Norte in May?

[Damien Reynolds]

Hi friends. Anyone have experience with the Norte in May? I’ve done it twice, both Late August/ Sept. Both were fantastic. What is the Norte like in Spring? Already purchased tickets to arrive around 4/20 and leave 6/1. Haven’t decided on a route yet… debating Norte v Norte/Primitivo v tried and true Frances. I don’t like the Vdlp, but it’s been awhile. I like to meet people. Thoughts?

 

[OzAnnie]

No wrong choices Damien.
I was only wondering if you had walked the Vdlp in spring? (Before everything has browned up).
My experience of the flowers and landscape was wonderful.
I would imagine (from hearing experiences of others walking August to October), that it is a world away from the spring walk experience.

It’s so hard making that decision …..
…(I know ) as I’m currently going through similar thoughts with working out where to tread my upcoming days available to best suit me and the weather.
Once made…. I’ll feel better too.

Buen camino
Annie.
Edit: sorry I can’t comment on Norte in May as I walked it in sept 2014

 

[Rick M]

I walked it starting in April. The weather was great, we managed to dodge the rain drops that are common in the spring. Best food you will eat outside of France. Beautiful coastline. Very, um, kinetic hike for the first ten days with several major hills per day, all with spectacular views, but you know all about the road itself. Almost no other pilgrims. This last bit was the fatal flaw for me. I believe we met six people total that spoke any english. If you want a quiet hike, you've come to the right place. By Santander, we were lonely, so we caught the train to Fromista, and finished up on the Frances from there. Met more pilgrims at dinner in Fromista than we had in the previous few weeks.

 

[Larry Gordon]

Hi friends. Anyone have experience with the Norte in May? I’ve done it twice, both Late August/ Sept. Both were fantastic. What is the Norte like in Spring? Already purchased tickets to arrive around 4/20 and leave 6/1. Haven’t decided on a route yet… debating Norte v Norte/Primitivo v tried and true Frances. I don’t like the Vdlp, but it’s been awhile. I like to meet people. Thoughts?

I will depart Irun on 6 May and currently plan to walk the Norte to the Primitivo on to SDC… May good fortune and weather accompany you along your journey

 

[nathanael]

hopefully will be doing this on May 23, but starting in Bilbao

 

[Peregrina 2013]

May is an amazing month to walk Camino del Norte! Twice I've started in early May and the weather has been ideal - 50's and 60's with cool evenings have been perfect! By the time I get to SDC it's been beautiful spring-like sunny warm days If you're looking for warmer temperatures, then later in May or June might suit you better.
Ultreïa!

 

[Tom Hagger]

I must agree with Peregrina 2013 - the Camino del Norte is fantastic in May. Late April is the best time to start, in my experience. My second time on the Norte was in early autumn, when I took the Primitivo instead of continuing to Ribadeo and down to Arzua. I have to say that both routes in both seasons were very beautiful, most enjoyable, and rather different from each other You will meet plenty of people on the Norte in May, but slightly fewer on the Primitivo. Buen Camino! Tom

 

[Damien Reynolds]

May is an amazing month to walk Camino del Norte! Twice I've started in early May and the weather has been ideal - 50's and 60's with cool evenings have been perfect! By the time I get to SDC it's been beautiful spring-like sunny warm days If you're looking for warmer temperatures, then later in May or June might suit you better.
Ultreïa!

May is an amazing month to walk Camino del Norte! Twice I've started in early May and the weather has been ideal - 50's and 60's with cool evenings have been perfect! By the time I get to SDC it's been beautiful spring-like sunny warm days If you're looking for warmer temperatures, then later in May or June might suit you better.
Ultreïa!

May is an amazing month to walk Camino del Norte! Twice I've started in early May and the weather has been ideal - 50's and 60's with cool evenings have been perfect! By the time I get to SDC it's been beautiful spring-like sunny warm days If you're looking for warmer temperatures, then later in May or June might suit you better.
Ultreïa!

50’s and 60’s sounds kinda cold. (If you are an American). I like to lay out on the beaches.
I’m thinking I try and then report back. It’s similar to back home so I can deal.

 

[karenc]

hopefully will be doing this on May 23, but starting in Bilbao

 

[karenc]

We will doing a week of way from Bilbao on the 4th of May. Should end up past Santander

 

[André Walker]

May is an amazing month to walk Camino del Norte!

She's right: it is. Of course, as with every seaside, weather can be unpredictable/changeable. 2016 I started the Del Norte early May. Until Galicia only rain on 2 days. Other than that, mostly sunny weather or sunny with clouds. Nice temperatures.

 

[zenofmatthew]

Norte! I'm a sucker for the Basque Country. A tragic case. Norte Primitivo is also excellent, I love Roman ruins and the like. I'd decide the Primitivo part en route.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

50’s and 60’s sounds kinda cold. (If you are an American). I like to lay out on the beaches.
I’m thinking I try and then report back. It’s similar to back home so I can deal.

I am an American! I just happen to live in the frozen tundra: where 50's and 60's feel just right when hiking. Perfect temperature! Warmer than that, becomes hot and uncomfortable, but ideal for the beach

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Norte! I'm a sucker for the Basque Country. A tragic case. Norte Primitivo is also excellent, I love Roman ruins and the like. I'd decide the Primitivo part en route.

There is something so fulfilling about walking both the Norte and the Primitivo. Other Caminos have been special and exhilarating, but the Norte and Primitivo keep calling back!

 

[trecile]

I am an American! I just happen to live in the frozen tundra: where 50's and 60's feel just right when hiking. Perfect temperature! Warmer than that, becomes hot and uncomfortable, but ideal for the beach

I don't live in the frozen tundra and I also find 50's and 60's pretty perfect for walking.
Actually, if it's sunny temps in the 40's are also good, and 60's can be too hot!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I don't live in the frozen tundra and I also find 50's and 60's pretty perfect for walking.
Actually, if it's sunny temps in the 40's are also good, and 60's can be too hot!

Totally agree with you. I'll hike if it's in the high 20's and in the 30's, but there has to be no wind!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

There is something so fulfilling about walking both the Norte and the Primitivo. Other Caminos have been special and exhilarating, but the Norte and Primitivo keep calling back!

This is something I’ve never done before. Which is intriguing. Last year (Sept 2021) I remember seeing the turnout for the primitivo while on the Norte and thinking to myself, “should I?” Personal friends have told me that is the way to go, especially after completing the Norte conventional style multiple times. Sounds like a plan but may still be a “game time” decision.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

No wrong choices Damien.
I was only wondering if you had walked the Vdlp in spring? (Before everything has browned up).
My experience of the flowers and landscape was wonderful.
I would imagine (from hearing experiences of others walking August to October), that it is a world away from the spring walk experience.

It’s so hard making that decision …..
…(I know ) as I’m currently going through similar thoughts with working out where to tread my upcoming days available to best suit me and the weather.
Once made…. I’ll feel better too.

Buen camino
Annie.
Edit: sorry I can’t comment on Norte in May as I walked it in sept 2014

I walked the Vdlp in fall I think. Few people and no met long term friends, long distances, infrastructure not so convenient. But I loved Salamanca.

 

[zenofmatthew]

There is something so fulfilling about walking both the Norte and the Primitivo. Other Caminos have been special and exhilarating, but the Norte and Primitivo keep calling back!

That's calling me now. And Le Puy. We'll see.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

This is something I’ve never done before. Which is intriguing. Last year (Sept 2021) I remember seeing the turnout for the primitivo while on the Norte and thinking to myself, “should I?” Personal friends have told me that is the way to go, especially after completing the Norte conventional style multiple times. Sounds like a plan but may still be a “game time” decision.

You won't have any regrets if you opt to deviate from the CDN onto the Primitivo. It's truly an incredibly beautiful and peaceful route - until it joins the Francés for the last couple of days