Woke up to the sound of heavy rain!

Set off from Pamplona on our wet walk today , stopping off for breakfast on the way. Walked through the old town and out to the parks and University campus with beautiful gardens and trees.

With relief we finally left the traffic noise behind and walked on quieter roads and more open countryside heading ever upwards, all be it gently at first towards Alto de Perdon - The Mount of Forgiveness. We stopped the way for more refreshment, before we started the 4km climb up.

The rain was not so heavy now , more of a drizzle, but it was much colder than it had been in the past 4 days. The climb was steep but steady, climbing from 465 m to 750m over 4 km, some plateaux gave a welcome relief!

We walked along with the wonderful smell of Hawthorn blossom, one of my favourite spring smells!

Eventually reached the top to see the famous Altos iron statues standing on the edge. The figures are inscribed: Donde se Cruza el Camino del Viento con el de las estrellas - where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars! It was very blowy and freezing cold up here, but the clouds had parted and the view was amazing!

Met up with other pilgrims here and took pics of each other with the statues.

The downward track was steep, and rocky, very wet and slippy in places, but the views were great and we gradually picked our way downwards.

At least my thighs seem to have got used to the downhill bits now and not screaming! We walked on through pretty hedgerows with almond trees and more Hawthorn, a few early poppies, orchids and marigolds to our Hotel in Puenta la Reine, where we have the luxury of individual rooms tonight each with our own bathroom! Might be quite lonely after so many nights sharing!

Hotel Jackue is a Hotel and Alburgue and our rooms are on the bottom floor. Immaculately clean, warm and welcoming after a cold day!