French Way (Camino Francés) ‧ Stage 11
French Way
On foot
33 stages
Information
About this stage
Today will be spent among mountain landscapes and solitary paths where we can disconnect and abandon our thoughts. We can divide this stage into two distinct parts, the first runs with hardly any hills between small villages typical of the Camino, and the second begins in Villafranca, from where we will have to ascend to the Montes de Oca. Only the trees and the murmur of the wind will accompany us on this stretch with views of San Juan de Ortega.
Recommendation Pilgrim
This stage is impossible for people with reduced mobility. It is necessary to go to San Juan de Ortega in any kind of transport. For cyclists, this stage is also a little bit complicated in some parts.
If its rainy is probably that the paths are full of mud; in this case the best option is to go through the N-120 to get to Villafranca.
Distance and elevation
Stage profile
Route
Itinerary
Km 0 ‧ Belorado
We go down Calle Hipólito López Bernal and follow the Avenida de Santiago. On leaving Belorado we cross the national road N-120, cross the river Tirón over a wooden bridge, and continue along a comfortable dirt track.
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Km 4,8 ‧ Tosantos
At the exit, we turn left onto a dirt track, passing through cereal fields.
Km 6,7 ‧ Villambistia
We continue in the same direction. When we reach Espinosa del Camino we cross the national road N-120.
Km 8,3 ‧ Espinosa del Camino
At the exit we turn left to follow another farm track, between fields of crops. On the way down we pass by the apse of San Felices, the only vestige of an ancient pre-Romanesque monastery, and the place where, according to some chronicles, the tomb of Count Diego Porcelos, founder of Burgos, is located. Further on, we follow the N-120 and, before reaching Villafranca, we cross the river Oca over a pontoon.
Km 11,9 ‧ Villafranca Montes de Oca
A magnificent three-hour walk through the Montes de Oca. We start from Villafranca, to the right of the church, with a climb that gradually moderates. We follow the same track, gaining altitude and after a few kilometres we reach the Monument to those shot in the Civil War. We cross a small ravine (Carratón river) with two steep ramps, one downhill and one uphill, and continue the ascent to the Alto de la Pedraja.
We then follow a wide track through a forest of oaks and pines. Finally, a long, gentle descent along a comfortable forest track leads us to San Juan de Ortega.
Km 23,9 ‧ San Juan de Ortega
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