🚴‍♂️ Subida al Alto del Perdón: when mud turns the Camino into a problem.


The Alto del Perdón is one of the most emblematic places of the French Way. Its summit, with the metallic figures of pilgrims and the constant murmur of the wind turbines, represents the overcoming of the first great obstacle of the Camino and the opening towards the valleys of Navarra.
But when it rains, the clay soil of its slopes can transform this stretch into a nightmare. What in the dry is a passable rural track, in the rain becomes a quagmire where every meter costs twice as much and bicycles can get stuck.

🌧️ Clay soil: a silent enemy
From Cizur Menor to the summit of El Perdón, the Camino runs along reddish soil farm tracks. In dry conditions, the ascent is perfectly manageable, but after a rainy day the clay sticks to the tires, makes the brakes useless and can even jam the transmission.
Many pilgrims and bicigrinos end up pushing their bikes for miles, carrying kilos of mud accumulated on the frame and wheels.
Therefore, from Bicigrino, we strongly recommend avoiding this stretch by land on rainy days or after heavy downpours, taking instead the variant by road, safer, more fluid and perfectly signposted.

🛣️ Variant by road from Pamplona (safe and asphalted)
This alternative allows you to go comfortably from Pamplona to Muruzábal by asphalt, without losing the spirit of the Camino and enjoying the landscapes of the Valdizarbe valley.
Recommended itinerary:
Pamplona → Cizur Menor
Usual departure of the Camino from the capital of Navarre, crossing Cizur Menor between farmhouses and residential areas.
Cizur Menor → Astráin
Instead of taking the dirt road to Zariquiegui, follow the NA-7015 road until it joins the NA-1110 (former N-111).
This road is quiet and has enough shoulder for cyclists.
Astráin → Uterga → Muruzábal
From Astráin continue along the NA-1110 heading southwest.
It is a very pleasant stretch for pedaling, with gentle slopes and excellent views of the rural landscape of Navarre.
In Uterga, you will find bars, fountains and accommodation for pilgrims.
In Muruzábal, the end point of this variant, you can visit the famous Hermitage of Santa María de Eunate, a jewel of Navarrese Romanesque linked to the Templars.
Muruzábal → Obanos → Puente la Reina
From Muruzábal it easily links up with the traditional Jacobean route, continuing on to Obanos and the legendary medieval bridge of Puente la Reina, where the French and Aragonese Ways meet.

⚠️ Beware of the A-12 highway!
It is very important not to confuse the NA-1110 highway with the A-12 highway (Pamplona-Logroño).
Both run parallel, but the A-12 is a fast road totally forbidden for bicycles.
Some GPS navigators may suggest the route of the highway by mistake. To avoid confusion:
Always check the signs for the NA-1110.
Do not join the highway, even if they seem more direct.
Follow the signs to the villages: Astráin, Uterga, Muruzábal.

🏘️ Alternative route villages
Cizur Menor
At the gates of Pamplona, it preserves the hospitable spirit of the Camino and the Templar church of San Miguel de los Caballeros.
Astráin
Small rural village surrounded by cereal fields. Its location on the slopes of El Perdón offers spectacular views and is an excellent place to rest.
Uterga
Charming village with services for pilgrims. From here you can already see the mills of El Perdón at the back of the horizon.
Muruzábal
Almost in the heart of the valley of Valdizarbe, it is a crossroads of Jacobean roads. Nearby is the Templar hermitage of Eunate, a place full of symbolism and spirituality.

🚴‍♀️ Bicigrino tips
Avoid mud: if it rains, opt for the road without hesitation. Clay soil can ruin a transmission in just a few kilometers.
Keep the chain clean: always carry a rag and lubricant; dry clay can cause premature wear.
Plan the route: always confirm that you are following the NA-1110, not the A-12.
Enjoy the route: even if you do not run the Perdón, this asphalted route will allow you to get to know the authentic rural Navarra, without stress or risks.

✨ In Bicigrino we have it clear:
The Camino is also done with prudence.
Not always climbing higher means better progress.
Sometimes, the wisest decision is to roll along where the Camino is enjoyed with serenity… and let the wind of Forgiveness wait for you for another sunny day.