SJPDP to Roncesvalles

[Vaughan Bell]

Hi,

Starting our first Camino from SJPDP on 6 May. Already read a heap of threads regarding this stage and musing about the prospect of stopping at Orisson. However, from recent forum posts it sounds like it is already getting fully booked! What is the likelihood of just turning up on the day and getting a bunk? Already tried a few times to book but get no replies!

Is it likely to be super busy in first week of May? And I hear the Auberge Orrison is a pretty cool place to crash after the steep ascent from SJPDP. If that’s full, is there any where else to stay at Orisson?

 

[mspath]

Hi,

Starting our first Camino from SJPDP on 6 May. Already read a heap of threads regarding this stage and musing about the prospect of stopping at Orisson. However, from recent forum posts it sounds like it is already getting fully booked! What is the likelihood of just turning up on the day and getting a bunk? Already tried a few times to book but get no replies!

Is it likely to be super busy in first week of May? And I hear the Auberge Orrison is a pretty cool place to crash after the steep ascent from SJPDP. If that’s full, is there any where else to stay at Orisson?

Nearby to Orisson try Honto/Ithurburia as an alternative. See more here--
http://www.gites-de-france-64.com/ferme-ithurburia/

Bon chance!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hi,

Starting our first Camino from SJPDP on 6 May. Already read a heap of threads regarding this stage and musing about the prospect of stopping at Orisson. However, from recent forum posts it sounds like it is already getting fully booked! What is the likelihood of just turning up on the day and getting a bunk? Already tried a few times to book but get no replies!

Is it likely to be super busy in first week of May? And I hear the Auberge Orrison is a pretty cool place to crash after the steep ascent from SJPDP. If that’s full, is there any where else to stay at Orisson?

Hey Vaughn,

First, thank you for the Likes today.

I am one of the few who will never book a place outside of SJPP on the first day. If you show up and there are no beds available, the folks at Orrison will get you to where there is a bed. An option is to take a cab back to SJPP and cab it back to Orrison in the morning.

Either way, it will all work out.

Funny story: I walked up to Orrison in Aug/16. It took me from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM to get there, and a good samaritan took my pack for the last 2 km up to Orisson. Once there I told the lady at the Desk, "I can go no further. I do not have a reservation, but I am happy to wait to see if there is a no show or a cancellation. Otherwise, I am just as happy to sleep outside this window, as I pointed out toward the road." My pack arrived before me. She booked me in immediately and Jacques grabbed my pack, carried it across the road and down tp the lowest level. I wish he had carried me down there as well.

That was such a great experience, staying there.

In 8 days, I will be leaving SJPP and taking the Valcarlos Route this time. I wish I was leaving right now!!!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Hi,

Starting our first Camino from SJPDP on 6 May. Already read a heap of threads regarding this stage and musing about the prospect of stopping at Orisson. However, from recent forum posts it sounds like it is already getting fully booked! What is the likelihood of just turning up on the day and getting a bunk? Already tried a few times to book but get no replies!

Is it likely to be super busy in first week of May? And I hear the Auberge Orrison is a pretty cool place to crash after the steep ascent from SJPDP. If that’s full, is there any where else to stay at Orisson?

Not very likely to get a bunk if you just show up. Also, after arriving at Orisson, you may find that you have a lot of the day yet ahead. With a nice rest break, and some refreshment or a meal at Orisson, you may find that it is just fine to continue on; especially since the steepest grade will be behind you and the rest of the way, while still going mostly uphill, is fairly moderate to gentle.

 

[Albertagirl]

Hi,

Starting our first Camino from SJPDP on 6 May. Already read a heap of threads regarding this stage and musing about the prospect of stopping at Orisson. However, from recent forum posts it sounds like it is already getting fully booked! What is the likelihood of just turning up on the day and getting a bunk? Already tried a few times to book but get no replies!

Is it likely to be super busy in first week of May? And I hear the Auberge Orrison is a pretty cool place to crash after the steep ascent from SJPDP. If that’s full, is there any where else to stay at Orisson?

@Vaughan Bell
Another place to stay close to Orisson is the Gite Kayola, about 800 metres before Orisson and managed by Orisson. You cannot eat at Orisson, but there is a kitchen at Kayola, if you are willing to bring your food up with you from St Jean pied de Port, for your evening meal and for breakfast. It is booked through Orisson. You can find information on their web site. Contact them at refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr to make a booking. Good luck and buen camino.

 

[The12stepwarrior]

Keep walking over the mountain if you can it’s a hard first day but one of the best. Be
Roared to shed tears on arrival and ask yourself what am I doing. By the end of your first pilgrim meal meeting fellow pilgrims youlll understand why x

 

[AlwynWellington]

Greetings to all

Going from 200 metres above sea level to 1,400 (or 700 feet asl to 4,700) in less than 20 km is a challenge.

So, in my view and experience, two things are necessary.

Firstly, of course, being fit. Having done appropriate training before leaving home is essential. I strongly suggest work up to achieving, say, 15 km (about 3 hours) non-stop before a breakfast stop. And work to achieving an elevation increase of, say, 700 metres before a breakfast stop.

Secondly, find a technique that works for you for going up steep inclines. The technique that works for me is take short steps up inclines (the steeper the shorter) and to breathe in with each time I move, say, the left foot forward and breathe out each time I move the right foot forward. A similar technique also works on steep descents. A short step was one where the heel of one foot did not go in front of the toes of the other. Using that technique (and the fitness I had attained) I achieved Orisson from Saint-Jean in under two hours, passed those taking a "normal" step very slowly, and was not passed.

Or else consider starting at Estella.

 

[Albertagirl]

I walked to Orisson with no difficulty at the age of 67 and with no training. It was just a walk. I was, however, in good health and with many years experience of mountain hiking. I don't know how long I took, as I was not in a hurry and had a reservation at Orisson. If you have health issues or are seriously overweight, you might want to take it easy or do some training in advance. My only discomfort walking the caminos (three so far) came from a brief effort to push my walking pace in preparation for my first camino, which resulted in chronic shin splints which I have been managing ever since.

 

[Former member 72918]

If you're fit and able,I say go all the way to Roncesvalles,unless u have health issues you will be well able and its a fabulous first days walking. Yes,considered one of the more difficult days but honestly its not. Take it easy,go at your own pace etc. As i said,any issues with health etc,take it easy. If not,just walk right on!

 

[Richard Smith]

Hey Vaughn,

First, thank you for the Likes today.

I am one of the few who will never book a place outside of SJPP on the first day. If you show up and there are no beds available, the folks at Orrison will get you to where there is a bed. An option is to take a cab back to SJPP and cab it back to Orrison in the morning.

Either way, it will all work out.

Funny story: I walked up to Orrison in Aug/16. It took me from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM to get there, and a good samaritan took my pack for the last 2 km up to Orisson. Once there I told the lady at the Desk, "I can go no further. I do not have a reservation, but I am happy to wait to see if there is a no show or a cancellation. Otherwise, I am just as happy to sleep outside this window, as I pointed out toward the road." My pack arrived before me. She booked me in immediately and Jacques grabbed my pack, carried it across the road and down tp the lowest level. I wish he had carried me down there as well.

That was such a great experience, staying there.

In 8 days, I will be leaving SJPP and taking the Valcarlos Route this time. I wish I was leaving right now!!!

great story - thanks!

 

[stinmd]

Greetings to all

Going from 200 metres above sea level to 1,400 (or 700 feet asl to 4,700) in less than 20 km is a challenge.

So, in my view and experience, two things are necessary.

Firstly, of course, being fit. Having done appropriate training before leaving home is essential. I strongly suggest work up to achieving, say, 15 km (about 3 hours) non-stop before a breakfast stop. And work to achieving an elevation increase of, say, 700 metres before a breakfast stop.

Secondly, find a technique that works for you for going up steep inclines. The technique that works for me is take short steps up inclines (the steeper the shorter) and to breathe in with each time I move, say, the left foot forward and breathe out each time I move the right foot forward. A similar technique also works on steep descents. A short step was one where the heel of one foot did not go in front of the toes of the other. Using that technique (and the fitness I had attained) I achieved Orisson from Saint-Jean in under two hours, passed those taking a "normal" step very slowly, and was not passed.

Or else consider starting at Estella.

Insofar as going up or down steep slopes, I have found that what works best for me is zig-zag walking. That way I can keep my normal pacing and have the effective gradient reduced by as much as 40%!

Of course, to each his/her own...

 

[Vaughan Bell]

Stage 1 done. Yes challenging, but very doable!!! Descent is murder on the knees and hips. Use the hiking poles, they definitely help!!!

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Insofar as going up or down steep slopes, I have found that what works best for me is zig-zag walking. That way I can keep my normal pacing and have the effective gradient reduced by as much as 40%!

Of course, to each his/her own...

Traversing a slope, up or down, is a well tested strategy for reducing the grade and picking more carefully through the scree! Works well and reduces the injury possibility