Hi everyone and see if there are companions

[zimo]

Hi everyone, I'm Zimo from China. I plan to start my Camino for the first time on November 9th, the Camino Frances.
It's a pleasure to meet everyone and learn so much information and advice in the forums, feels like a warm family. Besides, I know that there will be fewer people on the way in winter, so I'll send a message first to see if I'm lucky. Also, after I arrived in Pamplona, I wanted to see if anyone wanted to share a ride together to start the journey in SJPP, because the Alsa bus had already closed.
Here is the detail:
9th November China-Madrid-Pamplona. long-distance travel, maybe arrive at 18:30, plan to live for 1 night.
10th November Pamblona-SJPP. plan to take a taxi o other way to SJPP before 12:00.
Thanks! Buen Camino!
Zimo

 

[Former member 104756]

HI @zimo

How exciting for you. You already know that some albergues will be closed. We started from SJPP just two weeks ago and that was already true.

Some on the forum question or even discourage people from starting at SJPP. I am not usually one of them. I really like the town and starting the Camino Frances from there. But, at this time of year and with the possible difficulties of finding someone to share the taxi ride to SJPP - it could be worth thinking about starting in Pamplona instead. It would certainly be easier for your logistics. But, if you don't mind the expense of the taxi ride alone, then that's no problem.

Something you may or may not know- is that the Route Napoleon from SJPP to Roncesvalles will definitely be closed from 1 November. You would walk via the Valcarlos Route which is also enjoyable but does not offer the spectacular views that are possible on the Napoleon Route when the weather cooperates. You can walk in one day - or break up the walk by staying in Valcarlos on the first night. The municipal albergue there is open all year I believe.

Regarding accommodations - Gronze is a great resource.

Camino Francés | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...

www.gronze.com

And be aware of this link below takes you to a page which shows the albergues open in winter (invierno) on the Camino Frances. It will be updated on or before 1 November 2023.

Pagina nueva 1

Maybe you already aware of all of this. Just some thoughts - best wishes with whatever you decide. Buen Camino.

 

[Former member 104756]

Hi everyone, I'm Zimo from China. I plan to start my Camino for the first time on November 9th, the Camino Frances.
It's a pleasure to meet everyone and learn so much information and advice in the forums, feels like a warm family. Besides, I know that there will be fewer people on the way in winter, so I'll send a message first to see if I'm lucky. Also, after I arrived in Pamplona, I wanted to see if anyone wanted to share a ride together to start the journey in SJPP, because the Alsa bus had already closed.
Here is the detail:
9th December China-Madrid-Pamplona. long-distance travel, maybe arrive at 18:30, plan to live for 1 night.
10th December Pamblona-SJPP. plan to take a taxi o other way to SJPP before 12:00.
Thanks! Buen Camino!
Zimo

Also @zimo Your first line says 9 November, but later in your message you give your itinerary as December. So if you are looking for someone to share the ride, and find companions, it would be good to correct the error.

 

[zimo]

HI @zimo

How exciting for you. You already know that some albergues will be closed. We started from SJPP just two weeks ago and that was already true.

Some on the forum question or even discourage people from starting at SJPP. I am not usually one of them. I really like the town and starting the Camino Frances from there. But, at this time of year and with the possible difficulties of finding someone to share the taxi ride to SJPP - it could be worth thinking about starting in Pamplona instead. It would certainly be easier for your logistics. But, if you don't mind the expense of the taxi ride alone, then that's no problem.

Something you may or may not know- is that the Route Napoleon from SJPP to Roncesvalles will definitely be closed from 1 November. You would walk via the Valcarlos Route which is also enjoyable but does not offer the spectacular views that are possible on the Napoleon Route when the weather cooperates. You can walk in one day - or break up the walk by staying in Valcarlos on the first night. The municipal albergue there is open all year I believe.

Regarding accommodations - Gronze is a great resource.

Camino Francés | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...

www.gronze.com

And be aware of this link below takes you to a page which shows the albergues open in winter (invierno) on the Camino Frances. It will be updated on or before 1 November 2023.

Pagina nueva 1

Maybe you already aware of all of this. Just some thoughts - best wishes with whatever you decide. Buen Camino.

Hi Pelerina,

Really thanks for your advice, especially on whether to go to SJPP or not. I haven't decided yet, but I will consider it. Hope you have a good journey!

As for the link, I clicked it to 'Pagina nueva 1' but it shows that 'The list will be back next season', so should I send a email to ask for one list? anyway, thanks for your advice, that's really helpful!

Zimo

 

[trecile]

As for the link, I clicked it to 'Pagina nueva 1' but it shows that 'The list will be back next season', so should I send a email to ask for one list?

The site becomes active with the list after November 1st.

 

[Former member 104756]

Hi Pelerina,

Really thanks for your advice, especially on whether to go to SJPP or not. I haven't decided yet, but I will consider it. Hope you have a good journey!

As for the link, I clicked it to 'Pagina nueva 1' but it shows that 'The list will be back next season', so should I send a email to ask for one list? anyway, thanks for your advice, that's really helpful!

Zimo

Zimo, @trecile has answered the question. It should be updated on or before 1 November 2023 as per my earlier post.

And, to clarify,, I am not one to discourage you going to SJPP, just to be aware of the situation. I am sure you can have a wonderful camino at whichever place you begin. Best wishes.