Pamplona to Logrono

[Gadflyparexcellence]

I will be on my first Camino beginning in the second week in May. I will start from Pamplona. I just wanted to know how the stretch between Pamplona and Logorono is. Is it mostly uphill and rugged or is it mostly up and down? How hard is it and what to expect? Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[MTtoCamino]

If you have a Brierley guide you will see a couple days of elevation gain but nothing that is as steep as crossing the Pyranees. It is primarily a rolling plain. Very interesting castles on top steep hills, a very cold Roman aquifer I found it wonderful.

 

[whariwharangi]

I recall the downhill section from Alto de Perdon to Uterga to be surprisingly hard. The footing was bad on this section with rolling rocks where soil is eroded due to many walkers over time.

 

[mspath]

I recall the downhill section from Alto de Perdon to Uterga to be surprisingly hard. The footing was bad on this section with rolling rocks where soil is eroded due to many walkers over time.

I certainly agree! Difficult in any weather but in heavy rain or fog it is hell. For an earlier Forum thread re such perils see this.

 

[RobertS26]

 

[Anniesantiago]

It's all a matter of who you are and what your own limitations are.
The trek UP to Perdon after Pamplona is easy if you just take it slow. There is a steep part, but it is a gentle incline and as someone mentioned, it is a HILL, not a mountain. Going down, there is a section for a short distance where the path is covered with loose rock. Just watch your feet, not the scenery and use sticks and you are soon walking on the flat again. The walk to Puente la Reina is then flat, and the rest is gentle rolling hills.
Don't be afraid. You'll do fine. I'm 64 and a wimp and if I can do it anybody can!

And just to be clear, the Camino is not a mountain climbing trip, and is certainly nothing like the Appalacian Trail or Pacific Coast Trail. It is more a long walk over hill and dale with a few steep hills to go over, but no real mountains (I'm from CA where we have mountains).

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

Many thanks to all for the feedback. This is exactly what I needed.

 

[newgabe]

Thanks for asking about this Gadfly, and for all the answers, people (Especially for the link mspath, that was very helpful). I'm also starting my first Camino from Pamplona in early May- just before you Gadfly Just getting past the trepidation that I'm just not up to it - I've been through a few months of medical and emotional turmoil, could barely make it to the shops, let alone fling myself across the world! Starting to get excited now. I'd actually booked with a group 6 months ago. starting mid May from Ponferrada, then I've decided to walk a week or so solo first. I chose this section because it seemed to be varied and interesting.

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

Thanks for asking about this Gadfly, and for all the answers, people (Especially for the link mspath, that was very helpful). I'm also starting my first Camino from Pamplona in early May- just before you Gadfly Just getting past the trepidation that I'm just not up to it - I've been through a few months of medical and emotional turmoil, could barely make it to the shops, let alone fling myself across the world! Starting to get excited now. I'd actually booked with a group 6 months ago. starting mid May from Ponferrada, then I've decided to walk a week or so solo first. I chose this section because it seemed to be varied and interesting.

Good luck newgabe! As long as we take it easy and don't strain ourselves, we should be fine on this segment. I watched a couple of videos and it appears that both the incline and decline are gradual. Nothing much to worry about except our footsteps given that parts of it could be rocky and muddy.

 

[mspath]

PostScript to what I posted above.

Descending the Alto de Perdon I was always too anxious to take a photo, especially in bad weather.
Hence for pictorial proof of the rough terrain even in good weather watch this video of bikers found on the web,

...Same path, same stones for both biking or walking!! Not easy.

 

[Mark Lee]

PostScript to what I posted above.

Descending the Alto de Perdon I was always too anxious to take a photo, especially in bad weather.
Hence for pictorial proof of the rough terrain even in good weather watch this video of bikers found on the web,

...Same path, same stones for both biking or walking!! Not easy.

At the 0.52 second mark on that video. The peregrino walking on the right. Mad props to that dude. Cheap, cloth and string pack, ball cap, some cargo shorts and a sport shirt, generic running shoes, humping down the hill with a wooden staff. Too cool. He my hero.
Hey! He can't be doing the Camino. He ain't covered in high tech gear!
ha ha

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

At the 0.52 second mark on that video. The peregrino walking on the right. Mad props to that dude. Cheap, cloth and string pack, ball cap, some cargo shorts and a sport shirt, generic running shoes, humping down the hill with a wooden staff. Too cool. He my hero.
Hey! He can't be doing the Camino. He ain't covered in high tech gear!
ha ha

Thanks for sharing the video mspath. Of course the descent is somewhat treacherous. But the irony is that it seems that bikers pose a greater threat to the walkers than the path itself!

 

[MTtoCamino]

Great video of the hill going down, I liked seeing the 2 people walking back up the hill, since most only walk west to Santiago. But do not walk or return the way they came

 

[Felipe]

I just zigzagged my way down. It is perfectly possible, because there are many secondary paths.

 

[Saint Mike II]

PostScript to what I posted above. Descending the Alto de Perdon I was always too anxious to take a photo, especially in bad weather.
Hence for pictorial proof of the rough terrain even in good weather watch this video of bikers found on the web, ...Same path, same stones for both biking or walking!! Not easy.

Which is why after conquering the "up" section (on my bike), I took one look at the next 250 metres (it look very "vertical") and decided the road was safer and offered a better chance of spending the night in an albergue rather than a hospital.

 

[Saint Mike II]

PostScript to what I posted above. Descending the Alto de Perdon I was always too anxious to take a photo, especially in bad weather.
...Same path, same stones for both biking or walking!! Not easy.

A Spanish cyclist using his BELL!!! He could be expelled from the Spanish Cycle Union!!!! (joke).

 

[newgabe]

ah well

....pictorial proof of the rough terrain even in good weather watch this video of bikers found on the web,

...Same path, same stones for both biking or walking!! Not easy.

Thanks for that! and, ah well then mspath, I think the fair amount of Australian bush walking I've done over the years will see me right for that path...for a start, there is actually a path! Though a wet slick/spring bubbling up on that kind of dirt with rolling stones wouldn't be so nice. In any case I'd way rather walk it than cycle it!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Here's the up and down from the Alto del Pedron. It's a steady up you just pace yourself up but the going down is loose rock and can be slippery. Trekking poles and zig zagging certainly help those of us who use these aids. It all depends on your experience and your comfort with traversing different terrain.

Slow and steady as it's your first day on the Way. You'll be fine.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

ah well

Thanks for that! and, ah well then mspath, I think the fair amount of Australian bush walking I've done over the years will see me right for that path...for a start, there is actually a path! Though a wet slick/spring bubbling up on that kind of dirt with rolling stones wouldn't be so nice. In any case I'd way rather walk it than cycle it!

If you've walked in the Aussie bush the Camino won't hold too many surprises for you and the eucalypt forests as you near Santiago will be like coming home. The familiar sight and smell exploded in our senses.

Buen Camino!

 

[Lmsundaze]

Just watched the video- YIKES I will be there in 5 days, feeling scared!

 

[Mark Lee]

Just watched the video- YIKES I will be there in 5 days, feeling scared!

You'll be alright. Just take your time and watch your footing.
On those downhills I'm more concerned about being hit by some dimwit on a bike going too fast.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Just watched the video- YIKES I will be there in 5 days, feeling scared!

You will be fine Imsundaze.

As Mark says, just take your time, watch your footing and enjoy the views! Don't worry about anyone else. Go sure and steady and don't forget to enjoy it!

 

[Ove Garpeman]

Excellent tips here and i'm planning to do this part in late June 2016.

 

[newgabe]

I did this section last week. Here's some brief notes (on my phone so very brief ) Wish Id stayed at the Order of Malta at Cizur Menor instead of the private hostsel as heard good reports of their kindness.. and its traditional not commercial.

Alto de Perdon easy peasy (dry conditions, wearing ultralight 'barefoot' shoes, pacerpoles)) Pretty much ran down it wondering when the hard bit would start. Found the climb up.to Maneru after Puente de la Reina much harder and the downhill after Cirauqui (raining) worse. The hostel there didnt deserve its good reviews.. not even a kettle for coffee let alone a kitchen bored staff
I am now a total convert to walking poles and think Pacerpoles deserve a nobel prize for design.
Abuela albergue in Los Arcos was good.

Overall its a lovely section nice changeable scenery. I recommend the 'alternative' route from just after Irache to Los Arcos through a bit of forest and Luquin. It's well marked ...and nice cherry cake at Luquin cafe
Viana is an interesting town to stop rather than pushing on to Logrono. Friendly Pilgrim Chill Tea Shop there and a gear shop if you need anything.
There are TONS of people walking and it was often chilly.
Enjoy!×