Santovenia variant to Castanares

[Wanieta]

Hello all,
I will be staying in Santovenia and from there to Castanares. It looks like I have 2 route options. I can go to Ages and pick up the variant just after Obaneja Riopico or proceed from Santovenia through Zalduendo, Ibeas de Juarros, and two other hamlets to Castnares. I believe this has been named the "other, other variant" and would like some advice from anyone who has traveled these routes. Thanks!

 

[Julian Saban]

I walked this route in April this year as San Juan de Ortega was full. My partner and I, along with a couple of guys had the 24 bed albergue to ourselves in Santovenia. It was great! - From there we took the alternative route to Burgos which was well marked all the way. For much of the trail you do walk by a road but not too much traffic. There is also a town or two to stop at for supplies. Hope this helps

 

[Wanieta]

Thanks! Did you walk via Ages and Obaneja or Zalduendo?

 

[Julian Saban]

Walked through Zalduendo and Los Tomillares, you can't go wrong with yellow arrow markers all the way. Going through Ages adds another 5 plus kilometres, I did that route back in 2016.

 

[trecile]

Thanks! Did you walk via Ages and Obaneja or Zalduendo?

Aren't both of those places on the official route after you turn off onto the Santovenia variant?

San Juan de Ortega - Burgos | Al Loro | Camino Francés | Gronze.com

Consejos y recomendaciones de la etapa San Juan de Ortega - Burgos en Camino Francés: Sugerencias, advertencias y cuestiones prácticas a saber antes de empezar cada etapa

www.gronze.com

 

[Wanieta]

Aren't both of those places on the official route after you turn off onto the Santovenia variant?


View attachment 176567

San Juan de Ortega - Burgos | Al Loro | Camino Francés | Gronze.com

Consejos y recomendaciones de la etapa San Juan de Ortega - Burgos en Camino Francés: Sugerencias, advertencias y cuestiones prácticas a saber antes de empezar cada etapa

www.gronze.com

Well, from Santovenia you have the option of going north west to Ages and continuing through Atapuerca and Orbaneja to the Castanares varient or proceeding sort of south west to Castanares via the Santovenia varient. I was just wondering which is the more pleasant option.