The stage, step by step
Leaving Arrés
Set off with enough food and water: after leaving Arrés, the route does not pass through another village until Artieda, already in the second half. The first few kilometres descend between km 1.2 and km 3.2, but the stage then alternates between short climbs and descents.
The lonely stretch and Abrevadero San Martín
The day continues through a rural, sparsely populated landscape. Abrevadero San Martín appears around km 13, close to the halfway point; top up there as best you can, because there is no other reliable water point for the rest of the stage.
Artieda
Between km 16.1 and km 17.4 there is a 59 m climb, followed immediately by Artieda, the only village on the route. Albergue de Peregrinos de Artieda is here, and this is where you need to decide: either stay and split the stage, or take on the ten-odd kilometres that still stand between you and Ruesta.
Towards Ruesta and the Yesa reservoir
From km 17.4 to km 21.3, the route descends another 137 m. The Yesa reservoir accompanies part of the route, and the final landmark is Ruesta, whose restored centre appears after a long stretch with nothing open.
What to see on stage 3
Embalse de Yesa
The reservoir appears at various points along the route and explains much of the area’s recent history. Its construction led to the forced depopulation of Ruesta and other villages in the 60s.
Castillo de Ruesta
The medieval fortress is of Arab origin and was conquered in 911 by Sancho Ramírez of Aragón. Its remains recall Ruesta’s strategic importance on the Aragonese route.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The 16th-century church forms part of Ruesta’s heritage and was affected by the flooding associated with the Yesa reservoir. It is one of the buildings that helps explain the village’s history.
Ermita de Santiago
This 11th-century hermitage was restored after years of neglect. Its recovery forms part of the effort to bring life and heritage back to Ruesta as a place of welcome for pilgrims.
Where to sleep in Ruesta
You sleep in Arrés before setting off: Albergue Hospital de Pregrinos de Arrés is there, along with Posada El Granero del Conde just a short distance away. The only intermediate option for splitting the stage is Albergue de Peregrinos de Artieda, after the halfway point. At the end, Albergue de Ruesta awaits in a depopulated village where there is no second option if it is full: confirm your place before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
This is one of the stages where it is best to sort out your food beforehand. There are no bars, restaurants or shops where you can improvise along the route, and the only clear place to refill your bottle is Abrevadero San Martín, around km 13. Do not leave Arrés assuming you will be able to buy lunch on the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with a fully stocked rucksack
The area is sparsely populated and intermediate services are limited. Leave Arrés with water, something salty and enough food for the whole day; Ruesta has very little in the way of shops either.
Do not rely on the drinking trough alone
Abrevadero San Martín is around km 13. If it is hot or you walk slowly, set off with plenty of water and treat the trough as a useful extra, not your only guarantee for the day.
Manage the climb to Artieda
Between km 16.1 and km 17.4, you climb 59 m with an average gradient of 4.4%. Reach this point at a conservative pace: there is still a long descent towards Ruesta afterwards.
Respect any works you come across
There may occasionally be machinery traffic connected with heritage restoration. Follow the works signage and keep to the designated paths.
Frequently asked questions about stage 3
Are there any villages between Arrés and Ruesta?
Only Artieda, around km 17, with its pilgrim hostel. The rest of the day is open countryside: treat it as a rural, solitary stretch rather than a succession of villages where you can stop.
Where can I get water?
The only clear option is Abrevadero San Martín, around km 13. Leave Arrés with enough water and do not base your entire plan on finding additional fountains.
Is this a difficult stage?
It is 26.6 km, with 258 m of ascent and 378 m of descent. There is no extreme climb, but the distance, solitude and lack of services make poor planning particularly costly.