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Valcarlos albergue 2019

Rhun Leeding

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Leon to Santiago - Sept/Oct 2015
Camino Ingles & Santiago to Finisterre & Muxia Sept/Oct 2016
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
 
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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.
 
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
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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!
 
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!
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
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?
 
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!
 
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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.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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