Alternate route via Huarte (Zabaldika to Pamplona)

[MARSKA]

I must have overlooked this previously but I see there is an alternative to the big "up" that goes to the right after Zabaldika and the highway rest area and leads to Pamplona via Arleta, Trinadad de Arre and Villava.

Has anyone followed this route along the river into Huarte (bypassing Trinadad de Arre, etc.?) If so, where in Pamplona does one rejoin the main CF route and do you recommend this route if the other is slippery/muddy? Asking for a friend ...

 

[trecile]

I took the route following the river last year, and it was very pleasant, and I would recommend it, especially on a hot day because I remember climbing up the other way, and there is very little shade.

 

[Kirkie]

From Huarte it is easy to cross the road to the other river walk, a recreational one, that comes out at the big roundabout at the Pamplona end of Burlada, and then follow the marked camino route up to the city. Tell your friend to take it if s/he prefers shade in heat, or safe footing when there is or has been torrential rain.
It is also still possible to pass the ages old albergue at Trinidad de Arre, and pop in for a stamp and a moment of cool, dark, quiet. In that case, the route called traditional continues parallel to the recreational river walk, once again reaching the roundabout. Along the way, there are bars and cafes...
Climbing either to Zabaldika or from the rest area is shorter, slightly.
Do wish your friend buen camino.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I walked that way, but since that year the youth hostel (?) I had planned to stay at was full, I walked back a bit towards Arre (the lovely hospitalera in the hostel that was full made a phone call to make sure I got a bed there).

I did enjoy the walk. It is basically a bike path along the river - all flat and enough shade to be pleasant on a summer walk in the afternoon, but all asphalt if I remember correctly.

 

[naplesdon]

I enjoyed it, very shady and not a lot of foot or bike traffic as I remember. It is bordered by many small garden plots.

 

[MARSKA]

Thanks everyone. As always , good info and much appreciated.

 

[MARSKA]

Does anyone have a visual they can share as to how/where this route meets up with the traditional camino?
I'm confused, obviously.