Description
Book SynopsisThe Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Camino Francés or Way of St James) is among the world's most famous pilgrimages: Christian pilgrims have travelled to the shrine of St James in Santiago, northern Spain, since the ninth century. This guide provides all the information you need to successfully cycle the Camino. The Camino Francés is the most popular variant of the Camino, linking St Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French-Spanish border with Santiago via Pamplona, Burgos and León. The guide presents the journey in 18 stages. Two versions of the route are described, the first (770km) based closely on the walkers' route and suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes; the second (798km) a 'road route' for road and touring cycles. It can be cycled in around 10-14 days and is very well provisioned. Clear route description and mapping are accompanied by notes on local points of interest, as well as background information on Spanish history and the history of the Camino. The practicalities are also thoroughly covered, including travel to and from the route, accommodation, facilities, kit and how to qualify for and obtain your Compostela (pilgrims' certificate). Whether you're seeking a spiritual journey, a physical challenge or just a holiday, the Camino promises an unforgettable experience - from the beautiful landscapes, historic towns and rich culture of northern Spain to the famed camaraderie with other wayfarers. Blending information with inspiration, this guide is an ideal companion to cycling this UNESCO-listed route.
Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Route summary table Introduction History The Camino The routes Natural environment Preparation Pilgrim credentials and information Getting there and back Navigation Accommodation Food and drink Amenities and services What to take Safety and emergencies About this guide The route Navarre and La Rioja Stage 1 St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles Stage 2 Roncesvalles to Pamplona Stage 3 Pamplona to Estella Stage 4 Estella to Logroño Stage 5 Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada León y Castile Stage 6 Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Villafranca Montes de Oca Stage 7 Villafranca Montes de Oca to Burgos Stage 8 Burgos to Castrojeriz Stage 9 Castrojeriz to Carrión de los Condes Stage 10 Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún Stage 11 Sahagún to León Stage 12 León to Astorga Stage 13 Astorga to Ponferrada Stage 14 Ponferrada to O Cebreiro Galicia Stage 15 O Cebreiro to Sarria Stage 16 Sarria to Palas de Rei Stage 17 Palas de Rei to Arzúa Stage 18 Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela Appendix A Facilities summary table Appendix B Tourist information offices Appendix C Cycle shops Appendix D Pilgrim information Appendix E Useful contacts Appendix F Language glossary Appendix G Spanish architectural styles
