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Camino del Valle de Mena

We tell you everything you need to know about the Camino del Valle de Mena, also known as Camino de las Merindades.

Peregrino | Envato

Peregrino | Envato

The Camino del Valle de Mena, also known as the Camino de las Merindades, is a Jacobean Route that begins in Bilbao and reaches Burgos, connecting from here with the Camino Frances. Although many think that it is a route that has been forgotten, the truth is that more and more pilgrims choose to travel it thanks to its very important historical tradition.

Stages of the Camino del Valle de Mena

The Camino del Valle de Mena has a total of 7 stages, starting from Bilbao and reaching Burgos. From this point, the route forks to the Camino Frances, more specifically from stage 13 Burgos-Hontanas.

As we have already indicated a little above, the first 100 kilometers require great preparation on the part of the pilgrim. Evaluate some of the points mentioned in tips for doing the Camino de Santiago, especially the one focused on physical condition, because without a doubt the unevenness, climbs and hard descents will be great protagonists on the Camino del Valle de Mena.

Mochila de peregrino | Envato

Mochila de peregrino | Envato

On the other hand, and no less important, is to take into account what to carry in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago. Remember that on the Camino del Valle de Mena, shelters and points to stop for lunch are conspicuous by their absence; so having everything you need in your luggage will be key.

  • Stage 1: Bilbao - Gueñes
  • Stage 2: Gueñes - Villasana de Mena
  • Stage 3: Villasana de Mena - Medina de Pomar
  • Stage 4: Medina de Pomar - Quintana de Valdivieso
  • Stage 5: Quintana de Valdivieso - Cernegula
  • Stage 6: Cernégula - Sotopalacios
  • Stage 7: Sotopalacios - Burgos

From this point, the Camino del Valle de Mena joins Stage 13 of the Camino Frances. In Vivecamino you can consult all the stages of the Camino Frances, with the best points of interest and hostels in the area.

What makes the Camino del Valle de Mena so special?

As we have already mentioned, one of the main strong points that make the Camino de las Merindades so attractive is a very important historical tradition, with pilgrimages that date back to nothing more and nothing less than the 9th century. From its beginning and starting in Bilbao, we will enter the southern area of Vizcaya, entering Las Merindades and from here to Burgos.

Camino de Santiago | Envato

Camino de Santiago | Envato

Ascents and unevenness are the protagonists of many of the first kilometers of the Camino del Valle de Mena, so it is advisable to be well prepared despite the fact that later the stages are characterized by being more flat.

It is important to point out that since it is a route that is not as crowded as others, the Camino de las Merindades does not offer as many infrastructures or shelters as the other options. Without going any further, during the vast majority of stages rest areas are non-existent, having to also consider being prepared in terms of signage.

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