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Thank you Lance, info hugely appreciated! As a solo traveller, injuries along that route are not something i want to risk so i guess i will stick to Pamplona on this trip!Roncesvalles is a great place to start but only if you are prepared to walk down steep loose shale that can cut you to pieces on the descent into Zubiri. I saw a number of people with quite horrible cuts in their calves, shins, and other parts of their bodies who had obviously fallen. Sticks are a MUST for the few kilometres you need to walk here just to maintain your balance.
PS Do NOT buy the voucher for breakfast as they don't open the restaurant until quite late in the morning. I posted my unused voucher back to the monastery and not even a thank you card in return.
Maybe I am blessed with my patchy memory: I really do not recall a bad descent from Zubiri. it was 13 years ago... and it was roasting hot, that was much more my complaint. What I do recall was the stepped area near a cement factory. I would start in Roncesvalles, if I had the chance but it is no loss either, just to skip out of Pamplona, up the slope to Cizur Menor, and up and over El Perdon, down via Uterga, head left around Muruzabal and take in the beautiful octagonal church in Eunate. That is something to give some time to. Then in no time you will be in Puente la Reina...Arriving in Pamplona on the 23rd - although still debating whether to start in Roncesvalles.....
you did indeed. Another example of my patchy memory and my lazy reading. Whatever, let the op take the decision. Lance. You were very clear and helpful.Sorry! I thought I said coming into Zubiri.
start in st jean or you will miss something you will have to go back for again.Arriving in Pamplona on the 23rd - although still debating whether to start in Roncesvalles.....