Camino Ignacio Step 1: Loyola - Zumárraga

This is the first stage of the Camino Ignaciano (www.caminoignaciano.org). Be sure to get water and any food you think you might need before going as there is little/no opportunity along the way. This route extends beyond the towns, up to an aterpetxea/albergue above the town. End your route early if you do not want to add a few vertical km at the end of your day (the views are beautiful though!).
Simple instructions for a peligrino:
1. Go to Mass in the Chapel of Conversion at 8:30 am (every day of the year at this time). Chapel opens at 8:00am if you want to go pray there before Mass. Pray for the intercession of St Ignatius and Our Lady of Montserrat on your journey, whether it be one stage or all 27.
2. Go to the top of the entrance steps to the Basilica. There you will find the "starting" tiles for the Camino Ignaciano. Stand or kneel at these tiles, and pray one more time before hitting the trail. Name your intentions for your journey in prayer, and pray for the guidance of Our Lady of the Way.
3. Walk to your right and turn left at the edge of the building toward the Sanctuary's gardens. Pick up the trail and start walking with the Basilica at your back. Take one more look at the Basilica as your pilgrimage begins.
3. Keep walking to the back of the gardens, where you will continue on a very nice public walking/biking path. Continue walking into the town of Azkoitia. From here, just stay on this trail above the river (seriously, that's all you have to do!). There will be many tunnels and bridges and a few farming homes/communities; enjoy the scenery!
4. Find your way through the town, and pick up the trail along the river that continues on toward your destination.
5. Once you get into Urrextu and Zumárraga, there are multiple dining and lodging options.
6. If you want to continue up to Santa Barbara, be sure to call or email a few days in advance to ensure they are up and running. It is a vertical hike straight up from town along an unmarked trail that appears as Camino Real on your GPS. Finally the trail will end at the road and you'll walk along the road the rest of the way.