The stage, step by step
Leaving Castrojeriz and the first climb
You leave Castrojeriz and soon face the main climb of the day. Between km 1.5 and km 3.5, the profile gains 134 m at an average gradient of 6.7%; pace yourself from the first step and do not try to rush it.
Descending towards Itero del Castillo
After the summit, the profile drops 117 m between km 3.5 and km 6.5. Take care on this descent: there is concrete, a pronounced gradient and your legs are still cold. Below lie the Pisuerga floodplain and the Fitero bridge, which marks the entrance into Palencia; beside it is the Albergue San Nicolás de Puente Fitero, and a short distance away, Itero del Castillo with its Albergue de Itero del Castillo.
Itero de la Vega and Boadilla del Camino
The route continues towards Itero de la Vega, where you will find the Albergue Municipal de Itero de la Vega, the Albergue Puente Fitero and the Albergue Hogar del Peregrino. Further on, you reach Boadilla del Camino and the Albergue Municipal Boadilla del Camino.
The final stretch to Frómista
From Boadilla, you continue through the open landscape of Tierra de Campos. The profile gains 51 m between km 9.3 and km 14.5, then drops 37 m to km 24.5. Frómista appears at the end, with the Albergue Municipal de Frómista and the Iglesia de San Martín as landmarks.
What to see on stage 15
Alto de Mostelares
This is the climb that opens the stage, immediately after leaving Castrojeriz: a roughly 1.7 km ramp that gains 134 m and demands respect with a freshly loaded backpack. At the top there is a rest area and a far-reaching view across the plateau. It becomes very muddy in wet weather, so climb steadily and wear footwear with good grip.
Itero del Castillo
Itero del Castillo marks the transition between the first part of the stage and the long route towards Tierra de Campos. It is a good place to regain your rhythm after the initial climb and descent.
Tierra de Campos
The second half crosses the open plain of Tierra de Campos, historically known as the breadbasket of Castile. The tracks are long and straight, with little shade: the landscape is impressive, but you need to protect yourself from the sun.
Iglesia de San Martín de Frómista
The Iglesia de San Martín is one of the finest examples of Spanish Romanesque architecture. It has three naves and was built in the 11th century; allow yourself some time to visit it when you reach Frómista.
Where to sleep in Frómista
In Castrojeriz, you can set off with a bed at the Albergue Municipal de San Estéban, the Albergue A Cien Leguas or the Albergue Ultreia. In Itero del Castillo are the Albergue de Itero del Castillo and the Albergue San Nicolás de Puente Fitero. Itero de la Vega offers the Albergue Municipal de Itero de la Vega and the Albergue Hogar del Peregrino; Boadilla has the Albergue Municipal Boadilla del Camino. In Frómista, the Albergue Municipal de Frómista awaits you at the end of the day.
Where to eat and refuel
Food is easier to find at either end than in the middle section. In Castrojeriz, you can organise your provisions and, on reaching Frómista, choose from the Mesón Infanta de Castilla, El Chiringuito, Restaurante Bar Vandos, Hotel San Martín and Bar París. Between the two, it is best to carry something of your own rather than assume every village will have a full range of places to eat.
Practical tips for this stage
Take the Alto de Mostelares seriously
The climb between km 1.5 and km 3.5 gains 134 m at an average gradient of 6.7%. Set off slowly and save your legs for the descent and the long tracks that follow.
Protect yourself from the sun
Tierra de Campos offers very little shade. A hat, sun cream and plenty of water are essential, especially if hot weather is forecast.
Make use of the intermediate stops
Itero del Castillo, Itero de la Vega and Boadilla del Camino are your reference points for resting and replenishing. The old Roman fountain, known as «la fuente vieja», comes later in the day, so do not leave filling your water until the end.
Book ahead if you want to sleep in Frómista
This is a long day and accommodation is concentrated at the destination. If you plan to finish there, confirm your bed before leaving Castrojeriz.
Frequently asked questions about stage 15
How many kilometres is the stage from Castrojeriz to Frómista?
It is 24.7 km and takes an average of 5.5 hours. The accumulated elevation change is 194 m of ascent and 222 m of descent.
Where is the steepest climb?
The main climb is between km 1.5 and km 3.5: 134 m of ascent at an average gradient of 6.7%.
Is there any shade along the stage?
Very little. From Itero de la Vega onwards, the Camino becomes a series of long, straight tracks across Tierra de Campos, with no tree to shelter beside. Be prepared to walk many kilometres in the sun.
What altitudes does the route reach?
The minimum altitude is 766 m and the maximum is 907 m.