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Average Incline....

FourSeasons

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2013, 2016, 2019, 2024
Hello :)

I'm nervous about the challenge of the Norte. I've started some training for my 2019 Camino. I've done the CM twice, so have gone up and over the Pyrenees.

What's the average incline on the many hills across the Norte? 12%? 18%? Is it like the Pyrenees, leaving Castrojeriz or climbing to O'Cebrero? The Wise Pilgrim guidebook shows a lot of ups and downs. Is there incline everyday?
Any encouragement, words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Angela :/
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I am always surprised that people are under the impression that the Norte is difficult. I am not sure where that data comes from. I have walked most of the caminos (except for some of the more obscure ones) and would not rate the Norte as much different than the others.
My wife had no difficulty with the Norte and she has had foot and leg problems on some of the others. She felt the Norte was not difficult.
 
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I am always surprised that people are under the impression that the Norte is difficult. I am not sure where that data comes from. I have walked most of the caminos (except for some of the more obscure ones) and would not rate the Norte as much different than the others.
My wife had no difficulty with the Norte and she has had foot and leg problems on some of the others. She felt the Norte was not difficult.
Okay, thanks. Well looking at YouTube videos and guidebook graphs give me an idea of the challenges of the Norte. So, which hardest climb on the Norte is comparible to one on the Frances? That's really what I'm after. Incline percentage.
 
You can overthink these things and reading guide books warning of severe climbs can make you overly fearful - the hills won't move so you just have to go over them. I walked the Norte in 2016 and the Primitivo in 2017 and found both okay - your body will adapt and you will be racing up them by the end. If you have started training now for next year you will be just fine. Don't be nervous just do it.

Buen Camino!
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
You can overthink these things and reading guide books warning of severe climbs can make you overly fearful - the hills won't move so you just have to go over them. I walked the Norte in 2016 and the Primitivo in 2017 and found both okay - your body will adapt and you will be racing up them by the end. If you have started training now for next year you will be just fine. Don't be nervous just do it.

Buen Camino!
Thank you Stuart,

You are so right. I'm pretty sure there is nothing more difficult then the Pyrenees and my own inner imaginary fears. Perhaps it's just the unknown.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I am always surprised that people are under the impression that the Norte is difficult. I am not sure where that data comes from. I have walked most of the caminos (except for some of the more obscure ones) and would not rate the Norte as much different than the others.
My wife had no difficulty with the Norte and she has had foot and leg problems on some of the others. She felt the Norte was not difficult.
I have also heard that there are not many people or accommodations on the Norte. Is this true? Is it possible to have your bag transported?
 
Camino Sanabres after Ourense. Quite a hill!!
Yes, 19% grade is a doozy. Still not finding it in the books. Norte or Primitivo? Oh wait.....this hill you speak of isn't even on the Norte or Primitivo. With all due respect Falcon, why post this info here when I'm clearly asking about the Norte and Primitivo? You confused me but at least I learned something new. :)
 
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Yes bag transport is available. Ask at your albergue.
Our usual daily walking distance was around 20km ( give or take ) and we never had any trouble finding accommodation. We switched to the Primitivo and then there were a few days of with longer stretches ( for us - around 30 km) between accommodation. The del Norte is a beautiful Camino. We never had any trouble at age 63. Enjoy!
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Hello :)

I'm nervous about the challenge of the Norte. I've started some training for my 2019 Camino. I've done the CM twice, so have gone up and over the Pyrenees.

What's the average incline on the many hills across the Norte? 12%? 18%? Is it like the Pyrenees, leaving Castrojeriz or climbing to O'Cebrero? The Wise Pilgrim guidebook shows a lot of ups and downs. Is there incline everyday?
Any encouragement, words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Angela :/
Hello :)

I'm nervous about the challenge of the Norte. I've started some training for my 2019 Camino. I've done the CM twice, so have gone up and over the Pyrenees.

What's the average incline on the many hills across the Norte? 12%? 18%? Is it like the Pyrenees, leaving Castrojeriz or climbing to O'Cebrero? The Wise Pilgrim guidebook shows a lot of ups and downs. Is there incline everyday?
Any encouragement, words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Angela :/
Hi Angela
I've been doing the Norte in stages with limited straining only. It is not like mountaineering. Slow steady climbs most of the time. Facing final challenge this Sept . Ribadeo to Santiago and there are 2 days of steep climbing ahead. Stay in touch. Maybe we can share tips Maggie
 
It is important to be sure you are looking at reviews and reports for the last couple of years. The Norte has greatly changed recently in regard to numbers and infrastructure. There are now pretty large crowds in the summer...nothing like the CF but pretty large. The number of albergues and pensions have greatly increased and there are no longer any really long stretches without accomondation.
Be sure you are looking at current reports.
 
I think it all depends if you start on the norte and complete the Norte through Gijon or if you take the Primitivo varient. The Primitivo is through the mountains and very beautiful, much more challenging...the Norte through Gijon very little inclines....
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
It is important to be sure you are looking at reviews and reports for the last couple of years. The Norte has greatly changed recently in regard to numbers and infrastructure. There are now pretty large crowds in the summer...nothing like the CF but pretty large. The number of albergues and pensions have greatly increased and there are no longer any really long stretches without accomondation.
Be sure you are looking at current reports.
Yes, I've heard the crowds have found the Norte....unfortunately the summer is the time for me on this one. I think I'll bring a bedroll just in case I need to sleep outside because I plan on taking my time this time. :)
 

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