Last night had strange meal in the only place there was in St Juan de Ortega and ate a pasty of tuna,black pudding with rice and salad all on same plate. So hungry we ate it all and had a good time in the bar. Left at 0715 as weather was due to hit 30c and had 26km walk to get to Burgos. Breakfast in village called Ages and then had climb back up to 3600ft where we had our 1st view of Burgos. Met up with lovely Swedish girl called Madelene who started walking ...

Left Belorado at 0745 and set off to climb to 3800ft at Montes de Orca on a 27km walk. It turned out to be quite boring as once we did the climb we were in a pine forest for 12km and could not see anything. It seemed to go on forever and we were delighted to come out of it and see to tonights stop St Juan de Ortega. A tiny village of 20 residents but with a stunning church and a bar next to it. Church of England please note all churches in Spain have a good bar ...

Dragged Sally kicking and screaming away from the Parador in Santo Domingo & set off on what promised to be a hard day. The route was 23km and mostly alongside a busy road. But the sun was out and the track was smooth so we could set a good pace and had a good day. Staying in a Casa Rural small hotel in Belorado which is yet another pretty small town and the room is fine. Just found out the Aussies are staying in the same place so we are going to eat with ...

Sal could not leave our grim hostal quick enough so we were out and on the road at 06.50 our earliest start yet. It began to rain and did not stop for 3 hours which made the going very tough as the mud in Rioja is red clay and very heavy. Thankfully for the last hour the sun came out and the views were lovely as we homed in on Santo Domingo. Lots of pilgrim history here and there is a special feel to the place. Our Parador is a fab 16c converted monastery - I do...

Left Naverette at 8 ish this morning and have had a relatively easy 17km walk to Najera a pretty town by a river. We walked through vineyards most of the day and loved seeing snow on the mountains behind the town. Sadly failed to get into any hotel so staying in a hostal which is clean but definately a 1* establishment. Quite a lively town & have had a few drinks and tapas with the Aussies who we bumped into again. Feet better today as most of the walk was...