Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon
Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon
10 Days Starting in Roncesvalles, Spain and ending in Leon, Spain
Visiting: Roncesvalles, Burguete, Espinal, Erro, Zubiri, Pamplona, Cizur, Puente la Reina, Cirauqui, Estella, Fountain of Wine, Monastery of Irache, Azqueta, Monjardín Villamayor, Los Arcos, Sansol, Linares Torres del Río, Viana, Logroño, Navarrete, Monte de San Anton, Nájera, Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, Azofra, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Granon, Belorado, Montes de Oca, San Juan de Ortega, Atapuerca, Burgos, Tardajos, Hornillos del Camino, Hontanas, Convent of San Antón, Castrojeriz, Mostelares, Frómista, Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes, Calzadilla de la Cueza, Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios, Moratinos, Sahagún, Calzada del Coto, Bercianos del Real Camino, El Burgo Ranero, Mansilla de las Mulas, León, Leon, Santiago de Compostela
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure with the "Spanish Camino by Bike: The Pyrenees to Leon" tour. This self-guided journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of Spain, starting in the historic village of Roncesvalles and concluding in the vibrant city of Leon. Along the way, you'll explore iconic pilgrimage towns like Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon, and discover hidden gems such as the medieval village of Cirauqui and the "Fountain of Wine" at the monastery of Irache. Experience the camaraderie of the Camino as you cycle through picturesque countryside, past vineyards, and along ancient Roman roads. With comfortable accommodations ranging from rural hotels to charming boutique stays, and a digital information pack to guide your way, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure. Enjoy the freedom of cycling at your own pace, with luggage transfers and emergency support ensuring a seamless experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Roncesvalles
Location: Roncesvalles
Accommodation Name: hotel
Famous on the pilgrimage trail, the historic village of Roncesvalles is high in the Pyrenees and only 5km from the French border in northeast Navarre. Make your way to your hotel and at your leisure, visit the famous local church where there are several relics dating from the 8th Century and the defeat of Charlemagne by local tribes. Your bikes will be delivered to the hotel by early evening.
*option to start in St Jean Pied de Port in France and walk to Roncesvalles across the Pyrenees before joining the cycle trip. See the Trip Notes 'special notes' for details.
Day 2 : Cycle via Zubiri and Akerreta to Pamplona (42km/26mi)
Location: Burguete, Espinal, Erro, Zubiri, Pamplona
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s cycle takes you through the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass through the towns of Burguete and Espinal, climb to the top of Erro, and follow the Arga River from Zubiri to Pamplona, the historical capital of Navarre province.
Day 3 : Cycle via Puente la Reina and medieval Cirauqui to Estella (42km/26mi)
Location: Pamplona, Cizur, Puente la Reina, Cirauqui, Estella
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading out of Pamplona, you’ll quickly reach Cizur. A short ascent follows before a continued decline through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos to the lovely stone built town of Puente la Reina. Leaving Puente la Reina, you'll follow paths and tracks to the medieval hilltop village of Cirauqui, which welcomes you with a beautiful arched door. Descend the Roman road to the bridge over the Rio Salado to ride the final kilometres into Estella (Lizarra) via the towns of Lorca and Villatuerta.
Day 4 : Via Monjardin Villamayor to Logroño (50km/31mi)
Location: Estella, Fountain of Wine, Monastery of Irache, Azqueta, Monjardín Villamayor, Los Arcos, Sansol, Linares Torres del Río, Viana, Logroño
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Estella, you’ll find the famous "Fountain of Wine" and the monastery of Irache. On to Azqueta, between fields and vineyards, and Monjardín Villamayor, with its restored Fuente de los Moros (12th century fountain). From here and up to Los Arcos, you'll ride on undulating, open terrain. Leaving Los Arcos, Sansol is your next destination and from here you descend to the river valley before ascending Linares Torres del Río. Cycle through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and small villages via Viana and descend to the city of Logroño, capital of La Rioja.
Day 5 : Cycle to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (49km/29.5mi)
Location: Logroño, Navarrete, Monte de San Anton, Nájera, Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, Azofra, Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Logroño on the historic Rúa Vieja you'll head towards Naverrete. Pass ruins of the ancient pilgrims and ascend Monte de San Anton, where there are views to Nájera. Continuing via Najera’s Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the road runs along a dirt track to Azofra, situated on a small hill. From here it's an easy ride into the historic village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a beautiful medieval town known for its legend of the rooster and chicken.
Day 6 : Cycle to the city of Burgos (72km/44.5mi)
Location: Granon, Belorado, Montes de Oca, San Juan de Ortega, Atapuerca, Burgos
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The first part of today's cycle is quite flat. From Granon, past the tiny village of Redicillo del Camino, you head to Belorado. From here there's an ascent to Montes de Oca, where you'll be rewarded with an excellent view. Once in San Juan de Ortega, the route soon leads to Atapuerca. Leaving Atapuerca, you cycle through a number of villages as you head towards Burgos, a provincial capital of Castile and León. Your downtown hotel is within walking distance of Burgos’ charms, including its impressive Gothic Cathedral and Monastery of Las Huelgas.
Day 7 : Across the meseta to Fromista (66km/41mi)
Location: Burgos, Tardajos, Hornillos del Camino, Hontanas, Convent of San Antón, Castrojeriz, Mostelares, Frómista
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Burgos along the Calle Ferrán Gonzalez you cross the Rio Arlanzón at the Malatos Bridge. You then continue via the towns of Tardajos and Hornillos, and through wheat fields to the town of Hontanas. Next, you’ll see the Convent of San Antón and cycle into the beautiful village of Castrojeriz. There’s a good climb to Mostelares followed by a descent to the river Pisuerga. Historical Frómista lies ahead, along the Canal de Castilla.
Day 8 : Cycle to Sahagun (60km/37mi)
Location: Frómista, Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes, Calzadilla de la Cueza, Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios, Moratinos, Sahagún
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Frómista, you'll cycle towards to Villalcázar de Sirga, with its beautiful church. Soon after you'll reach Carrión de los Condes, with its impressive heritage. It’s a gentle ride from Carrion de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza. From Calzadilla, ascend for a couple of kilometres before heading towards the towns of Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos. From here you continue to Sahagún, an historical village along the Camino with an impressive church with Moorish influences and a grand city gate.
Day 9 : On to historic Leon (58km/36mi)
Location: Sahagún, Calzada del Coto, Bercianos del Real Camino, El Burgo Ranero, Mansilla de las Mulas, León
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Sahagún you cross the Cea river and cycle to Calzada del Coto, where the road forks. Follow the left fork across Bercianos del Real Camino to El Burgo Ranero. From here, it’s an easy pedal to Mansilla de las Mulas, the gateway to León. You will cross the Esla river and then the Porma river at Villarente. After a steep slope you’ll arrive at León, one of the most historic towns of Old Castile and dominated by its cathedral.
Day 10 : Trip concludes
Location: Leon, Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. Leon has much to see and we recommend adding an extra night, or you can continue on the next stage to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in hotels -
Mountain bike rental
Mountain bike rental with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump is included.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer for one piece with a maximum weight of 20kg is included.
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Digital information pack
A digital information pack with route notes and a GPX
avigational app is included. -
Pilgrim's Passport
A Pilgrim's Passport is included.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is included.
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Travel to Roncesvalles and from Leon
Travel arrangements to Roncesvalles and from Leon are included.
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Welcome briefing
A welcome briefing with the rental bike ready in the hotel lobby is included.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Any meals and drinks not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to sights and museums not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Any transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are excluded.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the 20kg limit.
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Toe clips, gel saddle, SPD pedals
These items are available for an additional charge.
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Helmet purchase
Helmets are available for purchase if you prefer not to use the rental helmet provided.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the GPX files.
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Hotel taxes if applicable
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Any items of a personal nature are excluded.
Accommodation
9 nights in hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated in a range of hotels from simple rural hotels to charming boutique style hotels, to 3 and 4 star city hotels. All have been chosen for their character, quality and location.
Grading
The cycling is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily cycling distances from 42 to 72km/26 to 44.5mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Roncesvalles and from Leon. Mountain bike rental (standard model, or hybrid touring bike on request) with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle & pump.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
A standard mountain bike is provided for the tour, along with a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. There are options to upgrade to a gravel bike, premium mountain bike, or electric mountain bike for an additional charge.
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Is luggage transfer included during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included, with a maximum of one piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, and dinners typically consist of three courses. Lunches and beverages are not included.
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Is the tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, meaning there is no guide included.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in a range of hotels, from simple rural hotels to charming boutique-style hotels, and 3 to 4-star city hotels. All accommodations have been chosen for their character, quality, and location.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The cycling is graded as moderate to challenging, with daily distances ranging from 42 to 72 km over undulating to mountainous terrain. It is suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package, but it is mandatory for participants.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
