?Non-Cliffy options for Camino Norte

[Zunigandi]

Hi everyone,

I’m working on mapping my camino Norte trip but I’m struggling on how to ensure I’m not taking any of the high cliff areas that folks reference as intense. I’ll be solo and rather not get lost/fall on high altitudes. Blue route vs Red, right? Ah help please

 

[Texas Walker]

Speaking as a really uncoordinated person, I didn't have any scary moments of the teetering-on-cliffs type on the Norte. Hard, difficult moments, yes. But there was always a foot or three where there was a cliff, that separated the path from the fall. And I used my sticks. I think the people that we read about, that have fallen with serious consequences, were probably walking in the dark. Many things are a lot different in the dark.
HTH
Buen camino

 

[spursfan]

Stick close to the N634 (for the main part not that busy since the building of new motorways) and you'll avoid the cliffs - the alternatives are clearly displayed in the wise pilgrim guide

 

[nickpellatt]

Just follow the yellow arrow waymarkers, rather than using an app.

An app may direct you to different, alternative paths .... the waymarking will not. Ditto for a guidebook ... I used the Ciccerone Camino del Norte book, and whilst it wasnt perfect, it was fairly clear with routes. Dont blindly trust apps.

You really dont need to think too much about mapping a route out, taking each day as it comes and following the arrows is a far better choice than trying to overplan stages now using an app or other gadgets.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

Following the fellow arrows wil keep you away from all cliffs I think. The red white arrows ( mostly the e9 route) are more beautiful, have less asphalt and are as far as I remember also not dangerous at all. In some threads in this forum you can find descriptions ove more dangerous trails, but they are I think more local trails that are sought out by more adventurous walkers. In your case I would plan a day ahead and seek information for the next day route on the internet, the hospitaleros, and fellowtravellers

 

[nickpellatt]

In your case I would plan a day ahead and seek information for the next day route on the internet, the hospitaleros, and fellowtravellers

This is the key advice really. This where the planning should be done, and is more frequently done.

Complicated routes or dangers of any sort would often be pointed out by a hospitalero. Fellow travellers have ideas and recommendations too. Weather, how strong you feel, and the friendships you make decide the route for the next day more often than not.

 

[Zunigandi]

Speaking as a really uncoordinated person, I didn't have any scary moments of the teetering-on-cliffs type on the Norte. Hard, difficult moments, yes. But there was always a foot or three where there was a cliff, that separated the path from the fall. And I used my sticks. I think the people that we read about, that have fallen with serious consequences, were probably walking in the dark. Many things are a lot different in the dark.
HTH
Buen camino

Thanks! I’m not world’s best with heights but glad to know there’s space for error- also not the most coordinated

 

[Zunigandi]

This is the key advice really. This where the planning should be done, and is more frequently done.

Complicated routes or dangers of any sort would often be pointed out by a hospitalero. Fellow travellers have ideas and recommendations too. Weather, how strong you feel, and the friendships you make decide the route for the next day more often than not.

Thanks very much, I’ll def check with hospitalero

 

[Zunigandi]

Following the fellow arrows wil keep you away from all cliffs I think. The red white arrows ( mostly the e9 route) are more beautiful, have less asphalt and are as far as I remember also not dangerous at all. In some threads in this forum you can find descriptions ove more dangerous trails, but they are I think more local trails that are sought out by more adventurous walkers. In your case I would plan a day ahead and seek information for the next day route on the internet, the hospitaleros, and fellowtravellers

Very relieved to hear this, thank you! I'll plan for sure.