Day 12 Atapuerca to Burgos (Sat 18th May)


Back walking today with a vengeance. We did the best part of 14 miles to get across to Burgos; and to be honest whilst we were doing it, it didn’t feel too bad. We chose a slightly longer route that took as along the river for the last 5 miles into Burgos. A good decision, as it was relatively rural as opposed to the alternative along a busy road through the suburbs.

However, I’m sitting here now and my blisters are throbbing away sending “you stupid git, I told you not to walk that far” messages to me. Even Cate (Head of Compeeds) is complaining of aches and pains.

The forecast today was for it to be dull, overcast, and with some rain around lunchtime. It was a delight to set off at 7.15 this morning with the sun coming up and clear blue skies. A massively welcome boost! We met some friendly Aussies and Poles en route – the Aussie bloke was doing the Camino for the third time. Nutter!




A lovely start to the day


Looking back towards Atapuerca




On the Playa de Burgos



"Now you two - have you taken your pills today,
and don't forget to put the sun block on"




And so to Burgos. By the time we got there it had clouded over, but at least it wasn’t raining. The old heart of the city is as beautiful and characterful as we’d expected. Made all the better by the 3 day flower festival which means………well what you’d expect – loads of flowers adorning streets and buildings. Anyway, I thought it was a nice touch that they laid it on specially for us. Note to Wycombe District Council – we’re back on May 30th, so if you could stick out a couple of plastic tulips we’ll feel that we’ve got value from our Council Tax for once 😉



Burgos Cathedral is the 2nd largest in Spain (after the Giralda in Seville). And it is a marvellous thing from the outside – we’ve yet to go in it. Obviously not quite as good as Oxford’s Botley Cathedral, but what could be? 


Botley Cathedral today

There was a big wedding party coming out as we got there – the Spanish do love to dress up. And didn’t they look good! It was easy to tell that they weren’t a hen do from Essex, as a) they were all stood upright, b) they weren’t shouting/squealing and c) the complete absence of sleeve tattoos. Shame really, as I reckon that the Essex hen do might have been more entertaining.


Looking forward to a day of exploring Burgos tomorrow – especially inside the Cathedral; which is meant to be very gloomy.



Advertising signs you just don't see in the UK anymore


 It's like being at the Ka$$am Stadium, but without the misery



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