Hikes in Sotés

At first, it’s relatively difficult to find the right way out of the city, as the trail markers get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. With the exception of the area around Navarrete, however, the trail becomes all the more charming.> We begin this stage at Logroño’s central square, 01, near the Catedral Santa María de Palacio, and take Calle Portales straight ahead toward the west. Before taking the second left at the roundabout, we pass the tourist information office. We follow Calle Marqués de Murrieta for a while and, at the next (palm-tree-lined) roundabout, cross the street to the left, then keep to the right and arrive at the large Palacio de Justicia de la Rioja via the street, which still bears the same name. At the third roundabout, the arrows become more frequent again. So we follow them across the street and then turn left. Passing the police station, we soon turn right over a bridge into a large park, which we cross entirely. At another roundabout, we turn left into another park and eventually pass under the approaching highway. We made it! Now the Camino leads us for a good 2 km along a long tree-lined avenue that leaves the urban landscape behind in favor of more nature. Ultimately, it leads into the inviting Parque de la Grajera y la Barranca 02—Logroño’s oasis of tranquility. Large playgrounds, barbecue and rest areas, as well as a beautiful lake, round out the grounds. At the lake, we turn right, then left, as the arrows guide us safely through the extensive network of paths. Once the park is behind us, we hike uphill through the vineyards of La Rioja. The trail alternates between asphalt and gravel and offers beautiful views from above. Winding toward the road, we soon reach it, and the tranquility comes to an end for the next 3 km. We walk almost exclusively alongside the road all the way to Navarrete. At the Alto de la Grajera 03 pass, the trail descends past ruins and abandoned buildings. Behind the region’s “landmark”—the large bull—we cross the road as soon as the trail ends. Caution! We hike along the paved road for 100 m until we’re directed to the right through more vineyards, and Navarrete lies ahead of us. We cross the highway bridge and immediately pass the remains of an old pilgrim’s hostel. As you make your way up into this small, charming town, it’s worth taking a look inside Navarrete’s large, magnificent 16th-century church (Iglesia de la Asunción). Behind the church, a path leads up the hill, offering an excellent panoramic view. Otherwise, we follow the trail markers, which lead along the old town and soon exit the town to the left. For about another 600 m, we follow the road on the left until we reach a cemetery (with a Roman gate) and turn onto the path next to it. Imperceptibly but steadily, we leave the paved road behind and walk leisurely uphill through the characteristic vineyards. Eventually, however, the Camino leads us back to the road, which we must cross—despite some conflicting arrows. Straight ahead to the highway, then left, and for a good 1.5 km straight ahead under the bridge, the Camino takes us left toward Ventosa 05.Passing along the “1 km of Art” project—initiated by pilgrims and residents—we arrive at a hostel (open only in summer), the obligatory bar/restaurant, and the church with its fountain in the center of the village of Ventosa 06, which offers plenty of peace and quiet as well as beautiful views.Coming from the bar or the church, we turn left onto the next road, following the unpaved main path that eventually leads us to the Alto de Poyo Pass 07. The final few meters uphill are somewhat arduous, as the trail is badly eroded and very muddy when wet. From there on to Nájera, we follow the downward slope, walking under the approaching country road and alongside it. About 3.5 km before our destination for the day, there’s an ideal rest area with a domed shelter 08. Continuing past the factory, across a small river, and under the large highway bridge, you’ll find a rest area on the left. Passing it and continuing straight ahead, we quickly reach our destination. There, we walk along the main road toward the bridge and the Rio Nájerillo. There are already several hostels along the way. Next to the bridge itself is the Nájera Tourist Information Office 09.

Camino frances.  St Jean to Roncesvalles via Orisson with less steep descent alternative via chapel.  Camino Duro from Villafranca (well worth the extra effort!).  Don't just think about it; DO IT !! A fantastic break from pointless life in the UK and wasting your life staring at computers all day.  Ideally continue to Finisterre and/or Muxia.

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino Frances: Stage 08: Logrono-Najera[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela de itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of weg ]

The Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostella

Compostela

Tappa 7

Deuxième étape de la troisième mi-temps.