Zubiri to Pamplona

20.7 km and 4:35 (see map).

A valley walk down to Pamplona. Dry, but a cold wind for some of the way.

Zubiri is a small village on a river. The houses are built to last centuries, like most seem to be in these parts.

Pleasant walking on off-road paths most of the way down the valley.

Coffee stop.

Water stop.

Picturesque photo opportunity stop.

A stop to watch a fisherman on a bridge. Quite a few folk out fishing the river today – it’s a public holiday I think (Ascension Day).

Getting closer to Pamplona.

Plenty of old ruins along the path.

Pamplona street, with the Cathedral at the top.

A glass of wine, with the cathedral behind. My hostel is 3 m away from this bar and 10 m from the entrance to the cathedral.

I was undecided about staying an extra day in Pamplona, thinking I might just keep walking. But the town warrants some time spent wandering its lanes and soaking in the history so I’m staying on for another night. A day off the camino probably won’t do the tired legs any harm either.

Roncesvalles to Zubiri

21.5 km and 4:53 (see map).

Easier walk today – undulating rather than lots of big hills/mountains and some downhill for the last few kms. Another day of spectacular scenery. A few high clouds about, but sunny and warm.

Wifi bandwidth abysmal so far – too many peregrinos trying to access it at once. Consequently uploading photos challenging. Will keep trying.

790 km by road. About the same on foot.

Inquisitive (and, I must say, rather attractive) sheep.

Breakfast stop. Interesting juxtaposition of bar and church, although I suppose each could be considered a sacred place.

Started to see a few rivers today.

Pretty houses in the villages.

Typical countryside for the morning.

Morning tea stop.

A slug.

Haven’t seen or heard any wild animals yet. Greatest danger faced so far is spearing by an errant walking pole.

Not much grass in this small village.

Blind corners abound.

A coffee cart a few km before Zubiri.

The municipal albergue at Zubiri.

€8.00 for a comfortable bunk bed in a bright airy room.