LTfit and I walked the Aragonés this summer. Our camino catalán merges with the Aragonés at Santa Cilia de Jaca. At that point, we knew we wanted to "backtrack" up to Somport pass, which was a GREAT idea (it was LT's idea, not mine -- so glad we did that).
All along the way, the townspeople and the hospitaleros told us that pilgrim traffic had declined by as much as 25-30%. This is a real head-scratcher for me. The Camino Aragonés is well marked, with great albergues, beautiful scenery, and very little pavement. I'll post some pictures and updates, and maybe it will convince more forum members to try this wonderful alternative! I don't mean to take anything away from the glory of starting in SJPP, but for the many "repeat offenders", the Aragonés is a great idea. Buen camino, Laurie
All along the way, the townspeople and the hospitaleros told us that pilgrim traffic had declined by as much as 25-30%. This is a real head-scratcher for me. The Camino Aragonés is well marked, with great albergues, beautiful scenery, and very little pavement. I'll post some pictures and updates, and maybe it will convince more forum members to try this wonderful alternative! I don't mean to take anything away from the glory of starting in SJPP, but for the many "repeat offenders", the Aragonés is a great idea. Buen camino, Laurie