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I was told that the climb is called Mataburros, or "The mule killer". Very appropriate name. For me, it is ca. 40 mins of tough climbing... not smart to do after noon time...
It is very advisable to take an early stop in Castrojeriz, enjoy the day, and take that climb early in the morning. After that, you are on the Meseta.
From Burgos, I walk to Hornillos del Camino, and next day to Castrojeriz, arriving around noon. Two great days, and next morning, The mule killer.
We were very pleased to hit that climb early in the morning. It was cool, but after a short while the sweat appeared so we appreciated that it wasn't hotter. And of course, at each pause there was the view to appreciate as we got higher up
Although I never saw any dead mules on this trail I did see more than one pilgrim pausing aside to pray for the strength to complete it. The reward is at the top when you look back at Castrojeriz.
I think the "mule killer" applies to those travelling east from Hornillos back to Burgos (the mules dragging the full wagons apparently did not make it to the top). The descent from the Alto de Mostelares was one of the steepest places on the whole Camino (around 18% - or about 1 in 5 or 6 - one metre down for every 5 or 6 metres of travel).
N
nathanael
@jozero , you are right the doesn't give a true image of what we go to make that climb. But it was nice that when I arrived at the top there was a young guy selling refreshments.
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