Camino Del Norte - April 2024

[mb4869]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[trecile]

The albergue in Irun closes at 10pm, and does not accept reservations. You can find other accommodations in Irún on Gronze.

Irún, Guipúzcoa | Albergues y Hoteles | Gronze.com

Albergues, Hoteles y Servicios para Peregrinos en Irún, Guipúzcoa, en el Camino de Santiago.

www.gronze.com

BTW, Gronze divides the Norte into 36 stages from Irún, not including all the coastal variants, so your plan may be a bit optimistic. Some of the Gronze stages are short enough to combine. I have completed all stages in 33 days, but not with all the coastal variants.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

 

[MilenaS]

Hi Mark, I will be starting from Bilbao on April 25th. Being a really slow walker you will most surely catch up to me. Say hi if you see me. My backpack will be full of patches so thats how you might recognise me from the back.

Buen Camino

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@trecile , excuse my ignorance but 38 days seems to make for some awfully short days ( only 21km on average). I haven't looked at this camino yet, is that because there's so much elevation or is it because of the distances between some of the towns?

 

[mb4869]

The albergue in Irun closes at 10pm, and does not accept reservations. You can find other accommodations in Irún on Gronze.

Irún, Guipúzcoa | Albergues y Hoteles | Gronze.com

Albergues, Hoteles y Servicios para Peregrinos en Irún, Guipúzcoa, en el Camino de Santiago.

www.gronze.com

BTW, Gronze divides the Norte into 38 stages, not including all the coastal variants, so your plan may be a bit optimistic. Some of the Gronze stages are short enough to combine. I have completed all stages in 33 days, but not with all the coastal variants.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

Thanks for the info Trecile. May need to have a rethink or miss a few of the alternate routes?

 

[trecile]

@trecile , excuse my ignorance but 38 days seems to make for some awfully short days ( only 21km on average). I haven't looked at this camino yet, is that because there's so much elevation or is it because of the distances between some of the towns?

I have edited my post. Gronze actually has 36 stages from Irún, and 38 from Bayonne.
I think that some short stages are just because if the distances between towns.

 

[mb4869]

Hi Mark, I will be starting from Bilbao on April 25th. Being a really slow walker you will most surely catch up to me. Say hi if you see me. My backpack will be full of patches so thats how you might recognise me from the back.

Buen Camino

Hi Milena, i'll keep an eye out for you. Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

Thanks for the info Trecile. May need to have a rethink or miss a few of the alternate routes?

I have edited my post. When I was glancing at the number of stages on Gronze I forgot that they start in Bayonne, which adds two days.

Whether or not you can do it in 31 - 34 days depends on your level of fitness. It's doable for someone in good shape that's accustomed to walking long distances.

 

[Vacajoe]

The stages are really based on two things: lack of villages to make all the stages the same length or so and elevation changes. I’ve walked from Bayonne to Bilbao and it’s definitely a different beast than the Frances. Not overly difficult, just more physically challenging. To do it in 31 days (with variants) is definitely not for everyone, but certainly it can be for someone.

 

[dfitzg773]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

I did the Norte. My intenerary, albergue list, is in my blog. Towards the end. I didn't write much compared to the Frances.

danscaminotravels.wordpress.com

 

[JimG59]

I did the Norte. My intenerary, albergue list, is in my blog. Towards the end. I didn't write much compared to the Frances.

danscaminotravels.wordpress.com

Hi Dan,

I’m doing the CDN September 2024. Your blog will be a good read.

I note that you did >150 miles by transport. Any specific reason you missed out these stages ?
Cheers

 

[trecile]

I have done all or part of the Norte several times. I had to abandon it the first time due to shin splints. I finished it the following year.

These are the stages from those two Caminos.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Others have made useful contributions. I have done the del Norte several times (good mix of pilgrims, good seafood, the occasional beach, etc) and would suggest that you take very seriously the challenges of the first week-- the first day, and the stretches from Deba, are very demanding. A simple count of kilometres will be misleading. Take your first week at a measured pace and do not rush it. You may find that Elfen Gonzalez' youtube series will give you a good visual of the route-

As far as Irun is concerned, I have stayed at the Alcazar (63€) and the Aitana (70€). I have long recommended breaking your first day with a stop in San Juan de Pasaia (if the albergue is full, Sna Ione may still run a very nice B&B quite close by +34 685 47 57 35)-- there is now a hotel (Donibanea 67€) by the harbour quay rather than heading on to St Sebastian, but tastes vary.

You will not find the same numbers of albergues on the del Norte that you will on the Francese, so use your Gronze and plan carefully. As the numbers of bunks are limited, be prepared for the reality of taking a room in a pension or hostal every now and then. Don't worry about it-- you'll have a great time.

 

[Silvermomma]

About what everyone attests are the difficulties of this route: is it the constant ups and downs, long steady climbs, quick and steep descents, actual rock climbing with unsure footing, or all of the above? I'll also be there in late April - a very slow walker taking short stages with my own backpack. Thanks!

 

[dfitzg773]

Hi Dan,

I’m doing the CDN September 2024. Your blog will be a good read.

I note that you did >150 miles by transport. Any specific reason you missed out these stages ?
Cheers

No specific reason. Probably tired and wanting to make sure we made it to SDC.

 

[JerryStroebele]

In 2019 I wasn't ready to stop in Aviles so early in the afternoon. So I walked on 5 km to Salinas and had a nice cold beer. But it was uphill from there and suddenly I WAS tired. Providentially at the top of the hill was San Martin de Laspra Hostel. A fabulous albergue with a great hospitalero. Gronze shows it is still open. Buen Camino

 

[FrJimKingcsc]

About what everyone attests are the difficulties of this route: is it the constant ups and downs, long steady climbs, quick and steep descents, actual rock climbing with unsure footing, or all of the above? I'll also be there in late April - a very slow walker taking short stages with my own backpack. Thanks! Log in

About what everyone attests are the difficulties of this route: is it the constant ups and downs, long steady climbs, quick and steep descents, actual rock climbing with unsure footing, or all of the above? I'll also be there in late April - a very slow walker taking short stages with my own backpack. Thanks!

Yes. Up and down, especially stepping downhill at irregular intervals. It's the only one of four routes on which I "cheated" using public transport because of effect on knees that first week. As a point of comparison I had no problem at all with the Primitivo or any other route before or since. If I were to do that part of the Norte again I'd stop at San Juan and not wear myself out the first day. Even though it would make a short leg to San Sebastien that segment is among the most difficult. And then take it slower to Bilbao if needed.

 

[Silvermomma]

Yes. Up and down, especially stepping downhill at irregular intervals. It's the only one of four routes on which I "cheated" using public transport because of effect on knees that first week. As a point of comparison I had no problem at all with the Primitivo or any other route before or since. If I were to do that part of the Norte again I'd stop at San Juan and not wear myself out the first day. Even though it would make a short leg to San Sebastien that segment is among the most difficult. And then take it slower to Bilbao if needed.

Super helpful—thank you. I am planning on short (and some really short!) stages instead of taking zero days. At age 72 and for my 4th Camino I’m also OK with using pub trans now and then. Thank you again.

 

[trecile]

I were to do that part of the Norte again I'd stop at San Juan and not wear myself out the first day. Even though it would make a short leg to San Sebastien that segment is among the most difficult. And then take it slower to Bilbao if needed.

I wanted to spend more than just a few hours overnight in San Sebastián, so arriving there from Pasajes de San Juan around 11am was perfect. I had booked in at a pensión where I was able to leave my backpack at reception until my room was ready, so I had time to explore the city unburdened.

 

[JerryStroebele]

For lunch in San Sebastian try the chili at the Yellow Deli in old town. Then, too many good dinner options around town. Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

For lunch in San Sebastian try the chili at the Yellow Deli in old town. Then, too many good dinner options around town. Buen Camino

Did you know that the Yellow Deli is owned by the Twelve Tribes cult?

Twelve Tribes communities - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

“They are evil”: Ex-Twelve Tribes members describe child abuse, control inside religious cult

Twelve Tribes followers take pains to present an innocuous front to outsiders. They attract new members with a folksy peace-and-love, all-are-welcome message, but underneath that hollow promise of …

www.denverpost.com

 

[JerryStroebele]

Yes, but, I didn't know the rest of the story! I walked with a very nice man from the family that owned the deli. And ate the chile. Did not swallow the cool aid.

Lots of great Basque food options in San Sebastian! Buen Camino

 

[Lindy Loo]

The albergue in Irun closes at 10pm, and does not accept reservations. You can find other accommodations in Irún on Gronze.

Irún, Guipúzcoa | Albergues y Hoteles | Gronze.com

Albergues, Hoteles y Servicios para Peregrinos en Irún, Guipúzcoa, en el Camino de Santiago.

www.gronze.com

BTW, Gronze divides the Norte into 36 stages from Irún, not including all the coastal variants, so your plan may be a bit optimistic. Some of the Gronze stages are short enough to combine. I have completed all stages in 33 days, but not with all the coastal variants.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

How do I find the coastal variants please?

 

[KiwiJohn]

Did you know that the Yellow Deli is owned by the Twelve Tribes cult?

Twelve Tribes communities - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

“They are evil”: Ex-Twelve Tribes members describe child abuse, control inside religious cult

Twelve Tribes followers take pains to present an innocuous front to outsiders. They attract new members with a folksy peace-and-love, all-are-welcome message, but underneath that hollow promise of …

www.denverpost.com

Please, guys. No religious comments. It's everyone's own choice!

 

[Cullo]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

Hello Mark. My wife and I walked from Irun to Villaviciosa last year commencing on 28 Apr and then turned onto the Primitivo to walk to Santiago de Compostela. We had walked three Caminos previously (the Camino Frances; the Via Podiensis and the Via Francigena, but only from Great St Bernard's Pass).

The Del Norte and the Primitivo are definitely more physically challenging than the Frances and some sections that looked like they would be easy turned out not be e.g. Castro Urdiales to Laredo and Laredo to Noja, because the coastal tracks became sodden and very slippery after only a few days of rain - to the extent that we ended up heading inland towards older sections of the Del Norte for a few days. That said, we didn't regret a minute of the time we spent on either of the routes.

Buen Camino

 

[mb4869]

I have done all or part of the Norte several times. I had to abandon it the first time due to shin splints. I finished it the following year.

These are the stages from those two Caminos.

View attachment 163947

Thanks Trecile, very useful. If i aim for 33 days it gives me two days to spare. I am fit for my age am experienced in mountain / hill walking in the past. I am currently walking 15 -20km everyday and will be stepping up my training next month.

 

[trecile]

. I am currently walking 15 -20km everyday and will be stepping up my training next month.

That sounds sufficient for training - don't overdo it. There's no need to walk a Camino before your Camino, but you can add your backpack on some of your walks if you haven't already.

 

[peregrina2000]

How do I find the coastal variants please?

Take a look at this thread for a list of coastal variants on the Norte.

 

[Lindy Loo]

Take a look at this thread for a list of coastal variants on the Norte.

Thank you so much for this and for all the other folks on here who you help.

 

[JimG59]

Please, guys. No religious comments. It's everyone's own choice!

I didn’t see religious comments from any guys, but interesting to read the attachments.

 

[Maggie Y]

Yes. Up and down, especially stepping downhill at irregular intervals. It's the only one of four routes on which I "cheated" using public transport because of effect on knees that first week. As a point of comparison I had no problem at all with the Primitivo or any other route before or since. If I were to do that part of the Norte again I'd stop at San Juan and not wear myself out the first day. Even though it would make a short leg to San Sebastien that segment is among the most difficult. And then take it slower to Bilbao if needed.

I quite agree. Getting to San PASAJES nearly polished me off. Definitely stay there for a night

 

[Silvermomma]

I quite agree. Getting to San PASAJES nearly polished me off. Definitely stay there for a night

Look at your stats! You are a Norte expert.

 

[crackmrmac]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

Hi Mark, have a look at Bus 3 from Bayonne to Hendaye which stops at airport. Arriving opposite Hendaye main train station you walk back up to smaller station for short train journey to Irun, second stop. It is then a short walk to albergue. Another option is to walk across bridge into Spain and continue to albergue,see mapy.cz for fast or tourist Camino route.
Another possibility, but too late in evening for you, is to stay on bus until Hendaye Grande Plage and walk to get shuttle boat over to Hondarriba.

 

[Helen1561]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

Hi mark, I will be 2 days in front so u may catch me up. Hopefully c u there. Helen

 

[Canche]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

Buen Caminol. You have chosen the best Camino and enjoy. Buen Camino.

 

[Undermanager]

H,i, I'm new to this forum and and plan to do my first Camino (Del Norte) starting on 24 April in Irun. My aim is to do the walk in 31 days but following all of the coastal alternatives, I have also planned in 3 days contingency. Has anyone completed the route in this timeframe that can recommend stages, places to stay etc. I would like to stay in Albergues where possible. Any other advice on travelling this time of year would also be appreciated.

My flight arrives in Biarritz late afternoon on 23rd April and the bus doesn't get into Irun until around 9PM, will the municipal Albergue still be open and can i book in advance, if not can anyone recommend some other accommodation to book?

Thanks in advance
Mark

I've been looking at the Norte as well over the last few days. A couple of things I've gleamed as I've not done this one before. There are a few hostels in Biarritz. One option you could consider would be to fly in and then take it slooooowwwwwww (you may be knackered and hanging around for 5 hours for a bus ain't going to help), book in local and avail yourself of French cuisine in the evening, relax, then get a bus / or walk / or use blahblahcar and set off the next morning. Personally, just for fun, you could also hitch from their airport down to the border, or you might also think about a taxi - you are only 30kms away, 30 - 40 mins in a car, so maybe not outrageously costly, and of course you may also meet someone doing the same as you at the airport and could share a taxi. Have a look at the airport and local facilities on Google Maps, it's all very close!

Regarding timings. Is this your first long distance walk? If so, you might consider building up distances over the first week. Aim to walk 4 or 5 hours the first few days, then keep adding 30 minutes to an hour over 10 days. Over 800kms has to be a marathon not a sprint. I've done a few Caminos and two had to be cut short within 10 days, once with a foot injury and once cos of a back strain - over excitement leading to overdoing it in the first week and doing myself a mischief!

On that note, if you don't already, you might also want to look at warming up stretches in the morning, but most importantly, after you have stop walking in the afternoon. It's so important to warm down for 15 minutes and reset the muscles.

Who knows - may see you out there . Good luck.

 

[JimG59]

You could bus into Bayonne for accommodation and start the Camino from the Cathedral with requisite Credencial stamp. I will do this in September