Valcarlos albergue 2019

[Rhun Leeding]

Hi guys,

So I'm days away from starting my camino....and I guess I have a starter for 10.

I get into SJPP at around 2pm...so in theory I could walk to Valcarlos before 5pm. As we are on a Tuesday in September...what are your thoughts about capacity in Valcarlos, and is it reasonable to get there in 3-4 hours?

Thanks
Rhun

 

[Deleted member 43985]

It is very comfortable to get to Valcarlos within 3 hours, only 13km walk. It's a little longer but taking the two scenic routes (cross the river shortly after leaving SJPDP and cross again at Arneguy) are very nice and takes you away from almost all the traffic. Capacity is another question however as September is a pretty busy month I think... Good luck.

 

[Davey Boyd]

I think most pilgrims will go via the Napoleon route in September. Last time I was there in September there were only two of us there. It is a nice albergue. Note that the hospi does not hang around in the albergue. If it locked you can get the pass number from the bar/restaurant/tienda Benta Ardandegia on the main street. This is a great place to shop and have a meal too!

Davey

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've stayed at the muni in Valcarlos twice and have really liked the place. It's relatively newer, has a nice big bathroom and plenty of open beds in mid April. Everything Davey has said is accurate in my experience too.

 

[VNwalking]

I've only been through there in early March, and didn't stay, so can't say anything about capacity.
It took me about 3 1/2 hours to get to Valcarlos at an easy pace. No problemo. And it's a very nice walk indeed.

 

[Felipe]

This albergue accept reservations. Look at this info. And yes, it is very good.
Notice that the place of the albergue is not obvious at first sight. When you' arrive at the main square, don't cross it, walk down a flight of stairs at your right. It is in the back of a kinder or school.
Valcarlos is picturesque village, with some mini markets that double as bars and social meeting points for the locals. A couple of good restaurants, too.

 

[c0484]

Hi guys,

So I'm days away from starting my camino....and I guess I have a starter for 10.

I get into SJPP at around 2pm...so in theory I could walk to Valcarlos before 5pm. As we are on a Tuesday in September...what are your thoughts about capacity in Valcarlos, and is it reasonable to get there in 3-4 hours?

Thanks
Rhun

If yoou are walking the alternative route rather than the traditional route, remember that the toughest part of the trail will be at the end of the day rather than the beginning. It involves a tough and long climb.

 

[Becky 59]

We stayed there May 2018: there were 24 beds split between 2 rooms, and we only had 7 people staying there. You have the advantage of starting mid-week which helps avoid the weekend crunches. And yes there is one very steep climb up from the river crossing to get up to the town!

 

[Bodi]

I stayed at the Valcarlos municipal albergue in September 2017 and it was quite busy; only a couple of free beds left. I reserved ahead of time using this email address: luzaide-valcarlos@wanadoo.es. I shopped at the local grocery store and cooked at the albergue as did many of the other pilgrims; it was a really nice experience on my first night. Buen Camino!

 

[KinkyOne]

If yoou are walking the alternative route rather than the traditional route, remember that the toughest part of the trail will be at the end of the day rather than the beginning. It involves a tough and long climb.

And what would be "traditional" and "alternative" route on this stage?

 

[Rhun Leeding]

If yoou are walking the alternative route rather than the traditional route, remember that the toughest part of the trail will be at the end of the day rather than the beginning. It involves a tough and long climb.

Hey man,

Thanks, my plan means staying at Valcarlos in the evening of Day 0, and that means the climb will be early on Day 1. I know I'll be knackered into Valcarlos, but the plan will give me a rest day later on, so I reckon its worth putting in the yards when I arrive!

 

[Deleted member 61803]

As far as I am aware the Valcarlos route is actually the older route and therefore probably the "traditional" one. The route Napoleon is the newer alternative. If this is wrong then there are so many written guides that have mislead me.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I really need to stay at Valcarlos sometime.

What's the next day like going to Roncesvalles?
Do you miss those spectacular views that you get from the Napolean route?

 

[Deleted member 61803]

It has its own beauty. Some grand vistas, but also a lot of time in the woods. A very steep climb, but really not too onerous because if starting from Valcarlos it is not all that far (not quite 8 miles) So a leisurely walk will get you to Roncesvalles in time for lunch. In good weather it is a truly wonderful walk.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved the Valcarlos route; lots of good variety in the scenery. One of the additional nice things is that you arrive in Roncevalles early enough the next day to secure a bed with no problem. I got in quite a bit before the Napoleon crowd showed up.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hope your stop at Valcarlos was enjoyable. I found it the best way, for me, to start the Camino.

 

[Blintintin]

As far as I am aware the Valcarlos route is actually the older route and therefore probably the "traditional" one. The route Napoleon is the newer alternative. If this is wrong then there are so many written guides that have mislead me.

Valcarlos was the original route...pilgrims switched to go over pyrenees to avoid thieves.

 

[Deleted member 61803]

Well that must have worked, because there were none there in April 2017.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Lots of talk here about steepness, where and when. I have a chart and comments on this forum webpage to help out.

Elevation profiles of the tracks from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncevalles

• Rick of Rick and Peg
• Feb 14, 2019
• 10
• sjpp to roncesvalles

If seen in a post click the chart to see a page with comments on the details.