The Way of El Cid
The Camino del Cid follows the first days of exile narrated in the Cantar. This itinerary starts in Vivar (Burgos) and ends in Atienza (Guadalajara), and it is divided into twenty stages, six of which pass through riverside lands, which are:
- Stage 4: from Peñaranda de Duero to Castillejo de Robledo (cycling route).
- Stage 5: from Castillejo de Robledo to El Burgo de Osma (cycling route).
- Stage 7: from Alcubilla de Avellaneda to Langa de Duero (hiking route).
- Stage 8: from Langa de Duero to Castillejo de Robledo (hiking route).
- Stage 10: from Miño to San Esteban de Gormaz (hiking route).
- Stage 11: from San Esteban de Gormaz to El Burgo de Osma (hiking route).
The Camino del Cid follows the route of the first days of exile of El Cid narrated in the Cantar, although it also includes other episodes from the poem, such as the Afrenta de Corpes, which occurred after the conquest of Valencia.
El Cid, banished, leaves Vivar with sixty knights and the royal order to leave Castilla within nine days, a period that El Cid will use to leave his daughters and wife in the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña and to strengthen his group by enlisting new knights and soldiers.
Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, El Cid Campeador, is the gateway to a wider and more exciting journey through the Middle Ages that will take you to discover, by walking or cycling, the banks of the Duero River and its tributaries, with gallery forests, poplar groves, ash trees, and common otters.
Yes, you read that right! You can see otters.
You can also visit from a different perspective three historic-artistic ensembles, three medieval gems like Peñaranda de Duero, San Esteban de Gormaz, and Langa de Duero. Remember, moreover, that both Peñaranda de Duero and San Esteban de Gormaz are part of the Magic Villages of Spain Network.
And enjoy El Cid's fine cuisine. Roasted lamb, succulent mushroom surprises, trout and cod, or sweets and pastries made with Sorian butter are just some of our recommendations.
Prepare your safe-conduct and enjoy the entire route at www.caminodelcid.org