Bicycle routes

THE MAGICAL ST. JAMES´ WAY

At Alquimoto we offer two ways of enjoying St. James’ Way.

If you choose the second option, we provide certain advice and information to avoid any unexpected surprises along the way.

STUDY THE STAGES WELL

The Way can start wherever you like, even from your own front door. The traditional route is the French Way which covers a total of 760 Km. In general it is a technical route with continuous climbs and descents and the route is always marked with yellow arrows (on the tarmac, signs, trees, rocks). It is a good idea to carefully study the profiles of each stage as they are very long and you will need to carefully calculate the time required.

ORGANISE YOUR BAGGAGE

It is a good idea to balance the weight you are carrying to make pedalling as comfortable as possible. For this purpose we provide a rear rack and saddlebags on the back, a tool kit under the seat bar and we recommend you buy a bag to fit on the handlebars in which to keep your documentation and the route map.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

The best times are spring and autumn. In summer, particularly in July and August there are lots of people which can lead to the Hostels becoming full and it is also very hot.

PILGRIMS´ CREDENTIALS

It is a kind of pilgrim’s ID card. It is given exclusively to those who go on the pilgrimage on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. You can get one at the first hostel you visit or at the Associations of Friends. This document enables you to access the hostels, where they will be stamped to prove you have been there.

WHAT IS "LA COMPOSTELA"?

It is a certificate awarded in Santiago de Compostela as recognition by the church that you have completed the pilgrimage due to your devotion to Santiago Apostle, whether for religious or spiritual reasons.

WHAT ARE THE VOLUNTEER "HOSPITALEROS"?

They are people who look after you at the hostels. Their main aim is not the upkeep of the hostel, although they do that too, but rather to offer their hospitality to the pilgrims that arrive there.

THE STAGES OF THE FRENCH WAY FROM RONCESVALLES

1. STAGE. 65 KMS. Roncesvalles-Puente la Reina
2. STAGE. 99 KMS. Puente la Reina-Nájera
3. STAGE. 94 KMS. Nájera –Burgos
4. STAGE. 84 KMS. Burgos-Carrión de los Condes
5. STAGE. 92 KMS. Carrión de los Condes-León
6. STAGE. 67 KMS. León-Rabanal del Camino
7. STAGE. 83 KMS. Rabanal del Camino-O Cebreiro
8. STAGE. 62 KMS. O Cebreiro-Portamarín
9. STAGE. 73 KMS. Portamarín-Arca
10. STAGE. 18 KMS. Arca-Santiago de Compostela