06/09/2026
The descent to Roncesvalles.
I started this sketch on the steep path down towards the monastery, but it was far too hot — and far too steep — to sit there for long, so I finished it later from a photograph I took on my phone.
The path was incredibly dusty and slippery, dropping sharply through the beech forest. I was carefully picking my way down when I eventually realised that I wasn’t actually supposed to be taking that route at all — there’s now a much gentler road option for pilgrims.
Still, it gave me a rather wonderful view to draw.
And, thankfully, I made it down to Roncesvalles in one piece.
