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Camino de Santiago

Fiber Way

The Wool Road connects Alicante with Burgos, following ancient routes of transhumance. A historic long-distance route through the Spanish interior to the French Way.

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Origin

Alicante

Destination

Burgos

Distance

677 km

Days

27

Difficulty

Media

Last updated: 21/05/2025

The Route

General Description of Fiber Way

The Wool Road is a historic Jacobean route originating in Alicante and heading north to link with the French Way in Burgos. Its name comes from the ancient royal pastures used for sheep herding, which also served as pilgrimage routes. This long journey of 677 km to Burgos passes through Cuenca, Guadalajara, and Soria.

Related Routes

Connections of Fiber Way

Camino Francés
779 km 33 Moderate

The Camino Francés is the pilgrimage route to Santiago par excellence, chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year. Running roughly 780 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, or slightly less from Roncesvalles, it crosses northern Spain. This path, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers an exceptional network of services and pilgrim hostels. Pilgrims make their way through Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and finally Galicia, marveling at cities rich in monuments such as Pamplona, Burgos, and León, and at villages with a charm of their own. The diversity of its scenery is one of its great draws, from the Pyrenees and the Castilian plains to the green forests of Galicia. It is a physical and spiritual journey that leaves an indelible mark, ideal both for seasoned pilgrims and for those setting out on the Camino de Santiago for the first time.

Stages of this variant:

Etapa 1
Stage 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles
24.50 km 9.00h Alta
Etapa 2
Stage 2: Roncesvalles to Zubiri
21.40 km 6.00h Media
Etapa 3
Stage 3: Zubiri to Pamplona
20.40 km 5.00h Media
Etapa 4
Stage 4: Pamplona to Puente la Reina
23.90 km 5.75h Media
Etapa 5
Stage 5: Puente la Reina to Estella
22.00 km 6.00h Media
(28) more
Route of the Castle and Aragon
239 km 8 High

The Camino Castellano-Aragonés is a Jacobean route that connects the Ebro valley from Gallur (Zaragoza) to the Lana Way in Burgos province. This 239 km itinerary serves as a bridge between eastern peninsula routes (such as the Ebro Way) and Castilian roads leading to the French Way.

It traverses the middle Ebro valley and enters Soria province, passing by the monumental Tarazona. It offers a rural route through areas with rich historical and natural heritage, although less known and trafficked, ideal for those seeking a more solitary experience.

Stages of this variant:

Etapa 1
Stage 1: Gallur to Borja
22.00 km 8.67h Baja
Etapa 2
Stage 2: Borja to Tarazona
28.00 km 9.33h Media
Etapa 3
Stage 3: Tarazona to Ágreda
24.00 km 7.00h Media
Etapa 4
Stage 4: Ágreda to Pozalmuro
21.00 km 5.25h Baja
Etapa 5
Stage 5: Pozalmuro to Soria
38.00 km 9.50h Alta
(5) more

Elevation Profile of

Elevation Profile of Fiber Way

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Altitude Towns
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Stages

Stages of Fiber Way

Stage 1

Alicante Orito

23.05 km 6.00h Media +40m

Inicio de la peregrinación en la costa, con un recorrido que combina el ambiente urbano y la huerta alicantina antes de llegar al santuario de Orito.

Stage 2

Orito Petrer

20.49 km 5.50h Media +150m

This stage continues through the Vinalopó valley in a gentle slope terrain. The landscape is dominated by vineyards and fields of cultivation. It's a transition day that brings the pilgrim closer to t...

Stage 3

Petrer Villena

20.90 km 5.00h Media -20m

This is a short and gentle stage that unites two of the most important villages in the Vinalopó Valley. The landscape remains dominated by vineyards. The destination is Villena, a city with an impress...

Stage 4

Villena Caudete

15.22 km 4.00h Baja -20m

Stage of the Southeastern Way (also shared with the Camino de la Lana) in the corridor between the provinces of Alicante and Albacete. The 18 km link Villena (with its impressive castle of La Atalaya ...

Stage 5

Caudete Almansa

17.50 km 6.53h Baja -30m

Stage description not available.

Stage 6

Almansa Alpera

21.90 km 5.25h Baja -240m

A stage of the Camino de la Lana, a historic route used by transhumant shepherds and wool traders between Alicante and Burgos. The 15 km link Almansa (with its spectacular castle on the Cerro del Águi...

Towns

Featured Towns of Fiber Way

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History

Millenary History of the Camino de Santiago: Origins and Evolution Fiber Way

Discover the origins and evolution of Fiber Way

The Wool Road is the Jacobean route that follows the trail of one of Spain's greatest sources of wealth in history: the wool trade from Merina sheep. Its name is not a metaphor, but a literal description of its origin. This historical itinerary, which connects Alicante to Burgos, overlaps the journey of faith with that of economics, following the path of ancient royal pastures of the transhumance. It's a long-distance route that traverses the heart of Spain's interior, a slow journey at the pace of old shepherds.

The history of this road is the story of The Mesta, the "Honorable Council of the Mesta", a powerful association of sheep farmers created in 1273 by King Alfonso X the Wise. The Mesta controlled the lucrative wool trade for centuries, highly prized throughout Europe. To ensure the movement of massive flocks between summer pastures in the north and winter pastures in the south, a network of protected roads was established: the royal canals. These routes, up to 75 meters wide, were genuine livestock highways, safe and open to the public, that crossed the peninsula.

Medieval pilgrims and those of the Modern Age, always practical, used these magnificent infrastructure for their own journeys. For an inhabitant of the southeast (Alicante, Valencia, Cuenca) who wanted to go to Santiago, following the canals was the safest and most direct option to head north. These routes were equipped with wells, bridges, and refuges that, although designed for shepherds, also served pilgrims.

The Wool Road therefore starts in Alicante and begins its long ascent to the Meseta. It collects tributaries from other regions that produce wool, such as Cuenca or the Alcarria of Guadalajara. One of the most important milestones on the route is the city of Cuenca, a World Heritage Site. The pilgrim, after passing through its famous Hanging Houses and Gothic cathedral, continued their journey through the serranía, a landscape of canyons and pine forests.

The route continues north, crossing the Alcarria, land of honey and aromatic plants, and enters the province of Soria, passing by historic villages such as Atienza. A climactic moment in the journey, both spiritual and artistic, is the arrival near the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, in the province of Burgos. The visit to its cloister, one of the universal masterpieces of Romanesque art, and listening to its famous Gregorian chant, were a sublime reward for the pilgrim.

The final destination of the Wool Road is the city of Burgos. Upon arriving at this historic capital of Castile and one of the key points on the Camino Francés, the pilgrims of the wool joined the international flow of walkers. They had completed a genuinely peninsular route, following the economic wealth routes of the country, to join the great spiritual wealth road of Europe.

Its modern revival has highlighted an itinerary of great diversity in landscape and culture. It's a less-traveled path that requires planning but offers a highly authentic experience. To walk the Wool Road is to immerse oneself in rural and economic history of Spain, a meditative journey through the silent landscapes of Spain's interior, following the invisible trail of millions of sheep and the footsteps of pilgrims who shared their route.

We answer your questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiber Way

How many days are needed to walk the Wool Route from Alicante to Burgos?

The Wool Route, with a total distance of 677 km, is estimated to take approximately 27 days to complete. This route offers a moderate challenge and is ideal for those seeking a more tranquil and less crowded experience compared to other Jacobean routes.

What is the best time of year to do the Camino de la Lana?

The best period to undertake the Camino de la Lana is during mid-season, specifically between April and June or September and October. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C and a lower concentration of pilgrims compared to the peak summer season.

How much does it cost to do the Wool Route with Ourway Travel?

The cost of undertaking the Wool Route with Ourway Travel varies based on the pilgrim's needs. Our rates include services such as luggage transfer, accommodation reservations, and personalized advice during your journey. For an accurate quote, we recommend contacting us directly so that we can assess your specific requirements.

What does booking the Wool Route with Ourway Travel include?

When you book the Wool Route through Ourway Travel, you receive a comprehensive package that includes luggage transfer to and from your destination, accommodation in carefully selected hostels or pensions offering comfort and convenience, as well as personalized advice throughout your journey. Additionally, we handle the acquisition of your pilgrim's credential.

How does the Camino de la Lana compare to other routes to Santiago?

The Camino de la Lana offers a unique alternative to the traditional and more popular Camino Francés. This historic route, which follows ancient transhumance paths, allows you to explore less-visited areas of Spain, providing direct contact with rural culture and the history of wool trade in the country. Although it is longer (677 km) and has an infrastructure still under development, it offers solitude and tranquility in exchange for greater difficulty.

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The Camino de la Lana is particularly recommended for those seeking a unique and less touristy experience. This route, rich in history and rural culture, offers a journey through the heart of green Spain, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. If you have already completed other routes to Santiago, the Camino de la Lana will allow you to immerse yourself in a more tranquil and authentic experience of Spanish rural life, with stunning landscapes and weather conducive to enjoying your trip at your own pace.

How do I book the Wool Route with Ourway Travel?

To book the Wool Route with Ourway Travel, simply visit our website or contact us directly. Our experts will be happy to assist you every step of the way: from assessing your needs to planning and booking your route. We also manage all necessary reservations, including accommodations and luggage transfer.

How do I get my pilgrim credential for the Wool Way?

The pilgrim's credential is a crucial document during your journey. With Ourway Travel, we manage the acquisition and delivery of this important documentation to ensure you are fully prepared from the start of your path. Simply mention your intentions when initiating planning with us, and our team will handle the rest.

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