Practical info BY BIKE

Stages and signs

The pilgrimage by bicycle offers two routes: by road and by a signposted track. The first runs along country roads; the expressways built in recent years have taken a lot of traffic off them, but you still need to take care with the traffic, especially when entering towns and large villages. The second option involves hard sections with steep slopes and rough terrain; you will often have to get off the bike. At the end of each stage you will find information of interest.

French route by Orreaga/Roncesvalles
Stage 1: From St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to Orreaga/Roncesvalles (21 km.)
Stage 2: From Orrega/Roncesvalles to Zubiri (22 km.)
Stage 3: From Zubiri to Pamplona (20 km.)
Stage 4: From Pamplona to Puente la Reina (19 km.)
Stage 5: From Puente la Reina to Estella (19,7 km.)
Stage 6: From Estella to Los Arcos (20,6 km.)
Stage 7: From Los Arcos to Viana (18 km.)

French route by Jaca
Stage 1: From Artieda to Sangüesa (24,6 km.)
Stage 2: From Sangüesa to Monreal (26,5 km.)
Stage 3: From Monreal to Puente la Reina (30,4 km.)

Download the full document with all the stages of the French route of the Way in Navarre . (.pdf 6,29 mb)

Signs

The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago is a well-signposted route, so the pilgrim should let him/herself be guided and enjoy the things to be discovered along the way. The signs are not all standard but there is never any doubt about the route to be followed.

• In the Navarrese part of the stage from Saint Jean de Pied de Port to Orreaga–Roncesvalles: wooden posts with yellow arrows placed on both sides of the route.
• At the end of each stage: information panels that indicate the route, distances and changes in height, and specific information on each stage.
• At points where the Way crosses or coincides with roads: a vertical blue metal sign with the anagram of the Pilgrim's Way (a yellow shell that looks like a star), the silhouette of a traveller and white arrow indicating the direction. 50 metres before the crossing: metal signs warning of the danger.
• On paths: the most commonly found signals are yellow arrows, but because the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela was catalogued as route 'GR65' you will also find marks used in Long Distance Walking Routes, i.e. two small strips of white and red paint.
• In towns and villages: blue ceramic plaques with the anagram on the walls of buildings located along the route.
• At problem points or quick changes of direction: boundary markers with the same ceramic plaque.
• Along the route: perspex arrows that indicate the right direction to follow.
• Unofficial signage: piles of stones and crosses that pilgrims leave in place as they travel the route.

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Hostels and special services

In Navarre a large number of hostels offer accommodation to the numerious pilgrims that cross the region every year. The number of beds increases in the summer with specially organised campas such as the one at Orreaga/Roncesvalles. Apart from the tourist hostels, which are regulated by Navarre Law 140/2005 (.pdf 154 Kb) and inspected by the Tourism Department, some municipal councils, parishes and other instiutions welcome pilgrims in unofficial hostels and charge a nominal fee as a donation. To stay in these hostels you must present your pilgrim's credential, and people travelling the Pilgrim's Way on foot have priority over the rest. Download the full document with all the hostels (.pdf 106 Kb) of the French route of the Way in Navarre, where you can find data of interest such as addresses, telephones, prices, services, opening hours, etc.

There is other accommodaation along the route, e.g. multiple bedrooms in campsites, hotels/hostels, etc.. Access the accommodation search along the Pilgrim's Way.

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How to get to Orreaga/Roncesvalles

The Pilgrim's Way starts from any spot on the route, but most pilgrims start at Orreaga/Roncesvalles. You can get there by bus, taxi or hire car.

The Artieda bus company covers the Pamplona-Orreaga/Roncesvalles route every afternoon except on Sundays and Public Holidays. They charge a 6€ supplement per bicycle.

Información sobre transportes

Route	Times	Duration of tryp	Company	Price
Pamplona – Orreaga/Roncesvalles	Monday to Friday, at 18:00 / Saturdays, at 16:00	1 hour and 10 minutes	Artieda: Tel.948 30 02 87	6,00€

Another option is to take a taxi (average price 50€) or hire a car. Download the full list of taxis (.pdf 59 Kb) on the French Route in Navarre and car rental companies. (.pdf 57 Kb)

Pilgrim Taxi

It is a service for the pilgrims who arrive in Pamplona and have to travel to Orreaga/Roncesvalles o Saint Jean Pied de Port. More information available on the websitee Tele Taxi San Fermín.

By bus

There are no regulations on carrying bicycles, and each bus company has its own rules. We recommend contacting them in advance to see if they carry bicycles.

By plane

To take a bike on a plane you need to package it well in a cardboard box or a transport bag. If your personal luggage weights more than 20 kilos a supplement is usually charged.

By train

As a rule, bikes are admitted on all medium-distance trains that have a specific area or enough space to take them. Only one bike per passenger is allowed. Groups with more than three bicycles need to have previous authorisation by RENFE.

If you would like information on how to reach Navarre and how to travel around the region, enter here.

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The credential and the compostela

What the Credential is and how to obtain it

The credential is an official document that certifies and identifies the pilgrim. It shows his/her personal daya, maps of the Pilgrim's Way and boxes where the stamps are entered in the places where the pilgrims pass through, and the date. This document is essential to stay in public hostels and obtain the 'Compostela', but it does not give any other rights to its holder.

The credential costs 1€ and can be obtained in hostels, the Collegiate Church of Orreaga/Roncesvalles, the Archbishopric of Pamplona, in the offices of the 'Amigos del Camino de Santiago' (Friends of the Pilgrim's Way) and in brotherhoods or shelters named by the church in Santiago.

The 'Compostela'

This is a document issued by the Chapter of Santiago Cathedral, and it certifies that a person has made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It is written in Latin. To obtain it, you need to show a stamped credential and have completed a minimum of 100 kilometres on foot or horseback or 200 kilometres by bicycle.

Special arrangements for university students

Students from any university in the world that travel the Pilgrim's Way can certify their pilgrimage by stamping their credentials in European universities associated to the route. The 'Acreditación Jacobea Universitaria' includes the following documents: University credential: both the student and the university can apply for it on the Internet. If you have it you can stay in hostels along the way.

"Compostela Universitaria": a certificate obained with the stamped 'credencial jacobea', also on the Internet.

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Pilgrim's menu

The Pilgrim's Menu generally consists of two dishes, bread and a dessert at a low price, sometimes restricted to certain times of day. Restaurants are not obliged to offer this kind of menu. You need to show your status as a pilgrim (on foot, bicycle, horseback) with the credential.

Download the full list of restaurants (.pdf 93 kb) on the French Route in Navarre that offer the Pilgrim's Menu

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Healh centres and medical suggestions

Navarre has an extensive network of health services along the route. Download a list of Health Centes and Doctors' Surgeries on the French Route in Navarre.

Some tips for pilgrims: prevent and cure.

1. Prevention
   • Blisters: wear the correct footwear and socks. Keep feet hydrated. Mentholated vaseline in socks is a good way to prevent blisters.
   • Chafing: a zinc oxide-based protective cream stops chafing. Put some oil on the hard part of the shoe.
   • Tendinitis or pulled muscles: plan the stages on the basis of your physical condition. Do warm-ups before starting a stage and do stretching exercises when you finish.
   • Insect bites: avoid using shampoo, soap, perfumed creams and dark-coloured clothes because they attract insects. Use repellents.
   • Diarrhea: do not eat raw food, unpeeled or unwashed fruit, cream-based pastries and – above all – non-drinking water.
   • Tight clothes: vaseline works as a lubricant to stop clothes chafing the skin.
2. Cure
   • How to cure a blister: prick the blister with a needle and thread. Move the thread to drain it. Remove it when all the liquid has come out. Apply Vetadine to dry it faster. To relieve the itching, put a gelatine dressing over the blister when it has been emptied. To continue walking, put a cotton dressing between your sock and foot.
   • Products to relieve shoe chafing: Natusan, special dressings, creams or 'second skin' patches.
   • Tendinitis or lightly pulled muscles: take an analgesic and apply a painkiller ointment several times a day. In serious cases, rest for a few days and even take painkillers.
   • Insect bites: pharmacies sell products to relieve itching and stop wounds getting infected. There are also some home-made remedies that can help: rub the bite with a piece of lemon, onion or half a clove of garlic. A little diluted ammonia soaked in cotton stops itching and irritation quickly and effectively.
   • Bedbug bites: wash the bites with soap and water. If the itching is strong, use an ammonia-lbased calming lotion (sold in pharmacies). In the case of itching that is hard to bear or skin infections, visit a medical centre for treatment. Download a brochure (.pdf 55 kb).
   • Diarrhea: do not eat any food. Drink a lot of liquids and water with salts.
   • Chafing from clothes: apply a damp dressing to the affected area with a mixture of a little olive oil and water. Leave overnight.

Link of interest: Website of the Federación del Camino de Santiago

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Carrying luggage and repair workshops

To make the journey more pleasant, the company Jacotrans can transport your luggage along the entire Pilgrim's Way for 7€ per person/day (consult special rates for university students and groups). This service does not mean that you have to reserve accommodation in hostels.

The company also offers other complementary services:

• Sending postcard to the destination (excess luggage, souvenirs…)
• Left luggage service until the pilgrim returns
• Rental of backpacks (3€/day)
• Sale of material: clothing, sticks, water bottles, capes, bicycle spare parts…
• For cyclists: assembly and delivery of the bicycle at the starting point: the pilgrim thus avoids having to take it on trains or buses. Technical advice: in the case of a breakdown, help in repairing the bicycle or advice on the nearest cycle workshop.

You can contact the company by e-mail (jacotrans@jacotrans.com) or telephone:

• Jacotrans Navarra. Tél.: +34 610 98 32 05
• Jacotrans La Rioja. Tél.: +34 636 09 92 99
• Jacotrans Burgos. Tél.: +34 650 45 15 40
• Jacotrans León. Tél.: +34 606 04 98 58

Bicycle repair workshops

Before starting the route, check your bicycle and ensure that it is in good condition. The route crosses rural areas, mountain areas and runs cross country, breakdowns and punctures can happen and it is difficult to find repair workshops. We attach a list of bicycle repair workshops and places that sell bike accessories (.pdf 55 kb) in Navarre.

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Websites, bibliography, pilgrim's way associations and tourism offices

Before starting the Pilgrim's Way it is advisable to get information to plan your journey, prepare you backpack, clarify doubts or learn about tourist and natural attractions or monuments along the route. There are many sources offering quality information on the route: the websites (translated) enable fast and easy access. There are also books with personal experiences and recommendations, Friends of the Pilgrim's Way Association and tourism offices.

Recommended websites

General information on the Pilgrim's Way

• www.jacobeo.net: includes updated information.
• www.caminosantiago.org: also contains practical advice.
• www.santiago-compostela.net: translated into 12 languages, very illustrative. Several photographs.
• www.caminosantiago.com: tourist information on the Pilgrim's Way.

Specific for pilgrims:

• www.elcaminoasantiago.com: on foot, horseback or by bicyle.
• www.caminodesantiago.consumer.es: routes, hostels, maps and guides you can print (either on foot or by bicycle).

French Route, branches and other routes:

• www.mundicamino.com: covers all the existing routes. Can be bought on-line.
• www.infocamino.com: focuses on the branches of the French Route (gastronomy, legends and stories).
• www.todosloscaminosdesantiago.com: includes all the aspects of the route.
• www.jacajacobea.com: up-to-date informaiton on the Aragon branch.
• www.gronze.com: contains information on all the main routes and advice and practical information for pilgrims travelling on foot.

The Pilgrim's Way for people with disabilities:

• www.ibermutuamur.es/camino_santiago

The Pilgrim's Way by bike:

• www.bicigrino.com: specialised website.
• www.fercaminosantiago.tk: website on mountain biking.
• www.interam.com/camino: website with the route visualised by a pilgrim on a mountain bike, with photos and practical advice (in English)

Bibliography

The number of books and guides on the Pilgrim's Way is enormous. Some help the pilgrim, others focus on artistic manifestatoins, legends, gastronomy, etc. Given that the Way is evolving constantly, incorporating improvementsw in the routes, extending services, etc, it is a good idea to consult the most recent editions. When walking, it is advisable to carry a light guide or a map with information.

Practical guides

• El Camino de Santiago en tu mochila. (The Pilgrim's Way in your backpack)
  Publisher Anaya.
  Updated in 2010.
  Useful for walkers and cyclists. The guide has some practical pull-out maps, ideal for holding in your hand as you walk along the route.
• Guía azul Trotamundos. (Blue guide)
  Publisher Anaya.
  Includes practical information on everything you need to make the pilgrimage.
• Michelín Guide to the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago.
  Publisher Michelín. 2010.
  Includes maps and profiles of the stages.

Specific guide to do the route by bicyclei:

• El Camino de Santiago en bici (The Pigrim's Way by bike).
  Published by Sua
  Updated in 2010. ISBN: 978-84-8216-390-
  Author: Eloy Angulo

General books

• Camino de Santiago.
  Publisher GR.U.P.O.
  Author: Luis Agromayor.
• Los Caminos a Compostela. El arte de la peregrinación.
  Author: Ramón Izquierdo (2004).
• The Pilgrim to Compostela. Diary of a wizard.
  Publisher Planeta. 1989.
  Author: Paulo Coelho.

Special books

• Codex Calixtinus. Guide of the Mediaeval Pilgrim.
  Translation: Millán Bravo Lozano.
  Centro de Estudios del Camino de Santiago, 1989.

This book, also known as the 'Libro de Santiago', was written by one of the main 'publicists' of the pilgrimage, Aymeric Picaud. The original is kept in the Cathedral of Santiago. The name is due to Pope Calixto II, who appears as the author in many places. It is a complex 12th-century work divided into 5 parts or books:

• Book I: a series of sermons and liturgical texts on St James
• Book II: collection of 22 miracles
• Book III: the transfer of the Saint's body
• Book IV or 'Pseudo Turpín': history of Charlemagne and Roland attributed to the bishop of Reims (Turpín)
• Book V or Aymeric Picaud´s guide: first detailed written guide on the Pilgrim's Way: distances, water, food, churches...

Associations of the Pilgrim's way

The Associations of Friends of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago are non-profit-making bodies and carry out several worthy initiatives aimed at recovering and promotion the pilgrimage to Compostela and the various routes of the Pilgrim's Way. These associations exist both in Spain and abroad, because the Pilgrim's Way is a universal phenomenon. Download a list of the main Pilgrim's Way Associations (.pdf 51 kb).

Tourism Offices

There are numerous tourism offices along the Pilgrim's Way that provide practical information on tourism: what to see, where to eat, what to do at the end of the stage, etc. Download a list of the main tourism offices on the 'French route' of the Pilgrim's Way (.pdf 50 kb).

In Navarre there is also a special office for attention to pilgrims at Orreaga-Roncesvalles, open Monday-Friday 10.00-13.30 and 16.00-19.30; Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 10.00-13.30 and 16.00-18.30. Outside normal opening hours, the service for pilgrims is in the Collegiate Church (948 76 00 00).

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Practical tips for travelling along the Pilgrim's way

When considering attempting the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago, plan ahead to avoid the unexpected. Below we offer a list of basic recommendations that should be borne in mind before starting out on the pilgrimage.

Getting fit

Doing the pilgrimage by bike is feasible for everyone, but you need to prepare in advance given the long distance you will cover every day. It is a good idea to train under similar conditions to those you will find along the route, i.e. Gradients. Try excursions to high mountain areas, carrying the same clothes you will take on the route, your backpack loaded. You will see how your body responds and if your clothing and the weight you are carrying are suitable. Once you have started out, it is important to save energy and avoid exhaustion. Every person has their limits and it is important to find your pace.

Planning

It is a good idea to prepare a stage plan, bearing in mind that the first days should be more moderate. You can always increase your rhythm as the days go by. Pains appear in the first days, and you should adapt your daily distance to your physical condition: the usual distance is between 70-100 kilometres a day. Let your family and friends know your plans and dates so that you can be contacted in the event of an emergency.

Where to start?

A common doubt is where to start the French Route. It is important to remember that the stage from St. Jean de Pied de Port to Orreaga/Roncesvalles is the hardest off all, not so much for the distance as for the great difference in height (more than 1,000 metres). So, for the fittest people it is worth starting the Way in the beautiful town of St, Jean Pied de Port in the French Basque Country. For everyone else, it is advisable to start the route more gently from Orreaga/Roncesvalles.

When to go

The summer guarantees good weather but it is also the busiest time and there could be accommodation problems. During the winter (from October to March) you run the risk of finding rain and maybe even snow. September and May are ideal months because of their pleasant climate and fewer pilgrims along the route. If you come from a colder country, remember that it is important to adapt gradually to the sunshine.

Food and hydration

It is advisable to eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates: bread, cereals, jams, cold meats, pasta, rice, potatoes, biscuits, energy bars, fruit and nuts. It is a good idea to increase the number of meals a day but eat less food each time Eat a good breakfast, with high-energy foods. Eat fruit, chocolate, nuts, etc.during the stage, and have a good snake when you finish it.

Along the route, eat fresh fruit and nuts, which will give you the necessary energy to cover the stage.You also need to drink a lot of liquid to avoid dehydration, with the drinks preferably not being too col. Do not wait until you are thirsty, because that only happens when the body has already started to dehydrate. If it is very hot, add salt to the water and maybe even a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda. Be caregul with fountains, streams and rivers along the way. It is important to ensure that the water can be drunk.

Clothing and footwear

Wear loose light clothing that 'breathes and insulates your skin. It should be easy to wash and dry. Only take clothes you reallly need (3 T-shirts, two pairs of trousers and three changes of underwear and socks). Do not forget to take lycra shorts, a helmet, gloves, sun (or wind) glasses, a wind-stopper, sun cream and a raincoat or cape.

Use light, comfortable cycling shoes. The footwear should protect the ankles from sprains and allow you to walk on irregular surfaces. If it is new, walk two or three 10-15-kilometre sections before staring the Way. We recommend comfortable cotton socks that breathe and protect the feet from chafing and blisters. When you finish a stage, put on some flip-flops or comfortable trainers. If your shoes have got wet during the stage, dry them by putting newspapers inside them. If you do this three times, the paper will absorb the humidity and leave the shoes ready for use next day.

Backpack

The backpack should adapt to your weight and size. It should be light, anatomical and fastening at the waist and chest. Remember: once it is full it should not weigh more than 10% of the pilgrim's body weight, with a maximum of 9 kilos. A good idea to keep your clothes tidy, avoid smells and stop your clothes getting wet if it rains is to line the inside the backpack with a large garbage bag and keep your clothes in small plastic bags. The heaviest and bulkiest objects should be placed vertically and close to your back. Excessive weight will lead to pains in the back and feet. Guides, cameras and other frequently objects should be easily reached so you do not have to take everything out of the backpack each time.

First aid kit

It is very important to take certain drugs to stop common illnesses (colds, headache or stomach pains, stings, blisters). Scissors, needle and thread to cure blisters, high-protection sun cream, muscle pain cream, analgesics, sticking plasters and foot cream.

Other useful things to take

A few suggestions: bar of soap to wash clothes, can opener, knife and spoon, torch, safety pins or pegs to hang clothes, ear plugs, toilet paper, and a towel and shoulder pads to avoid the straps of the backpack rubbing your shoulders. It is a mistake to take saucepans and frying pans, but do not forget to take a sleeping bag and folding mat because some hostels offer places on the floor. If you are cycling, you will need a padlock, helmet and tight-fitting clothing.The use of walking sticks helps to take the weight off and protect your ankle and knee joints.

Take care of the Pilgrim's Way

It is everyone's responsibility to keep the Way clean by using the rubbish bins and toilets etc. that are located along the route or in the towns and villages. Never leave clothes or shoes behind along the way.

Pedal safe

When riding along a road, or crossing one, take great care. Bear in mind that the weight of your backpack and fatigue slow your movements down and you may need to react quickly. Do not ride at night, although if you do wear reflective clothing so that cars can see you clearly …and enjoy your walking!

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