Bayonne - Ustaritz

[AML]

I'm hopefully arriving Biarritz on 2nd Oct around noon, was planning to go to Bayonne cathedral to pick up a credential, get some lunch then walk the 14km to Ustaritz on same day.
I think it will be gentle enough walk, seems relatively flat and along the river.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Absolutely

 

[naplesdon]

You only problem may be finding someone in the vestry to sell you a credential. Check the Mass schedule and go there for Mass, that when there is normally personnel around.

 

[AML]

You only problem may be finding someone in the vestry to sell you a credential. Check the Mass schedule and go there for Mass, that when there is normally personnel around.

Thanks, yes i have thought about that. The Albergue in Bayonne opens at 2pm so if i dont get one at Cathedral i'll get one there.

 

[NualaOC]

I'm hopefully arriving Biarritz on 2nd Oct around noon, was planning to go to Bayonne cathedral to pick up a credential, get some lunch then walk the 14km to Ustaritz on same day.
I think it will be gentle enough walk, seems relatively flat and along the river.

Wishing you a Buen Camino!

 

[caminka]

Perhaps you can also check the tourist office and the cloister. Two years ago personnel in the cathedral took a while to hunt down.

 

[kiwi-couple]

We went to the Albergue to get our credentials and the hospitalero very kindly walked us to the start of the camino without us asking. Enjoy your camino, the Baztan is very special.

 

[Stuartwe]

I completed the Camino del Baztan alone at the end of August/beginning of September.Had a wonderful 6 days without seeing any other walker going same way until Pamplona.I had already purchased a credential prior to my walk but had no problem getting my first sello in Bayonne cathedral from some very nice people sitting at a desk in the entrance,however it was later in the day.When you reach Usteritz,,I obtained a second from the presbytery next to the church.
The walk from Bayonne to Usteritz (I continued to Espelette),is totally flat along the riverbank and in my opinion the least interesting and scenic part of the route.Then again,I couldn’t see much of the surroundings as walked most of the route in torrential rain and several spectacular thunderstorms.
Very happy to answer any further questions,it really was everything I hoped for and so much more and I couldn’t and still don’t understand why more people don’t walk it,I think I was visitor 551 this year at the Albergue in Olague.
Buen Camino
Stuart

 

[Rossandjeannie]

I am in Burgos after finishing the Baztan then the Frances to Burgos. LOVED the Baztan in fact more than I have been liking the Frances. Much quieter and more beautiful and (forgive me for saying so) more of what a Camino should be. Could do with a bit more infrastructure, shops and places to stay but just lovely walking

 

[kiwi-couple]

I agree with you @Rossandjeannie, the Baztan is very beautiful, both Jeff and I (Marilyn) loved it. To us, it is a very special wee camino. However, when we walked last year, it wasn't quiet. There were 10 others walking the Baztan over 6 days, just as we did, so we more or less had a built-in camino family - far from what we were expecting. We walked alone each day and caught up with all, or most of the others, each night. On 29 September 2023 we were pilgrims 486 & 487 in the Albergue in Olagüe.

 

[G_the_D]

One warning. The way marking is not at all the same as you will find in Spain. Keep a close eye out on street sign poles, etc for the 3/4" yellow tape that merks the way.
I'll agree with the rest of this thread. It is a beautiful route and the first section is very flat.

Gord

 

[Stuartwe]

The Baztan was my first Camino and I feel I may well have set the bar high for any future trips.it was for me at least, a very good challenge both physically and mentally.
Agree regarding the lack of infrastructure and I took the option of staying in small hotels in Espelette,Urdax,Elizondo & Venta San Blas and was pleased I did so.
After my first stage,the weather turned very hot and humid and a cold beer when I reached some civilisation has never tasted so good.
I absolutely loved the scenery,friendly locals,beautiful villages and wildlife…..no less than eight Griffon vultures circling above me at one point.
I also found that I embraced the solitude and having so much time to think meant that my mind travelled so much further than just from Bayonne to Pamplona.

 

[Stuartwe]

I am in Burgos after finishing the Baztan then the Frances to Burgos. LOVED the Baztan in fact more than I have been liking the Frances. Much quieter and more beautiful and (forgive me for saying so) more of what a Camino should be. Could do with a bit more infrastructure, shops and places to stay but just lovely walking

I am looking to plan a second Camino next year and looking to hopefully find a similar route that may compare favourably with the beautiful Baztan.Might be a tough ask as it surpassed all my expectations in as you say both providing solitude and beautiful scenery.I almost felt a sense of disappointment when it met the Camino Frances nearing Pamplona.Any suggestions for a second Camino that might provide what I am looking for would be greatly appreciated

 

[Tincatinker]

I am looking to plan a second Camino next year and looking to hopefully find a similar route that may compare favourably with the beautiful Baztan.Might be a tough ask as it surpassed all my expectations in as you say both providing solitude and beautiful scenery.I almost felt a sense of disappointment when it met the Camino Frances nearing Pamplona.Any suggestions for a second Camino that might provide what I am looking for would be greatly appreciated

You might consider the Vasco del Interior https://www.gronze.com/camino-vasco

Quite spectacular at times, especially between Zegama and Agurain.

 

[Stuartwe]

You might consider the Vasco del Interior https://www.gronze.com/camino-vasco

Quite spectacular at times, especially between Zegama and Agurain.

Thank you Tincatinker,that is a route I am not familiar with so really appreciate the suggestion and will enjoy doing some more groundwork before making that final important decision.

 

[Dani7]

I'm hopefully arriving Biarritz on 2nd Oct around noon, was planning to go to Bayonne cathedral to pick up a credential, get some lunch then walk the 14km to Ustaritz on same day.
I think it will be gentle enough walk, seems relatively flat and along the river.

I walked the Bayonne to SJPdP in april 2023. You are right. Flat and beautiful walk along the river. Not sure however about picking up your credential there in the afternoon. I went to the 8am mass and after service was able to pick mine up and get my first stamp. This is the sign the pilgrim fraternity had. I would contact them to see if you csn get it in the afternoon. Buen camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You might consider the Vasco del Interior https://www.gronze.com/camino-vasco

Quite spectacular at times, especially between Zegama and Agurain.

I have recently made a decision to walk the Via Bayonne/Vasco Interior to Burgos and our flights were booked yesterday; heading out in early May. So far we've only booked the last two nights in Burgos at the end. It's been nearly eight years since I spent time in that lovely city.

 

[VNwalking]

Buen camino!
Are you walking from Bayonne, Chris? Or Irun? That's a gorgeous section of coast, from St Jean-de-Luz southwards.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Buen camino!
Are you walking from Bayonne, Chris? Or Irun? That's a gorgeous section of coast, from St Jean-de-Luz southwards.

Walking from Bayonne, but entering the Vasco at Irun. I'm sure I will have some questions for you soon!

 

[Tincatinker]

Chrissy, make sure you spend a night at the Albergue de peregrinos de Beasain. It really is somewhere special

 

[VNwalking]

Chrissy, make sure you spend a night at the Albergue de peregrinos de Beasain. It really is somewhere special

Second this. It makes for a short day to Zegama, but very worth it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Second this. It makes for a short day to Zegama, but very worth it.

I love short days when itc can work out..

 

[Stuartwe]

I love short days when itc can work out..

Good morning Chrissy,
Very envious that you have already planned your new adventure.
May I ask how many days you have allowed to get from Irún to Burgos and have you decided upon the stages as yet?
I am keen to try this Camino next year myself thanks to Tincatinkers recommendation

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Stewart,
I, too, was motivated to consider the Vasco interior from @Tincatinker's influence.
My plan is not complete, but after taking a good look at Gronze and calculating how many days I think I need, plus adding in a several extra days for travel and a bit of sightseeing, I have booked flights yesterday. I am starting from Bayonne or Biarritz depending on lodging options, so am loosely thinking of 14-16 days for the walking. I am a slow walker and do not like to feel rushed. Although 20 km's a day has always been my preferred daily distance, and have walked more, I now am hoping to cut a couple of the Vasco's 28 km days in half. This is all "fluid" at the moment.

 

[Stuartwe]

Hi Stewart,
I, too, was motivated to consider the Vasco interior from @Tincatinker's influence.
My plan is not complete, but after taking a good look at Gronze and calculating how many days I think I need, plus adding in a several extra days for travel and a bit of sightseeing, I have booked flights yesterday. I am starting from Bayonne or Biarritz depending on lodging options, so am loosely thinking of 14-16 days for the walking. I am a slow walker and do not like to feel rushed. Although 20 km's a day has always been my preferred daily distance, and have walked more, I now am hoping to cut a couple of the Vasco's 28 km days in half. This is all "fluid" at the moment.

Hi Chrissy,
You sound like me a slow walker but very sensible to know one’s limitations so I will look forward to your report on your Camino Vasco experience next year.
Unfortunately I think I am going to have to resort to plan B and leave the Vasco for another time which will not be too much of a hardship.
Time constraints mean that I am limited to probably around 7 days walking with a day either side travelling to/ from England.
Still very undecided about which route would fit the bill,been looking at the Ingles which although depending on time of year may prove rather busier than this years Baztan adventure but would end in my first visit to Santiago.
Any further suggestions/recommendations always welcome.
Good luck with your further planning
Stuart

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Stewart, I walked the Ingles two+ months ago in early October and I think it could possibly be a good fit for you and the time you have available. It may not be quite as beautiful as the Baztan you have already walked, but it is lovely and there were few people walking it. I took eight days from Ferrol to Santiago so never felt rushed.
Here is my "Live on the Camino" thread with added pictures if you are so inclined to take a look.
Thread 'Chrissy on the Camino Ingles' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/chrissy-on-the-camino-ingles.89194/

 

[Stuartwe]

Hi Stewart, I walked the Ingles two+ months ago in early October and I think it could possibly be a good fit for you and the time you have available. It may not be quite as beautiful as the Baztan you have already walked, but it is lovely and there were few people walking it. I took eight days from Ferrol to Santiago so never felt rushed.
Here is my "Live on the Camino" thread with added pictures if you are so inclined to take a look.
Thread 'Chrissy on the Camino Ingles' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/chrissy-on-the-camino-ingles.89194/

 

[Stuartwe]

Thank you Chrissy,
I will enjoy reading your experiences on the Ingles.
I am still very undecided regarding which route I should attempt next year.
I have looked at the Camino Sanabres starting in Ourense?……obtaining my first Compostela would be good but not essential.
I am also tempted to walk the Baztan again because I enjoyed it so much but my concern is that it may disappoint so soon second time round.
So a 7 day Camino with beautiful scenery,very few other pilgrims,ease of access at start/finish,somewhere to sleep each night with reasonable stages and basic infrastructure to pick up supplies each day is my goal.
What a nice “problem” to solve!
Any suggestions much appreciated

 

[caminka]

Thank you Chrissy,
I will enjoy reading your experiences on the Ingles.
I am still very undecided regarding which route I should attempt next year.
I have looked at the Camino Sanabres starting in Ourense?……obtaining my first Compostela would be good but not essential.
I am also tempted to walk the Baztan again because I enjoyed it so much but my concern is that it may disappoint so soon second time round.
So a 7 day Camino with beautiful scenery,very few other pilgrims,ease of access at start/finish,somewhere to sleep each night with reasonable stages and basic infrastructure to pick up supplies each day is my goal.
What a nice “problem” to solve!
Any suggestions much appreciated

Sanabres definively has some spectacular scenery (weather permitting and I am still grouchy about not seeing it all ).
How about Lebanego or Vadiniense? Both have spectacular scenery (not that I've personaly seen either yet but all the photos look gorgeous).
Or maybe Tolosana/Aragones over the Pyrennes, or Voie d'Ossau?
Or the first week on Voie de Puy?

 

[Stuartwe]

Thank you Caminka,
I am going to enjoy researching your kind suggestions.
I think the planning is all part of the pleasure of a Camino experience.
Best wishes
Stuart

 

[Takahiwai]

I have recently made a decision to walk the Via Bayonne/Vasco Interior to Burgos and our flights were booked yesterday; heading out in early May. So far we've only booked the last two nights in Burgos at the end. It's been nearly eight years since I spent time in that lovely city.

Hi! I enjoyed the Via de Bayona very much, and want to suggest that you look out for these tiny map-pamphlets in tourist offices and albergues. I know lots of people rely on apps, but I'm not a believer in putting all your eggs in one basket! These show you everything you need to know about each 'official' stage, and there are separate maps for major variants. Most tourist offices just have the next stage map, but the albergues often have more - Andoain (where you need to get the key from the local police) had several, for example. I hope you have a wonderful time - I loved that route.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

enjoyed the Via de Bayona very much, and want to suggest that you look out for these tiny map-pamphlets in tourist offices and albergues.

I too, enjoy paper guides and maps. Your photos look really nice and they would be very helpful visual aids.

 

[Takahiwai]

I too, enjoy paper guides and maps. Your photos look really nice and they would be very helpful visual aids.

The maps are lovely, and printed front and back, giving you all the details about where you can find water etc. They're really attractive, and make a nice souvenir. I collected all of them, including the variants that I didn't do! I notice you mentioned that you'd like to break the longer stages up - to be honest, the only long stage I remember on that route is the very last one, from Monasterio de Rodilla to Burgos. It's a bit of a monster. However, if you need recommendations for places to stay, to break up long stages, do let me know - I have extensive notes! I've also left a lot of comments on accommodation listed on Gronze, if that helps at all.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The maps are lovely, and printed front and back, giving you all the details about where you can find water etc. They're really attractive, and make a nice souvenir. I collected all of them, including the variants that I didn't do! I notice you mentioned that you'd like to break the longer stages up - to be honest, the only long stage I remember on that route is the very last one, from Monasterio de Rodilla to Burgos. It's a bit of a monster. However, if you need recommendations for places to stay, to break up long stages, do let me know - I have extensive notes! I've also left a lot of comments on accommodation listed on Gronze, if that helps at all.

Yes, I will definitely appreciate ideas from you! I have been out of town and so far have only booked two nights in Burgos at the end. I will be sending you a PM about your offer of suggestions in the next day or two.

 

[Takahiwai]

Yes, I will definitely appreciate ideas from you! I have been out of town and so far have only booked two nights in Burgos at the end. I will be sending you a PM about your offer of suggestions in the next day or two.

Please do - I'm happy to help, if I can, and I have to say I don't really agree with the way the stages are split up on that camino. How could anybody possibly walk through Tolosa without stopping, for one thing?!

 

[VNwalking]

Short stages are pretty easy, with the odd exception.

the only long stage I remember on that route is the very last one, from Monasterio de Rodilla to Burgos

This one can be shortened by staying at the comfortable truck stop hotel at La Brújala, about 3 kms along. And like all such places, it has good food!

suggest that you look out for these tiny map-pamphlets in tourist offices and albergues

Not portable, but I appreciated the information boards in each pueblo, too. They information of local significance that you wouldn't learn otherwise.
For example: