Roncesvalles

St Jean Pied De Port – Roncesvalles 25km 1400m climb.

Woke up at 7am got brekkie and left the albergue at 8am. Sue had left at 6:30, Sonya at 7:30 and Colin was staying another day in St Jean.

The first 8km is very steep climbing 800m to Orisson. The hills were relentless and I luckily bought a big wooden walking stick to help me. Had a brunch at Orrison before continuing up another 600m in cold windy mist. Couldnt see 10m in front of me but could hear the bells on a good number of horses. They all have different chimes to identify who owns them.

Eventually, after a damn good fight on constant hills, I got to the highest point – Lepoeder. 1400m above sea level. All down hill from here.

A very steep descent through a magical forest where I put my trail running skills to use to blast down the hills to Roncesvalles, I scared the life outa a couple of Americans. An older chinese couple started roaring with laughter and I started laughing too nearly tripping over a tree root.

I got to Roncesvalles and stood in a queue for an hour soaking wet before I got my bed and a hot shower. the kind volunteers at this monastry/albergue kindly washed my clothes. Communal dinner is at 7 with optional Mass at 8pm – erm yeah after that walk! I’m not going to Mass to stand up and sit down several times with sore legs 🙈 I’ll maybe go to a mass in some of the ancient cathedrals in the cities later on.

I’m gonna be sore tomorrow! 🤣