The stage, step by step
Leaving Roncesvalles and passing through Burguete
You leave Roncesvalles behind and continue towards Auritz / Burguete, with a gentle climb between km 3.5 and 5.3. The N-135 crosses the path several times, and in Burguete you need to keep clear of traffic, as some sections have no hard shoulder.
Espinal and the first serious gradients
At Aurizberri/Espinal, the path enters woodland and begins to undulate more noticeably. Between km 6.3 and 7.8, you climb 64 m, then descend 169 m to km 10.5. If it has been raining, mud can make this section slower than expected.
Bizkarreta-Gerendiain
The village of Bizkarreta-Gerendiain comes at a useful point for a break. You can stop at Juan for food and Tiendica de Biskarret for supplies, but do not leave Roncesvalles expecting continuous services throughout the stage.
The descent towards Zubiri
After the climb between km 13 and 14.3, the path heads into the final descent. Between km 16.5 and 21.2, you lose 305 m at an average gradient of 6.5%, so save your knees and ankles for the approach to Zubiri.
What to see on stage 2
Colegiata de Roncesvalles
The Gothic Colegiata de Roncesvalles is the monumental starting point of the stage and one of the places most closely associated with pilgrims arriving from France. It is well worth seeing before you set off.
Auritz / Burguete
Burguete is the first significant settlement after Roncesvalles. Here, the route combines village streets, road and mountain paths, making it a good place to check your footwear and replenish your energy.
Aurizberri/Espinal
Espinal marks the transition to a more wooded, undulating section. From here, the terrain becomes more varied and the descents begin to play a larger part in the day's effort.
Zubiri
You reach Zubiri after the long descent through the final section. It is the natural destination for the stage, with accommodation and services where you can recover before continuing towards Pamplona.
Where to sleep in Zubiri
In Roncesvalles, you can set off with a bed already booked at Refugio Itzandegia, Casa Sabina or La Posada de Roncesvalles. Midway through the stage, there are options in Auritz/Burguete and Aurizberri/Espinal, including Hostal Juandeaburre, Hostal Haizea, Irugoienea and Gertxadako Basajauna. In Zubiri, you can stay at Albergue Suseia, Segunda Etapa / Bigarren Etapa, El Palo de Avellano or the municipal Zubiriko erromesen aterpetxea.
Where to eat and refuel
The first part has several definite stops: Casa Sabina in Roncesvalles and, around Burguete, Goxona, Aritza, Txikipolit, La Bordica and Iribarren. In Espinal, you can stop at Ederrena, while Bizkarreta-Gerendiain has Juan and Tiendica de Biskarret. Options become scarcer as you approach Zubiri, so buy something earlier if you want to walk without rushing.
Practical tips for this stage
Take care on the N-135
The road crosses the route several times, with the trickiest point in Burguete, where there is no hard shoulder. Cross carefully and do not walk close to the carriageway.
Wear boots for mud
The stage includes mountain paths that can become very muddy after rain, especially beyond Espinal. Wear waterproof footwear with good grip and do not be lulled into a false sense of security because the total ascent is not especially high.
Make the most of the villages
Auritz / Burguete, Aurizberri/Espinal and Bizkarreta-Gerendiain are the clearest places to eat or buy supplies. There are long woodland sections between them, so leave each village with what you need.
Book if you arrive late
Zubiri is the usual destination and accommodation is concentrated there at the end of the stage. If you are not setting off early or are walking in high season, book your bed before you start.
Frequently asked questions about stage 2
Is it easier than the previous stage?
Yes. Total ascent falls to 211 m, but descent reaches 620 m. The final section between km 16.5 and 21.2 can be tough because of its 305 m descent.
Where can I stop for food?
There are options in Roncesvalles, Burguete, Espinal and Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, including Casa Sabina, Ederrena and Juan. It is best not to rely on finding services in the woodland sections.
What should I do if it rains?
Mud can make progress very difficult. Wear waterproof boots with good grip, take extra care at crossings with the N-135 and consider the road alternative only if the path is in poor condition and you can use it safely.