CF12 - Belorado - San Juan de Ortega - 24 km
Itinerary
Soon before entering Belorado, you will leave the Way. To your right, after passing by a rest area, you will take a path that leads to the ancient Belforatus. This town with Roman origin preserves the typical architecture of those places built next to a castle, whose ruins you can still see.
Next to the river Verdeancho, you will find Santa María Church, from the 16th Century, and next to it, the pilgrims’ hostel. On the mountain side, you will be able to see some caves.
You will leave Belorado crossing a bridge over the river the river Tirón. Then, you will take a path heading west along 4 km until you get to Tosantos.
1,5 km after Tosantos, you will get to Villambistia, where you can visit san Esteban Church. Leaving this town, you will take a path surrounded by trees and leading towards the national road. Cross it, and you will soon get to Espinosa del Camino. After 4 km, you will arrive at Villafranca Montes de Oca.
Villafranca Montes de Oca has always been a really important point on the Way of St. James, being located half way between Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Burgos.
Going back to the Way, you will ascend and pass by an oak forest. 1 km after, when you reach Mojapán fountain, you will see the ascend gets easier. This stretch towards San Juan de Ortega may be one of the most beautiful along the Way. If you want, you can get closer to Valdefuentes Chapel, next to the national road. On the other side of the road, there is a fountain in case you are thirsty.
Nowadays, the way forks in this point. On one side, the national road will lead you towards Burgos, passing by Santovenia de Oca, Zalduendo, Ibeas de Juarros, San Medel, Castañares and Vetilla. This way is quite used by cyclists who try to avoid the ascent on Montes de Oca.
After 13 km, you will reach the 1.150 m of this pass and get to San Juan de Ortega.
External info sources about this route and recommended websites:
Federación Española de Asociaciones del Camino de Santiago
Very useful guide: Camino de Santiago. National Geographic
Asociación Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Burgos
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