Camino Baztanés by bike
The greenest entry to the Pyrenees: from Bayonne to Pamplona through the Baztán valley, a peaceful alternative to the classic start of the French Way. Around 110 km of beech woods and Navarrese villages.
Route: Bayona (Francia) → Pamplona (enlaza con el Francés)
About this route
The Camino Baztanés is one of the oldest branches of the Camino: it was used by pilgrims who landed in Bayonne to cross the Pyrenees through the Baztán valley, avoiding the hard climb from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. It covers around 110 km among lush forests, rivers and charming Navarrese villages such as Urdax and Elizondo, until it joins the French Way at the gates of Pamplona, in Trinidad de Arre.
The Camino Baztanés by bike
By bike it is done in about 2 or 3 days. It is short but demanding: the terrain is rolling and the climb and crossing of the Belate pass is the hardest day, and at the same time the most beautiful. It requires a good bike and some stamina.
It is an excellent alternative for doing the Camino in summer without stress, as it is far less travelled than the French Way.
The weather rules
The Baztán has an Atlantic climate, humid and very changeable: rain is frequent even in summer and affects the state of the paths. The greatest care is the fog in the high area of Belate, which can be disorienting; it is not a good idea to tackle that pass in the afternoon or in thick fog.
Which bike to use and the Compostela
An MTB is the most suitable because of the terrain and the gradients; the first kilometres from Bayonne involve quite a lot of tarmac. The Baztanés ends when it links with the French Way next to Pamplona; for Santiago and the Compostela you continue along the French Way, covering at least the final 200 km by bike.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Camino Baztanés?
Around 110 km, from Bayonne (France) to Pamplona, where it joins the French Way.
How many days does it take by bike?
Around 2 or 3 days. It is short but with elevation, especially on the Belate pass.
Why choose the Baztanés?
It is a greener, gentler alternative for crossing the Pyrenees than the climb from Saint-Jean to Roncesvalles, and far less crowded, ideal for summer.
Which bike is best?
An MTB, because of the rolling terrain and the gradients. The first kilometres from Bayonne have quite a lot of tarmac.
What precautions should you take?
Keep an eye on the weather: Atlantic climate, frequent rain and, above all, fog on the Belate pass. Avoid climbing it in the afternoon or in poor visibility.
Does it count for the Compostela by bike?
On its own it does not reach Santiago. For the Compostela you have to continue along the French Way from Pamplona and cover at least the final 200 km by bike.