Estella to Los Arcos
Day 6 Estella – Los Arcos – 20.4km
When I last stayed in the main hostel in Estella they severed breakfast – not something that you will get a many hostels; it was coffee, tea and bread with jams, enough to get me going and miss the early cafes in Estella and continue to Villamayor de Monjardin before stopping for something to eat and drink, about 8km.
There are two routes leaving Estella the main one which stays on the right hand side of the N111 and the other which is not so well sign-posted on the left hand side of the same road. Cross the road and walk the second route to see one of the most talked about sights of this day. There is a wine fountain “Fuente del Vino” shortly after leaving the main part of the town beside the Monastery of Nuestra Senora la Real de Irache.
Both paths join again just before Azquata and then head uphill to the highest point of the day at Villamayor de Monjardin. Eat or buy some food here and fill up with water – it is 12 km to Los Arcos without any more village stops and there is only one not very appealing fountain for water along the rest of the route.
The Day started at about 400 meters and reaches its height at Monjardin around 650 meters. From here to Los Arcos you will be walking along gravel tracks that are surrounded by vine yards and farm land. There are great views down along long sloping tracks, which make the latter half of the day easy on the eyes and the feet.
The main Albergue in Los Arcos is through to the other side of the town it is big and comfortable – but can be noisy from outside at night. In Los Arcos I ran with the bulls during a fiesta – tremendous, make of that what you will.
What to see:
- Wine Fountain – Estella
- Fountain of the Moors – just before Villamayor
- Church of Santa Maria – Los Arcos, not to missed beautifull
Resources: http://www.irache.com/ web cam at Wine Fountain
