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We flew in to Pamplona because we didn't know any better, then got a taxi to St.JPP. It took us three days to walk back! I think Bilbao is only a bus ride away. Have a look at other Pilgrim's suggestions as well as [link to commercial post removed by moderator] - buen camino!
My training was red wine and tapas!! Don't over do it - either walking, drinking or eating. Have a look at [commercial link removed by moderator] for info about what to take and weight and remember to enjoy it!!
My only training was red wine and tapas! However I started slowly from St.Jean Pied a Port, walked over the Pyrenees in panic (snow!!) and settled down to 20 kms daily, on average. It's not at all difficult! Just put one foot in front of the other. [commercial link removed by moderator] will...
Hi Wayne - yes, you are likely to find some alberge/hostals closed during the winter. If you plan your daily walk you could actually phone ahead and check there is accommodation. Pilgrim Office in SJPP has a list which will help you. They also will give you a weather forecast, and if they say...
Hi Mark - I started in SJPP too - totally unfit for the walk over the Pyrenees with snow lined road and paths. Managed 14km the first day, to Valcarlos - that was far enough. Some years the weather is quite mild. Back in northern NSW now, but happy to answer any questions.
I'm sure you'll have a great time. Quite a number of women were walking alone when I was on the Camino. You meet up and socialise with others as you walk, and also at the hostals - happy to help with any questions.
Walking on your own is not a problem, and I see there are others on this thread who want to meet up already. Socialising is great and there's as much/little as you want to be involved in. Afternoons and evenings at hostals are a very good time to catch up too.
Your itinerary is looking good. I took 6 weeks from SJPP to Santiago, with stops in the biggest towns for an extra night of comfort, to get washing done, do some sight seeing and to rest. I was totally unfit at the start (red wine and tapas training regime) but comfortably walked 20 km/day...
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