Vertigo

[concepcion122]

I walked the Camino Francés in Octobee 2022, from Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago de Compostela, and loved it. I would like to walk the Camino del Norte as I'm drawn to the coast, culture and food. However, I experience vértigo quite easily and am wondering if el Norte would pose any challenges. I was absolutely fine on CF.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I am vertigo-sensitive, but the only two spots which concerned me was climbing El Brusco, east of Noja-- just take the road instead; and the bridge over the Rio Eo on the Galicia/Asturias frontier-- I have always taken a taxi. Everything else was fine.

 

[concepcion122]

I am vertigo-sensitive, but the only two spots which concerned me was climbing El Brusco, east of Noja-- just take the road instead; and the bridge over the Rio Eo on the Galicia/Asturias frontier-- I have always taken a taxi. Everything else was fine.

That's so good to hear! Gracias.

 

[jsalt]

My only problem on the Norte was the road bridge across to Ribadeo. It is very long, much much longer than the bridge across to Portomarin. And it was very windy. I took a deep breath, shut my eyes (figuratively!), put my head down, and didn't stop till I'd got to the other side. It was scary. May be best to get a taxi across if you suffer vertigo really badly.

 

[concepcion122]

My only problem on the Norte was the road bridge across to Ribadeo. It is very long, much much longer than the bridge across to Portomarin. And it was very windy. I took a deep breath, shut my eyes (figuratively!), put my head down, and didn't stop till I'd got to the other side. It was scary. May be best to get a taxi across if you suffer vertigo really badly.

Ah, yes, that Portomarin bridge really was a challenge. So maybe a taxi (or a shot of brandy?) Thanks for the heads up!

 

[TravellingMan22]

Ah, yes, that Portomarin bridge really was a challenge. So maybe a taxi (or a shot of brandy?) Thanks for the heads up!

I have a huge fear of heights - I have only ever met one person who has it as bad as me! Ribadeo bridge was my worst nightmare but I did it!

Here’s how

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/ribadeo-bridge.70806/#post-941895

Someone did a video too of themselves on the bridge! It’s on the thread!

 

[concepcion122]

I have a huge fear of heights - I have only ever met one person who has it as bad as me! Ribadeo bridge was my worst nightmare but I did it!

Here’s how

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/ribadeo-bridge.70806/#post-941895

Someone did a video too of themselves on the bridge! It’s on the thread!

I soooo relate to her!!

 

[lt56ny]

I have a huge fear of heights - I have only ever met one person who has it as bad as me! Ribadeo bridge was my worst nightmare but I did it!

Here’s how

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/ribadeo-bridge.70806/#post-941895

Someone did a video too of themselves on the bridge! It’s on the thread!

I too am fearful of heights and that bridge really, really, really SUCKS BIG TIME!!!!!!

However, I experience vértigo quite easily and am wondering if el Norte would pose any challenges. I was absolutely fine on CF.

There are some other parts where you can walk right along the cliffs over the ocean but there is plenty of room to move further away from the edge if I remember correctly. It was 6 years ago.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I too am fearful of heights and that bridge really, really, really SUCKS BIG TIME!!!!!!


There are some other parts where you can walk right along the cliffs over the ocean but there is plenty of room to move further away from the edge if I remember correctly. It was 6 years ago.

Yes it was a real ‘moment’ for me. I went and looked at it the night before and was full of fear. I was so keen to do with ‘whole walk’ I think without that motivation I wouldn’t have got across.

About a year after I was in Cuenca (non camino) and wanted to walk across the bridge but was too scared. Kids were skateboarding across, joggers, old folks pushing trolleys without a second thought, but it was too much for me. I guess I didn’t have to do it whereas of Inhad been on a Camino would have had to do it!!

I don’t remember any other moments so yes, they must be avoidable!

 

[concepcion122]

I too am fearful of heights and that bridge really, really, really SUCKS BIG TIME!!!!!!


There are some other parts where you can walk right along the cliffs over the ocean but there is plenty of room to move further away from the edge if I remember correctly. It was 6 years ago.

Do you remember if there are rail guards?

 

[512]

Do you remember if there are rail guards?

I think lt56ny is talking about the stretch between Galizano and Somo. If so then no, there are no guard rails. You can take the road (CA-141) straight into Somo, though.

 

[concepcion122]

I think lt56ny is talking about the stretch between Galizano and Somo. If so then no, there are no guard rails. You can take the road (CA-141) straight into Somo, though.

Shame about the lack of rails, as it would be great to access the view, but good that there's an alternative. I'm relieved to learn that CN is a viable option even with vertigo.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am vertigo-sensitive, but the only two spots which concerned me was climbing El Brusco, east of Noja--

I have a bit of vertigo relating to heights, cliffs, etc. Like you, the only places I recall specifically was when climbing/scrambling over that same hill, and that never ending bridge into Ribadeo, which thankfully it had railings on both sides, protecting me from both the river and the fast moving continuous traffic.
As an aside, when my husband is driving over a big bridge or through mountains on other trips he always says "look out at the nice views", but even then I am still fearful so always look straight ahead. He doesn't realize I must be diligent to watch the road to help him drive.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Shame about the lack of rails, as it would be great to access the view, but good that there's an alternative. I'm relieved to learn that CN is a viable option even with vertigo.

It’s definately doable! My fear is off the scale (and impacts me a lot) and the bridge was the one challenge and that was it!

 

[concepcion122]

I have a bit of vertigo relating to heights, cliffs, etc. Like you, the only places I recall specifically was when climbing/scrambling over that same hill, and that never ending bridge into Ribadeo, which thankfully it had railings on both sides, protecting me from both the river and the fast moving continuous traffic.
As an aside, when my husband is driving over a big bridge or through mountains on other trips he always says "look out at the nice views", but even then I am still fearful so always look straight ahead. He doesn't realize I must be diligent to watch the road to help him drive.

I am same.

 

[concepcion122]

It’s definately doable! My fear is off the scale (and impacts me a lot) and the bridge was the one challenge and that was it!

Thank you for the reassurance. Now I just have to get my fitness up!

 

[lt56ny]

Do you remember if there are rail guards?

I would not count on it.

 

[Oliviao]

Oh boy, not looking forward to this - may have to take the taxi option....
2 years ago I really struggled with the Valenca to Tui bridge - fortunately I was blissfully unaware that it was on the horizon and was so panicked I couldnt think of a way to avoid it...
This bridge looks like it might be even longer....For me, the urge to jump is strong, but that urge combined with loud traffic shooting by right next to me I find really disorientating to the point of being frozen...

 

[CWBuff]

I walked the Camino Francés in Octobee 2022, from Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago de Compostela, and loved it. I would like to walk the Camino del Norte as I'm drawn to the coast, culture and food. However, I experience vértigo quite easily and am wondering if el Norte would pose any challenges. I was absolutely fine on CF.

So... didnt go up to the Saracen Castle I take it?

Ah, yes, that Portomarin bridge really was a challenge. So maybe a taxi (or a shot of brandy?) Thanks for the heads up!

The latter, definitely the latter!
To be fair - I just looked straight ahead and walked.... that bridge can do a number on you for sure!

 

[Mananath]

That bridge was pretty terrifying though it is perfectly safe - guard rails etc. you're not going to fall off but it is still nerve wracking. The two aspects that made it tough for me was that the walking path was two way and had bicyclists. And the vehicle traffic speeding by you (a fence blocks the road but you can still hear/see/feel the traffic.

Just keep walking forward and try to think happy thoughts!

 

[concepcion122]

I am vertigo-sensitive, but the only two spots which concerned me was climbing El Brusco, east of Noja-- just take the road instead; and the bridge over the Rio Eo on the Galicia/Asturias frontier-- I have always taken a taxi. Everything else was fine.

Thanks for the tip, Mananath!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am vertigo-sensitive, but the only two spots which concerned me was climbing El Brusco, east of Noja-- just take the road instead; and the bridge over the Rio Eo on the Galicia/Asturias frontier-- I have always taken a taxi. Everything else was fine.

Yes, climbing El Brusco was scary for me, too, as I also am definitely vertigo-sensitive.
These three bridges have vivid memories for me. I look straight ahead, except for an occasional quick glance, and am unable to enjoy the beautiful views.
For me, the Ribadeo bridge on the Norte was the most fearful and the longest at 612 meters, and the noise from speeding traffic was awful. The Portomarin bridge is 300 meters long, but thankfully with little traffic, and the bridge at Tui is 318 meters long and the prettiest imo with its "lattice" sides.

Ribadeo bridge


Portomarin bridge


Tui bridge

 

[concepcion122]

Yes, climbing El Brusco was scary for me, too, as I also am definitely vertigo-sensitive.
These three bridges have vivid memories for me. I look straight ahead, except for an occasional quick glance, and am unable to enjoy the beautiful views.
For me, the Ribadeo bridge on the Norte was the most fearful and the longest at 612 meters, and the noise from speeding traffic was awful. The Portomarin bridge is 300 meters long, but thankfully with little traffic, and the bridge at Tui is 318 meters long and the prettiest imo with its "lattice" sides.

Ribadeo bridge
View attachment 170361

Portomarin bridge
View attachment 170362

Tui bridge
View attachment 170363

Wow! These photos are great! Hmmm... Thank you!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Wow! These photos are great! Hmmm... Thank you!

Glad you like them! Google lended me a hand.