SJPP to Pamplona

[Nana6]

Is this the toughest walking terrain on the CF? Or, there other places as difficult?

 

[Jo Jo]

Pretty much that is the hardest physical challenge, although personally I find the descents more treacherous. Specifically, the day after Roncevalles going down to Zubiri, especially the sections walking on the slick, wet granite and where someone thought it was a good idea to pore concrete portions of the path, leading to slick, wet concrete with even slicker mud on top of it. Also the descent from the Alta de Pardon (after Pamplona) (lots of small rocks to roll under your feet). I've seen and heard of more turned ankles and broken arms (from catching falls) on those two descents. They are not as physically hard as going up the Napoleon Route (and I've always taken the road down to avoid the descent through the forest, another prime site for injuries), but I think they deserve respect (and a very slow, careful pace).

 

[NorthernLight]

The three worst walking terrains, IMHO:
Descent from Cruz de Ferro into Molinaseca,
Descent from Alto de Perdon after Pamplona,
Descent to Zubiri.

I've always walked down from the Napolean route on the road, so nothing of the terrain on that route was awful.

 

[Nana6]

Pretty much that is the hardest physical challenge, although personally I find the descents more treacherous. Specifically, the day after Roncevalles going down to Zubiri, especially the sections walking on the slick, wet granite and where someone thought it was a good idea to pore concrete portions of the path, leading to slick, wet concrete with even slicker mud on top of it. Also the descent from the Alta de Pardon (after Pamplona) (lots of small rocks to roll under your feet). I've seen and heard of more turned ankles and broken arms (from catching falls) on those two descents. They are not as physically hard as going up the Napoleon Route (and I've always taken the road down to avoid the descent through the forest, another prime site for injuries), but I think they deserve respect (and a very slow, careful pace).

Thanks.
What shoes do you wear?

 

[Nana6]

The three worst walking terrains, IMHO:
Descent from Cruz de Ferro into Molinaseca,
Descent from Alto de Perdon after Pamplona,
Descent to Zubiri.

I've always walked down from the Napolean route on the road, so nothing of the terrain on that route was awful.

Thank you .
I am trying to decide where to start. I wanted to walk the Pyrenees but don't have to do it
I have never walked long hikes. Thought about starting at Sarria but miss so much scenery and history

 

[NorthernLight]

There are many trails through the Pyrenees. You could walk the Aragonese camino from Somport. You could start somewhere in France and walk to St Jean Pied de Port or to Somport.

Bigger question, do you need to arrive in Santiago on this first camino?

 

[Nana6]

There are many trails through the Pyrenees. You could walk the Aragonese camino from Somport. You could start somewhere in France and walk to St Jean Pied de Port or to Somport.

Bigger question, do you need to arrive in Santiago on this first camino?

Yes that is my goal

 

[lt56ny]

I would also add, especially if it is raining the final descent into Roncevalles. It is about 5k if I remember. There is an alternative path that you can take it is to the right of the main Camino. Check any guide and it will tell you. Remember to zig zag as you walk down. It really helps alot. If you don't like alot of steep up/downhills don't walk the Norte or Primitivo!!!!

 

[Nana6]

I would also add, especially if it is raining the final descent into Roncevalles. It is about 5k if I remember. There is an alternative path that you can take it is to the right of the main Camino. Check any guide and it will tell you. Remember to zig zag as you walk down. It really helps alot. If you don't like alot of steep up/downhills don't walk the Norte or Primitivo!!!!

Thanks for the information.
I just am not sure if I am in good enough shape for them yet I live where it is flat or rolling terrain Plus, still working on training to walk far

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks for the information.
I just am not sure if I am in good enough shape for them yet I live where it is flat or rolling terrain Plus, still working on training to walk far

Thanks for the information.
I just am not sure if I am in good enough shape for them yet I live where it is flat or rolling terrain Plus, still working on training to walk far

I haven't done the Primitivo yet. But have many friends that have. I walked the Norte last year at 64 and I met lots of Pilgrims my age and older. Surprisingly alot of French people. I met a French couple that alot that were 78 and 80 (if memory serves me). If we can do it, you can do it. I live on the Mexican coast. It was impossible to train outside because of the heat. I trained on stair masters and even though it was a really tough Camino, it was soooo worth the effort. Unless you have a physical ailment that would make a camino dangerous, don't say you can't do anything. It is your mind messing with you. Remember it is one step at a time.

 

[Nana6]

I haven't done the Primitivo yet. But have many friends that have. I walked the Norte last year at 64 and I met lots of Pilgrims my age and older. Surprisingly alot of French people. I met a French couple that alot that were 78 and 80 (if memory serves me). If we can do it, you can do it. I live on the Mexican coast. It was impossible to train outside because of the heat. I trained on stair masters and even though it was a really tough Camino, it was soooo worth the effort. Unless you have a physical ailment that would make a camino dangerous, don't say you can't do anything. It is your mind messing with you. Remember it is one step at a time.

Thank you so much for the support.
I am overweight and have high BP but have been walking for 3 months and have lost 30 pounds.
I live in Texas. Hot here too. I am doing strength training and will add water aerobics next month when pool opens
I can only walk 5 miles a day right now. Very frustrating as hard as I am working on it.
But I have time I was going to walk the Camino this March but had family issues .
Decided to do it this fall but my daughter wants to come with me so now looking at next June
I may still do the Fall and come back next year As soon as I can do 10 miles in a day, I am ready to tackle anything

 

[lt56ny]

Thank you so much for the support.
I am overweight and have high BP but have been walking for 3 months and have lost 30 pounds.
I live in Texas. Hot here too. I am doing strength training and will add water aerobics next month when pool opens
I can only walk 5 miles a day right now. Very frustrating as hard as I am working on it.
But I have time I was going to walk the Camino this March but had family issues .
Decided to do it this fall but my daughter wants to come with me so now looking at next June
I may still do the Fall and come back next year As soon as I can do 10 miles in a day, I am ready to tackle anything

A big blessing in disguise! Getting to walk the Camino with one of my daughters is a dream that I hope one day comes true. I have seen many parents walk with their kids and let me tell you how happy the parents are. Maybe because I am a dad it seems like the father/daughter combination is magical. At least for papa anyway. Every time I have talked to one of these days their smiles light up everything! You can do it!!! The best to you and Buen Camino.
Oh yea, I lived in Texas for a while too. I went to UT/Austin for grad school and my daughter got her BA there. When she was walking down the aisle at the Erwin Center I was crying like a baby. Her mom said to me it was so obvious which parents were UT grads too because they all looked like me!

 

[Nana6]

A big blessing in disguise! Getting to walk the Camino with one of my daughters is a dream that I hope one day comes true. I have seen many parents walk with their kids and let me tell you how happy the parents are. Maybe because I am a dad it seems like the father/daughter combination is magical. At least for papa anyway. Every time I have talked to one of these days their smiles light up everything! You can do it!!! The best to you and Buen Camino.
Oh yea, I lived in Texas for a while too. I went to UT/Austin for grad school and my daughter got her BA there. When she was walking down the aisle at the Erwin Center I was crying like a baby. Her mom said to me it was so obvious which parents were UT grads too because they all looked like me!

Me, too. My daughter and son in law both graduated from UT Austin
Small world. Thanks

 

[Martyduc]

Yes that is my goal

Starting at Pamplona is perfectly ok