Roncesvalles and Zubiri

I was a hard climb from St Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the Pyrenees into the mountains. The path climbs over 600 m in just 6 km and crosses the col at an elevation of 1,300 above the start point before descending to the monastery at Roncesvalles, meaning Valley of Thorns.

But the scenery was spectacular such as this view back towards St Jean PP.

 Or this view over some foot hills.

 There are cairns at various points to mark the way and people leave notes for their friends who have fallen behind about where they are going to stay or notes of encouragement

 The route leaves the tree line and is just an expanse of open pasture.

 A mountain hut in the col between two mountains.

 And after the final col, there is a steep descent int Roncesvalles with the roofs of the church and pilgrim refugees just visible. The first 28 km have been completed!

 Some of the buildings of the Casa Beneficiado at Roncesvalles, such as the old church.

 One of the three storey pilgrim buildings.

 The newer medieval church of St Maria with more refugio buildings.

 A view of the main facade.

After a night in the refugio is was a walk through forests and a gentle descent crossing fords to reach Zubiri. One of several fords with concrete blocks in the background to use as stepping stones when the water levels are higher.

 The medieval stone bridge into Zubiri.

 One of the old buildings in the town.