The Way of Saint James is one of the favorite routes for cyclotourists and hikers across the Europe. Let's look at some useful information for those
The Way of Saint James is one of the favorite routes for cyclotourists and hikers across the Europe.
Let’s look at some useful information for those who want to deal with the path.
– What are the origins of The Way of Saint James?
The Sanctuary of Saint James of Compostela, the final destination of the walk, guards the remains of St. James, patron of Spain. According to the legends, the earthly remains of the saint were carried by his disciples on a boat led by an angel from Palestine to Galicia.
Piligrimages to the sanctuary began in the Middle Ages and soon it became a symbol of Christianity.
At that time the purpose of the pilgrimage was mainly religious research, the obtaining of a grace, the fulfillment of a hole. The trip was also very dangerous because of the rough roads, the bandits and the scarcity of resources available in the towns.
Today these dangers no longer exist, the paths that reaches Santiago has been declared a World Heritage Site in 1993.
– Where does The Way of Saint James begin?
Traditionally, all pilgrims gathered in Puente la Reina, a small town just a few miles from the French border. From here passed the most famous French Way and the Aragonese Way.
– Which path do on bicycle?
The traditional way is the French Way, but based on your experience, your skills and your adventure spirit you can choose between 6 paths (see the image).
Finding the direction to follow is quite simple: paths are identified by a yellow arrow or the symbol of the shell. It can be printed on blue background signs or engraved on the ancient milestones that delimit the road.
-How many days do you need to complete The Way of Saint James?
You can calculate an average of about 70 km per day with an average speed of 15km by bike.
Certainly, compared to pilgrims on foot, the bike shortens travel a lot, but be careful not to focus only on the temporal aspect. Saint James’s Way is above all of spiritual, cultural and natural value…don’t give up enjoying the scenery and emotions along the way.
-What do you need to begin The Way of Saint James?
The only thing that you need is the Credential of the Pilgrim, a card where all the stamps of the places you will meet along the way will be collected. The Credential allows you to obtain, once you reach Santiago, the “Compostela”, the official certificate of the route.
For it you need to do at least 100 km on foot or 200 km on bike.
– Where can you sleep along The Way of Saint James?
You can take advantage of three types of solutions:
Shelters – for the exclusive use of the pilgrims, with priority however for those who traveling on foot. They are often poorly equipped for cyclotourists, you can only stay one night and can not book.
Hotels – there are many at low prices.
Camping or tent – carry a lightweight and compact tent can be an alternative when the shelters are full.
– What equipment id required for The Way of Saint James?
Every cyclotourist knows how important it’s to travel with light, essential equipment and reduced to the indispensable.
A bike repair kit can’t miss even if there are bicycle shops in almost every city on the route.
– Which bicycle to use on the The Way of Saint James?
Much depends on the path you plan to go.
The easiest is the Camino de Carratera, is asphalted and also suitable for children, so a cyclotourism bike is enough.
The dirt road instead, designed for those who walking on foot, it presents uphill stretches almost impassable on bike but you can return to the asphalted road for a few miles. To deal with it the best bicycle is a mountain bike, but you have to consider doing some piece of walk in the heaviest stretchs.
– When to leave for The Way of Saint James?
The perfect period runs from March to September, excluding the month of August for too high temperatures. In winter, abundant rains make the journey much harder to travel.
If you go with friends or by yourself it’s a personal choice, however, the Way of Saint James is very popular throughout the year and it’s easy to make friends with other pilgrims.
– What to eat on The Way of Saint James?
The journey crosses Spain and with it the culinary traditions of the country. To pilgrims are proposed especially typical local recipes such as Garlic Soup and Potatoes with Chorizo and Bell Pepper.