walking the Camino on Rick's Basque tour

When we were on it last May, the hotel was centrally located in Pamplona-- a couple hundred feet away from the bullring, Hotel locations can change-- but RS always picks centrally located places.

There is option to hike from the hotel (leave before 7am ) and meet the others at the start of hike at Alto del perdon. This gives you an extra long hike

In our group, everyone however started at Alto del Perdon. The first mile or so is a rocky and steep downhill before it flattens outs. Some people used poles for extra safety.

The last bit of the days walk takes an alternate trail to a very interesting church/hermitage. That is where the bus picks up you.

Have a great trip!

Thank you so much-- ok it looks like Pamplona to Alto del Perdon (metal people) is about 12k and another 10k to Eunate?? (I am using my old Brierley's book. Is that right?

Sounds right. Remember though the walk up alto de perdon finishes with a nice uphill stretch that folks from Ohio (like us) who have no real hills find a refreshing bit of exercise!.

Buen Camino!

LOL I live in flat Houston!----treadmill training is the way to go I guess and many repeat hills.

From the bullring to Alto de Perdón is 14km. From Alto de Perdón to Santa María de Eunate is 9km.

Alto de Perdón
Santa María de Eunate

Having walked up to and then down from Alte Perdon twice, yes, you will need poles, and yes, it is rather difficult. If it is raining at all, I wouldn't try it. It is like walking in a dry river ravine filled with all sizes of rocks. you have to watch every step. For me it is stressful.
Walking up there is not hard, just a steady uphill climb.

Thanks so much for info on the Camino trek up to and down from the "Metal People". I have actually done the full Camino years ago and remember that section well--down was not fun but luckily i had perfect weather--and poles. Yes, all is weather dependent.

Thanks for info on specific distances as well.