Ezcaray walks

A short circular route, best done in summer or autumn to avoid the skiers. The road up from the village of Valdezcaray is pleasant enough and well-maintained for the skiing activity in the winter months.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada was founded by the saint after whom it is named, with the aim of helping pilgrims on the Way of St James. It is a resting place on the Way of St James. Among other things, you must see its cathedral and stroll amongst the many churches, historic monuments and narrow streets, which can keep you occupied for half a day. I visited this town during the fifty-third stage of my Camino de Santiago.

Fifty-fourth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage marks the entry into Castile and León, just after passing the village of Grañón. The route leading to Belgrado requires following maintained tracks, a few metres from the busy Carretera (N-120), making the journey somewhat unpleasant but ensuring rapid progress.

Fifty-fifth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage towards Burgos takes you through several villages along a path that climbs imperceptibly, leading you first towards the Montes de Oca through wooded landscapes, and finally to the convent of San Juan de Ortega, a convent perched in the mountains, which appears like an oasis (remember to stock up on supplies before setting off).

The fifty-third stage of the Camino de Santiago. A simple, short stage with few inclines, through gently rolling countryside. The route mainly follows farm tracks, and the vineyards give way to cereal crops. You arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town that retains a beautiful medieval historic centre and was declared a Site of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1973. The town’s main heritage attraction is the cathedral.

A circular route starting and finishing at the car park of Castroviejo. Drive up from Duruelo de la Sierra (or walk if you want to split the route into two days).This route links several prominent summits, with sweeping ridge views, dramatic rocky landscapes, and the source of the Duero River in a wild and scenic setting.

A gentle circular route along the River Duero in Soria, starting from the village of Duruelo de la Sierra, along woodland paths and historic bridges, passing hermitages and the village of Covaleda before returning through peaceful forest scenery.

Fifty-sixth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage towards Burgos passes through Atapuerca and takes you over the day’s only small hill through a rural area. There is an alternative route at the entrance to Burgos to avoid the tarmac after Orbaneja Riopico. This alternative, well signposted from Castañares, is more pleasant. It avoids the tarmac as much as possible and is shaded all the way along the river.

This very short round trip hike takes you through an extremely narrow gorge. A small stream has cut through the mountain at an impressive height (100 metres), carving out a very narrow passage: you have to bend down to get through in some places. You will see vultures on the cliffs and a metal sculpture of a vulture by the side of the path.