Arriving in SJPP and beginning walk same day

[Seger]

There's so much helpful information here but I can't find anything to do with my issue. I have prebooked SJPP to Pamplona. I was planning on my first day to stop in Roncesvalles but now I think it would be wiser to split that into 2 days. I can cancel my stay in SJPP the first day and thought if I arrive in SJPP by 2 p.m. I would walk to Valcarlos that same day and stay the night.
I am traveling by train from Paris and have time to relax before I arrive. I am on my own and pretty nervous about the first day and was planning the alternate route regardless of weather etc.
If I started in Valcarlos the next morning I would be feeling fresh for the more difficult stretch of that route. If I did this late day start it would save me the trouble of cancelling my other bookings.

Just wondering if anyone has started at 2 or 3 p.m. from SJPP and are accommodations and groceries available if I get there at 6 p.m. or so. Is the Pilgrim office open all day in SJPP?

 

[Bradypus]

There should be no problem reaching Valcarlos after a mid-afternoon start from SJPDP. The route is very straightforward with some modest hills and almost entirely on minor sealed roads or high quality gravel farm tracks. There is also a sizeable shopping complex at Arneguy - about 3km before Valcarlos - with at least two supermarkets as well as a couple of smaller shops in Valcarlos itself which are open until 8pm.

 

[naplesdon]

I have done it several times and stopped at Orisson. for the night. Reservations are require. If you plan to stop at the Pilgrim's Office before you walk be aware that they close for several hours around mid-day. .

 

[Seger]

There should be no problem reaching Valcarlos after a mid-afternoon start from SJPDP. The route is very straightforward with some modest hills and almost entirely on minor sealed roads or high quality gravel farm tracks. There is also a sizeable shopping complex at Arneguy - about 3km before Valcarlos - with at least two supermarkets as well as a couple of smaller shops in Valcarlos itself which are open until 8pm.

I feel better already. Thank you!

 

[Seger]

I have done it several times and stopped at Orisson. for the night. Reservations are require. If you plan to stop at the Pilgrim's Office before you walk be aware that they close for several hours around mid-day. .

I will check their hours. Thank you

 

[mattythedog]

There's so much helpful information here but I can't find anything to do with my issue. I have prebooked SJPP to Pamplona. I was planning on my first day to stop in Roncesvalles but now I think it would be wiser to split that into 2 days. I can cancel my stay in SJPP the first day and thought if I arrive in SJPP by 2 p.m. I would walk to Valcarlos that same day and stay the night.
I am traveling by train from Paris and have time to relax before I arrive. I am on my own and pretty nervous about the first day and was planning the alternate route regardless of weather etc.
If I started in Valcarlos the next morning I would be feeling fresh for the more difficult stretch of that route. If I did this late day start it would save me the trouble of cancelling my other bookings.

Just wondering if anyone has started at 2 or 3 p.m. from SJPP and are accommodations and groceries available if I get there at 6 p.m. or so. Is the Pilgrim office open all day in SJPP?

The last 3 times I did the CF, I arrived in SJPP about 3pm. 2x I walked up to Valcarlos (2.5 hours) and once to Orrison (1.75 hours). I once arrived SJPP at 1pm and just walked up to Roncessvalles. No issue in getting a bed on any of these occasions. I always was able to get a meal or trail provisions in SJ, although it might be more difficult on a holiday or Sunday. You will be fine whichever choice you make.

 

[Seger]

The last 3 times I did the CF, I arrived in SJPP about 3pm. 2x I walked up to Valcarlos (2.5 hours) and once to Orrison (1.75 hours). I once arrived SJPP at 1pm and just walked up to Roncessvalles. No issue in getting a bed on any of these occasions. I always was able to get a meal or trail provisions in SJ, although it might be more difficult on a holiday or Sunday. You will be fine whichever choice you make.

I am so much more comfortable on splitting up the walk to Roncesvalles. I think I could manage it but I don't want to overdue it. You sound like you have a lot of experience behind you. This is my first camino . Maybe if there is a next time I will do it in a single day. Thanks for the reassurance that I should arrive in Valcarlos not too late in the day. October 5th is not far off. Thank you