritage of towns of Frómista, Villalcázar de Sirga and Carrión, all of which are located in the region of Palencia called Tierra de Campos. Although this stretch appears to be flat, there are a few hills – just as you reach the top of one hill, so another appears on the horizon! They do however offer wonderful panoramic views from the top of each one. 

Carrion de Los Condes to Leon (93km). Along this stretch, the countryside is dominated by the seemingly endless arid plains of Castile, leading to Sahagún the historical and cultural landmark town, boasting emblematic Romanesque Mudejar churches among many other attractions. You are reaching the half way point on your journey now. After leaving Sahagún, you are heading into the plains of León countryside before coming to the splendid city itself. Leon boasts an exceptional artistic heritage, the most outstanding element of which is the Gothic cathedral.

Leon to Molinaseca (98km). The journey today takes you through a more populated part of the region of Castilla & Leon. You will pass through the Roman city of Astorga steeped in history and the home of chocolate in Spain. The region of La Maragatería is famous for its muleteers and deep-rooted traditions. You will also come across the Bridge of Paso Honroso spanning the Órbigo River, and famous for the deeds of Suero de Quiñones, a 15th century knight. During the Holy Year of 1434, fulfilling a promise to a lady and naming Saint James as his witness, this knight participated in some famous jousting tournaments on this spot. At Mount Irago, the Bierzo region begins marking the transition between León and Galicia. Here the people, their customs and landscape act as a bridge across the gap that divides the two region. Similarly, at this point you will notice that The Camino also undergoes a transition from the straight route of the flat plains to the winding lanes snaking up and down around the hills all the way to Santiago. Your highest point will be Cruz de Ferro, at 1,504m in altitude, it is one of the highest points along the French Way. It is also the symbolic place on the pilgrimage where travellers place a small stone that they have brought from their homeland. From this point it´s down hill to Molinaseca.

Molinaseca to O Cebreiro (60km). The Bierzo region and Galicia meet on this stretch which culminates at 1,300 m in O Cebreiro, which is perhaps the most mythical of all the villages on this part of The Camino, and heavily charged with symbolism. Along the way you will pass through Villafranca del Bierzo with its fine collection of monuments and the Romanesque Church of Santiago. Here, pilgrims who were unable to reach Santiago de Compostela could receive plenary indulgence and forgiveness for all their sins. The last eight kilometres is a climb of some 690 metres. However the spectacular views of the countryside and the notion that Santiago de Compostela is drawing nearer more than compensate.

O Cebreiro to Palas de Rei (78km). The Bierzo region and Galicia, the lush countryside and the Galician mountains dominate this stretch. In Triacastela you have the choice of two possible routes: to continue along the traditional way, through the village of A Balsa in a setting of woods and meadows, or to take the road to Samos, whose great Benedictine Monastery has attracted pilgrims since ancient times. From here and as far as Santiago de Compostela, The Way makes its way through inhabited areas, passing through a succession of villages. Two of the most important of these are Triacastela and Samos. The Camino makes its way up and down hills, although this stretch descends almost 850 metres between O Cebreiro and Sarria. The Camino leads out of Sarria through some of the most magnificent oak woods to be found on the entire route, continuing through an endless succession of villages and farmland. Historically Portomarín stands out as having been one of the most important towns along the route, but it disappeared under the waters of the Belesar Reservoir built on the Miño River in 1962. The new town of Portomarín, by the ruins of the old town, has tried to maintain its traditional charm. Some of the old buildings from the original site were moved to the new location, such as the Church of San Nicolás (12th century). This penultimate part of the route travels through a countryside of rolling hills and short stretches of plains.

Palas de Rei to Santaigo de Compostela (69km). We are just 69 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela now and the route becomes increasingly filled with pilgrims. The Camino takes us across valleys and rivers descending to the Tambre. The succession of ascents and descents continue. On reaching the Monte do Gozo, we have our first glimpse of the spires of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. From here we ride directly into the heart of the city and arrive at the Plaza de Obradoiro.