But it’s such a lovely walk!
True! The views are absolutely wonderful.
But, coming up on my 71st birthday, I am compelled to accept that not every pilgrim can handle the long, steep(ish) 8 km climb out of SJPdP. So, I try to find reasonable accommodations, where feasible.
I am blessed to be in very good health, and reasonably good physical condition. But, that first 8 km to Orisson is still a doozie! It occasionally stops someone on their very first day. I have seen several "dead stop - turn around - "I am going home" incidents in my time. From Orisson, the entire
Camino Frances is quite doable. It can be daunting for some.
Ironically, the scene in
The Way, where Tom comes out of his lodgings, and turns the wrong way (downhill) to start his Camino, is true. Once he is pointed in the correct direction -
UP - he realizes the scope of this challenge. The
Camino de Santiago - not for sissies.
So, the most reasonable options to mitigate the steep climb out of SJPdP are: taxi to Orisson (8 km), if they will accept your reservation; or, shuttle / taxi to the Cruz Thibaud at the top of the paved road (10 km). This is where the trail goes to the right, towards the nearby Spanish frontier. The remaining 15 - 16 km to Roncesvalles, are undulating or down, most all the way to the town.
Remember, each pilgrim does THEIR OWN CAMINO. I never express a personal opinion on another's choices. I would not want someone to criticize my choices.
Hope this helps.
Tom