THE WAY OF BAZTAN

The Jacobean route that runs through the Baztan valley is one of the ancient sections of the Way used by travellers who either disembarked at the port of Bayonne, or arrived on foot from the Landes. After five or six stages, depending on the daily distances you choose to walk, you arrive in Pamplona and join the French Way.

Although being less known than other Santiago routes, the beauty of the landscape is unquestionable, with forests of beech and chestnut trees, pastures with scattered sheep, meadows with the occasional white farmhouses and elegant Baroque manor houses. The starting point is Bayonne, one of Pamplona’s twin cities. Bayonne also has an inescapable historical and artistic heritage: a Gothic cathedral with a cloister and medieval stained-glass windows, houses that overlook the River Nive with colourful façades that mix Basque and French architectural features, and a walled enclosure and citadel designed by the great engineer Vauban.

First section. From Urdax / Urdazubi to Amaiur. Few kilometres, but great difficulty in the ascent to Otsondo pass.

Second section. Amaiur - Berroeta. 18.5 kilometres on restored dirt or asphalt roads.

Third section. Berroeta – Olagüe. 20.4 kilometres long, among unique beech forests and a rather steep uphill slope.

Fourth section. Olagüe - Pamplona: 25 kilometres of dirt roads and asphalt trails and tracks with moderate slopes. As you reach the river walk of the Ultzama river, the route joins the French Way.