The stage, step by step
Leaving Hornillos and reaching San Bol
You leave Hornillos del Camino along open tracks, with San Bol as the first landmark of the day. The Albergue Municipal Arroyo de San Bol is here, making it useful if you need to split the stage or take an early break.
The change in profile between km 3.8 and km 6.5
The profile drops 37 m between km 3.8 and km 5.5, followed by a 30 m climb to km 6.5. It is a short section, but it breaks up the feeling of a continuous flat landscape.
From San Bol to Hontanas
After km 6.5, a long descent of 136 m begins and continues to km 17.8. Hontanas is the main stopping point in this section, and it seems to appear from nowhere: the village lies in a hollow and remains hidden until you are almost upon it. The Albergue Municipal de Hontanas, the Albergue Juan de Yepes and the Albergue Santa Brígida are all there.
From Hontanas to Castrojeriz
From Hontanas, you tackle the final section to Castrojeriz. At the destination, accommodation includes the Albergue Municipal de San Estéban, the Albergue Orion, the Albergue Ultreia and the Albergue A Cien Leguas.
What to see on stage 14
San Bol
San Bol is a small intermediate landmark on a very open day. Its albergue and early position make it a useful place to stop before continuing to Hontanas.
Hontanas
Hontanas concentrates much of the life along this stage and lets you rest before the long stretch to Castrojeriz. If you plan to split the day, it is the most practical intermediate village.
Castrojeriz
Castrojeriz is the destination and the village with the widest choice of places to spend the night. You arrive after a day of open tracks and a prolonged descent.
Where to sleep in Castrojeriz
Hornillos offers the Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal, the Albergue Meeting Point and the Albergue el Alfar de Rosalia. In San Bol, you can sleep at the Albergue Municipal Arroyo de San Bol. Hontanas has the Albergue Municipal de Hontanas, the Albergue Juan de Yepes, the Mesón Albergue El Puntido and the Albergue Santa Brígida. Castrojeriz has more choice, including the Albergue Municipal de San Estéban, the Albergue Orion, the Albergue Ultreia and the Albergue A Cien Leguas.
Where to eat and refuel
Leave Hornillos with your food and water organised. The stage passes through San Bol and Hontanas, but you should not assume there will be a continuous choice of places between them and Castrojeriz. Hontanas is the sensible place to replenish before the final section.
Practical tips for this stage
Take provisions from Hornillos
The plateau offers few landmarks and wide-open spaces. Do not expect regular services: carry some food and do not leave filling your water until the last moment.
Make the most of Hontanas
Hontanas is the main intermediate stop on the stage. If you need to rest, eat or confirm accommodation, do it there before continuing to Castrojeriz.
Watch out for mud after rain
Much of the route follows dirt tracks, and the ground can become muddy when it rains. Footwear with good grip will give you more confidence on the changes in gradient.
Do not mistake a short distance for an easy day
It is 19.9 km, but the exposure, lack of landmarks and succession of descents can be tiring. Set a comfortable pace from Hornillos.
Frequently asked questions about stage 14
How long does it take to walk from Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz?
The stage is 19.9 km and takes an average of 4.4 hours. It includes 163 m of ascent and 177 m of descent.
Where is the main intermediate stop?
Hontanas is the main reference point between Hornillos and Castrojeriz. San Bol comes earlier, but Hontanas is more useful for resting or ending the day.
Is there a steep climb on this stage?
The profile shows a 30 m climb between km 5.5 and km 6.5, with an average gradient of 3%. Most of the profile afterwards is downhill.
What is the highest altitude?
The stage reaches a maximum altitude of 935 m and descends to a minimum of 788 m.