Distance: 22 km / 18 miles
Stage Fifteen Villages
Atapuerca, Cardeñuela, Riopico, Orbaneja Riopico, Villafria, Gamonal (Barrio de Burgos), Burgos
Watch for:
Cardeñuela – Leaving: Alternate route! There are three paths. Two were devised to bypass the traditional path’s last 7km / 4.3 miles through industrial & unpleasant outer Burgos.
Traditional path – shortest and ugliest. Best marked. Takes you to Villafria. Northernmost route and enters the city from the northeast.
Two alternate paths weave closer to the Rio Arlanzón, the river that runs through the heart of historic Burgos. The paths begin as one, then split in Castañares.
To take the alternate: 1 km / 0.6 mi after Orbaneja Riopico, instead of following the trad path straight ahead to Villafria, look for markers directing you to go left on a southwest route to Castañares, following the right side of the Río Pico.
In Castañares, the two paths split.
One directs you to make a right and heads due west into Burgos, staying on the north side of the river Arlanzón (can’t see the river).
The other continues straight and south, then veers right after the town, crosses the river Arlanzón, and turns sharply to the right to follow the south bank of the river into Burgos. Longest path but by far the most pleasant leading through the city’s riverside park and passing the 15th c monastery.
Village to Village River Option Description: From Castañares (15.6 km, 2a option), cross over the N-120 highway to the south of town. Walk past a paved playground on the L and leave town on a small paved road passing over a small green bridge (15.9km), just before a T by a gravel factory “Garcia.” Turn R on the gravel path, which veers L and passes over a bright blue footbridge (16.1km). After the bridge, turn R on paved path that goes through a forest and underpass (16.9km). Continue along a dirt path on the south side of the river.
Burgos –
Human Evolution Museum: (Museo de la Evolución Humana) One of the world’s most important museums on evolution.
El Cid: The city of El Cid: Statue on the north bank side of the Puente de San Pablo bridge.
Produce Market: Every Wed & Sat (9am-2pm). East end of town along the Calle El Plantio
Restaurant recommendations (by Beebe): Meson del Cid – pricey but elegant; Momo Plaza – excellent regional wines / creative pinchos. €5-12. Check out others p.211 in Beebe.
Nightlife: The medieval town center is a major hub for multi-generational nightlife.