Maps!?!

[aerdna]

I am leaving tomorrow (!) and it just occurred to me that while I do have a guidebook and lots of tips on places to see/stay, I don't have a super detailed map of all the cities/towns I will be walking through. Are the albergues/hostels/other amenities easily accessible from the Camino (plan so far is Norte/Primitivo, but might stay Norte when it comes to that point), or is there a lot of wandering around the towns? Funny, I am not super worried about getting too terribly lost on the trail sections as those are quite extensively described in the guidebook I have, but in the towns I am. It is too late to order any maps, but any tips are welcome. I am adapting other documents I have seem from other forum members and have been adding/taking things away (for example, a number of hostels closed in Oct) as I see fit.

 

[tyrrek]

Hi! I've not walked el Norte but on the Caminos I've done the route always takes you through the centre of the major towns and cities, and past major sites (cathedrals etc). Also past the main albergue. If you're looking for something specific like an outdoor shop just ask in the albergue or tourist info office, which will also be very central (in Burgos and Leon by the cathedral, for example). Your guidebook should be enough for most things. Buen Camino!

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

On the Norte it can be a bit tricky at times. Especially at the larger towns, where the arrows not always are obvious.
At several cities the albergue/ youth hostel is located at the 'other side' of town, which means that one has to navigate through the city to get there.
I remember Santander as being very hard to get out of, after one gets of the boat. Took me a very long time, due to I tried to 'wing' it.

So, my recommendation would be to always visit the Tourist Information if you see one, or ask for direction and if it is not to far, go there.
They have city maps as well as A4 sheets of the route out of town and to the next destination, the following day.
Also, and this can be hard, once you arrive at a city take your time to be sure that you are going the right direction.
Ask locals. be sure you see the arrow.

Several times I visited 'Amigos de Camino de Santiago' ( I believe that is what they are called).
It is locals who volunteer to assist pilgrims and they have offices in many towns and cities.
They are very helpful and will assist you with most needs you may have.
Again, it is something Tourist Information, or the hospitalero/a at the Albergue can direct you to.

Finally. Don't worry to much, as most of the way is well marked and other pilgrims will be on route.

Have a great walk!

Buen Camino
Lettinggo

 

[angulero]

Creo que lo que buscas son callejeros. Te dejo alguno. En el primer enlace tienes los de las principales ciudades de Asturias. En el segundo, uno de Santander. En el tercero, Bilbao.

I think you are after callejeros. I leave some. In the first link you have the major cities of Asturias. In the second, one of Santander. In the third, Bilbao.

http://www.turismoasturias.es/organiza-tu-viaje/mapas-y-callejeros

http://www.google.es/url?sa=t&rct=j...s3LqSc36z7UuC5jjcghoh4Q&bvm=bv.76247554,d.cWc

http://www.bilbao.net/callejero/jsp/buscador.jsp?idioma=c

Si es esto lo que buscas, escribe en Google "callejero+ nombre de la ciudad" y seguro que encuentras algo.

If this is what you are looking for, type in Google "callejero + city name" and bound to find something.

 

[aerdna]

Thanks everyone! I am not afraid to ask for directions, it was just one of the worries that popped in as I was trying to sleep. Now it is less than 12 hours until I leave for the airport and I really should be sleeping, but I am taking care of a few last minute things! I am sure it will all work out, and if not, I'll at least have a great story!

 

[mralisn]

Have walked the CN in '10 and again this summer with the addition of the Primitivo. This was an incredible experience and a nice break from the Frances. Very happy to have left the coast and head into the mountains. Your idea of making decision once you reach that point is a good one. As far as maps go, there is always someone to ask whether it be other walkers, hospitaleros, or persons on the street. Not really too difficult in the bigger cities. Wishing you the best of all journeys.

Keep a smile,
Simeon