We welcome solo travellers but we do not match people up to share. If you are a solo traveller you must book a single room.
Please note that you must book flights into Bilbao with Aer Lingus for this trip. The transfers are booked according to Aer Lingus arrivals and departures. If you book another airline or airport you must organise and pay for your own transfers.
11th - 18th September 2026
This is the first stage of the French Way which is the most popular pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. We start this stage of the Camino in St Jean Pied de Port in France. This beautiful towns name literally means ‘St James at the Foot of the Pass’. The pass referred to is Roncesvalles, which is a major pass through the mountains into Spain.
This stage brings us through Navarre, an old Basque province with Pamplona as its capital. The first day takes us into the low Pyrenees where we pass over Col de Lepoeder at 1450m and then down to Roncesvalles for a much needed rest.
On day two and three we enjoy the beautiful scenery in the foothills as we make our way West towards the historical city of Pamplona with its breathtaking city walls.
Pamplona is a city where your imagination takes hold as you walk through the French Gate to enter the old city. The narrow busy streets have a pleasant hum of activity. It is like a melting pot of people and cultures, as it has been for many centuries.
After Pamplona the Camino will bring you into areas of horticulture for the next three days to Los Arcos where we see more vines as well as wheat and olive groves.
The itinerary is as follows,
Day 1 - Arrive Bilbao and transfer to St Jean Pied de Port
Day 2 - St Jean to Roncesvalles 25.1 km
Day 3- Roncesvalles to Zubiri 21.9 km
Day 4 - Zubiri to Pamplona 20.3 km
Day 5 - Pamplona to Puente la Reina 24.2 km
Day 6 - Puente la Reina to Estella 21.9 km
Day 7 - Estella to Los Arcos 21.4 km
Day 8 - After breakfast transfer to Bilbao airport
The guides will meet the group at Dublin airport.
CLOTHING & FOOD
- Footwear, I recommend a light half boot, these can be got in all good outdoor stores. It is advisable to get a pair a half size or a full size bigger than you normally get. Your feet may swell when walking long distances. This will result in toes catching the inside of the boot.
- Walking pants, they are lightweight and dry quickly. A pair with zip off legs are very handy.
- Trainers or Sandals for wearing in the evening, giving your feet a rest from the boots
- Light rain jacket and rain pants or a poncho.
- Walking socks, I use Smartwool hiking socks and they work really well for me. Bridgedale are another good brand.
- Light Fleece, always carry it in your day pack as it can get chilly when you stop for a coffee or lunch
- Sun Hat, if the weather is hot and sunny you should always cover your head
- Sunglasses, to protect your eyes in sunny weather
- Sunscreen, this should be applied before breakfast and a few times during the day, even if the sun is not shining!!
- Warm hat , for the sometimes chilly morningsand evenings
- Base Layers, I always use a base layer when walking with a light shirt over it. It keeps the sweat off your back
- 30 litre day pack , get one with good waist straps so the weight of the bag is on your hips, this will reduce the pressure on your shoulders. It will make the long distances easier.
- Water bottle/Platypus/Camelbak, the tap water is safe to drink and we encourage people to bring their own water bottles and refill them.
- Toilet paper, for when you get caught short. We use a policy of 'Leave No Trace'. All toilet paper should be brought with you and disposed of at your hotel.Nappy bags are handy for this.
- Snacks/Energy Bars, essential for walking on the Camino. If energy levels drop a small snack can make the difference. Available in shops over there but some people prefer ones they are used to.
FIRST AID
There will be an extensive first aid kit with your guides but it is good to carry a small first aid kit yourself.
- Plasters
- Paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- Antiseptic cream
- Blister plasters
- Foot powder or Vaseline for your toes to help prevent blisters.
- Any medication you may be on.
- 7 nights B&B with a continental breakfast
- Transfer from Bilbao to St Jean Pied de Port
- Luggage transfer each day ( one piece of luggage per person)
- Guides x 2
- Transfer from Los Arcos to Bilbao airport
- A Camino Passport from the Camino Society Ireland
- Flights
- Travel /medical insurance ( we recommend that you have both)
- Lunches/dinners/beverages.
Flights can be booked at aerlingus.com Dublin to Bilbao return.
FITNESS
It is up to each individual to be fit enough to complete the walks each day. If a person cannot finish a walk, for whatever reason, they will have to pay for the transport themselves. This usually means calling for a taxi. Into the West Adventures will not be liable for the costs.
FOOD AND FOOTWEAR
Recommendations will be given on where to eat.
The group will have breakfast at 7.30 am each morning and will depart at 8.30am. We encourage each person to walk at their own pace, it is not a race. That said the more training a person can do the more they will enjoy the trip.
Even though dinner is not included groups usually eat together at 7.30pm each evening. If people do not wish to join the group for dinner they must inform the guides.
If there are any problems please inform one of your guides.
We advise that your footwear be a half size to a full size bigger than normal. This is because your foot may swell when walking.
ELEVATION OVERVIEW:
Please check out our terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.