• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Top Tips starting from St JeanPied de Port

WalkingQueen

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2019
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
"Over the Pyrenees" is on a mostly paved or maintained trail. It's not mountaineering. I wore trail runners the first two times, and sandals on my most recent walk.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
@WalkingQueen — seeing as you have already walked the last chunk a number of times, you are likely aware that it is easy to get hung up in crowds and that such things can get in the way of doing and seeing what you want to do. The pressure and temptation and sometime necessity of joining a group can be greater out of SJPdP for while those first days are well supported, they are also challenging…

I found that until I left the Navarre region I could not acquire my own food at the bars. I just was not forceful enough. So I gave my money to some fellas I was walking with and they secured things for me. It worked well (better than doing without), but if you can take the reigns for yourself, you will eat more of what you choose. And that applies to other things as well. I was forceful enough to go alone on the Valcarlos route out of SJPdP and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 365 went the other way… and I went the forested, well-supported way; the rewards were many (from greater shade, greater comfort to fantastic encounters with wildlife that included great hawks and a mountain goat).

Do not let others incite you to disparage or avoid the cities — they have been cultural centres at least since the Romans. You can walk a challenging path anywhere… but you cannot see the charms of Pamplona or Logrono anywhere else.

You do not mention the time of year in which you wish to go, but that can certainly influence what you need in your kit and on your feet. The only really underprepared footwear I ever encountered was on a young Canuck who had brought only Sketcher “Let’s walk” shoes — she had to take 3 days off to heal her feet in Pamplona — and to buy proper footwear.

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,-
Whatever your footwear be sure it’s broken it but not worn out (shoes/boots have a mileage lifespan even if they still look good). If you didn’t use hiking poles before consider them, especially if you will be walking during snow/rain/sleet for negotiating mud puddles or slippery stones on the way down from places.

Enjoy your pilgrimage!

edit: most would say 300-400 mile lifespan, mentioning it only because it sounds like you have a trusted pair that may be reaching that limit
 
I think SJPdP is a little bit touristy (think O'Cebriero or Lourdes) with bus loads of elderly gawkers and the kind of novelties they sell in their gift shops, but it is also a traditional village deep down in its heart. Have a great meal on a patio overlooking the Nive and stay in one of the popular albergues or one of the two hotels. I believe Orisson is a must, but that is just me because I am friends with Jean Jacques and it is good introduction to walking across the Pyrenees and you will undoubtedly form a family at the communal dinner who you will walk with the next week.
 
Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

Every time I see a video like this it’s always like seeing someplace else…amazing what was buried under all that snow 😂
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
As for footwear, the Pyrenees from SJPdP aren’t much of a test. The day between Roncesvalles and Zubiri has quite a stretch of steep downhill on sharp vertical rock slabs. And the descent from Alto de Perdon just past Pamplona has a fair descent on round boulders that shift under your feet. So the question would likely be better asked with regard to those sections.
 
Oops—just looked up the Merrell Moab 2s and they’ll be fine. Depending when you go, you may run into mud on the Mesata that’s deeper than those are high though... 🤣
 
Barbara, when are you walking?

I did my first CF in Moab 2 and my second in Moab boots - a very lightweight boot. I decided on the boot as they were comparatively light weight (not a heavy boot which I loath). I got the boot because we were walking Dec/Jan and I was expecting more snow that we got! In truth, I likeed the boots because they gave me more ankle support. If you dont need that, you have chosen a good shoe.

Best tip - wow that's a hard one - just have a wonderful time and don't forget to tell us all about it :)
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Be sure to have enough width in your footwear, to allow for your feet to splay sideways. Otherwise, simply go with the flow, and enjoy the many spontaneous moments that will pepper your Camino experience.
 
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

if you can spend that first night in Orisson it is a great way to start the Camino. Hiking shoes are fine but that decent into Zubiri is one of the more challenging of the Camino.

I like the comment about making sure your shoes are worn in but not worn out. Also be sure you wore them in with a loaded pack that way you won’t suffer from blisters. And lubricate the toes (Vaseline or vicks).

The experience on the first 700kms is vastly different from the last 100. I preferred the first part. They say the first third of the Camino is physical, 2nd is mental and third is spiritual. I don’t think that happens in 100km.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
One thing I would suggest is to try to do your first day in sunshine. It is difficult to predict but I have seen some beautiful pictures of things I missed on my cold, rainy, windy first day in 2016!
 
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Don{t miss the chance to stay at Beilari!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Barbra,
I have started and walked four Camino France from St Jean pied de Port and walked over the Pyrenees. I have always worn Merrell Moab 2 for my walks, and never had any foot problems. I finished my fourth Camino France walk two weeks ago.
Bon Camino
 
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Well Barb, I walked the French Way a few years ago, and getting up Orrison is paved all the Way, and in my Mind your Merrells would be fine. However, from Orrison to Roncesvalles is very rugged, and I would recommend hikers.
 
Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

So happy to see my friends, Patrick Gray & Justin Skeesuck entering Santiago at the end of the video. I was supposed to walk with them this September but the trip was canceled. So sad to be missing the Camino and them!
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Over the Pyrenees" is on a mostly paved or maintained trail. It's not mountaineering.
Unless you have some medical reason or you are just in love with your boots. You do not need boots especially this time of year. In terms of surfaces on the Camino the first day out has some of the smoothest on the whole camino. But reading so many different responses which some I agree with and some I don't I would say this is your top and only tip:
Top tips. Listen to your body and rest and go when your body tells you. Clear your brain and walk, rest, eat and sleep. It is pretty simple as you already know. Do what your body and spirit dicate and your mind will follow.
 
Your Merrell Moabs more than adequate to walk from St Jean to Fisterre and beyond. I've walked that twice in Merrell Moab shoes. Not a problem. Easy peasy.

It was end of April and early May, I wore Merrell Moabs with Gore-tex from SJPP to SDC; it was great for the cold in the morning, and walking in the rain.

If I were walking in warm/hot months, I would have hiking sandals. An additional benefit of using hiking sandals is no need to carry another pair of "casual shoes" for city/town walks as well as for showers.
 
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,-
Hi mspath. The kit list is very helpful. Would you please provide the source link or how to access the information, if available. Thank you very much.
arobins,
Almost all my kit came from Decathlon here in France but much was bought 16 years ago for the first CF. Only new boots were purchased from them every 3 years or so. Sturdy equipment at a reasonable price seems to be their unwritten and successful motto.

If you have questions regarding any particular items please just ask.

Happy planning and Buen camino!
 
Wow, so good to see your video, tears in my eyes to see how it was and how it will be. So lucky I have still 500 km to go to SDC from Burgos on my second Camino:)
I wish that I could take credit for the video! I think that it's a good depiction of the camaraderie one finds on the Camino.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Make sure you book into Orisson for a memorable experience and great beginning to your walk.
 
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Check the weather. Many days those beautiful vistas are covered by weather. Its a mountain pass.
 
It was end of April and early May, I wore Merrell Moabs with Gore-tex from SJPP to SDC; it was great for the cold in the morning, and walking in the rain.

If I were walking in warm/hot months, I would have hiking sandals. An additional benefit of using hiking sandals is no need to carry another pair of "casual shoes" for city/town walks as well as for showers.
I think the OP asked would Merrell Moab shoes be adequate to walk the Camino Frances with and the answer is of course they are. That's probably the one variety of footwear I've personally seen the most pilgrims wearing, including me twice on the Frances. There's really no need for the OP to buy new shoes.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Here are a kit list and tips
from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in winter.
Happy planning!
Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.
 
Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.
Luap,
Thank you for your kind comment.
I hope that you have a wonder-filled journey as you start off soon.
Stay safe and Buen camino!
 
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
Hi Barbara my top tip would be that there is no shame in getting your rucksack shipped over the Pyrenees. My wife ( who shares your Christian name) and I walked in 2017 and decided at the last minute actually with 5 minutes to spare to get our stuff transported. We were both in our late 60's and it made the 26 k walk much more enjoyable. Moabs yes and chocolate muffins in SJPDP double yes
Buen Camino
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Hi Barbara my top tip would be that there is no shame in getting your rucksack shipped over the Pyrenees. My wife ( who shares your Christian name) and I walked in 2017 and decided at the last minute actually with 5 minutes to spare to get our stuff transported. We were both in our late 60's and it made the 26 k walk much more enjoyable. Moabs yes and chocolate muffins in SJPDP double yes
Buen Camino
Ive no shame in it at all...I've contacted these contact@expressbourricot.com to check it out, no response yet...also for transfers from Biarritz to SJPDP... can you recommend who you used please? Thanks
 
Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.
This us brilliant thank you Ms Path great detail 👍
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Lots of good advice, and @mspath's link is excellent. One thing to remember is that you know the routine from what you've already done, and this is no different.

Just...
Don't pack your fears.
Don't overthink it.
Be flexible. If you can, stop for the night in between - either before or past - the usual stages. It's less busy that way.

Enjoy and buen camino!

(Practically: Express Bouricot is excellent and very reliable. And if you need anything at the last minute in SJPP, there is a wonderful shop opposite and not far along the street from the Pilgrim's Office. Get your first stamp in your credencial at the Pilgrim's Office, and make sure to light a candle in the beautiful church.)
 
Last edited:
After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara
I was 70 when I walked it and in excellent physical condition (was still running 1/2 marathons and podium). I found it to be a very difficult day.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Your Merrell Moabs more than adequate to walk from St Jean to Fisterre and beyond. I've walked that twice in Merrell Moab shoes. Not a problem. Easy peasy.
On my 3rd Camino, presently in Carrion. Love my Moabs. I walk half the day in them, and change to Chacos. My feet have been happy. Everyone is different. Do what is best for you. I love Smartwool socks, but this time, my feet swell a size, so I have been wearing thin toe socks in Moabs. I was able to purchase another pair in a gear shop today. Buen Camino!
 

Most read last week in this forum

Could I ask what may be naive question. This will be my 1st Camino and I will be mostly staying in alberques. Could you please explain the bathroom/shower etiquette to me? I have no idea what...
Do i need both these apps? I want to spend as little time my device as possible so if one app will do fine that’s my preference.
I was planning to document my journey through my blog (or Vlog, as I would probably take lots of videos). I was thinking of using my iPhone, and I ordered a foldable keyboard to facilitate typing...
I did the Norte in 2017. This set off a wild ride of changes in life - shifting many things. I am now at a new plateau and it feels like the right time to do Camino #2, this time the...
Hi to all, I'm looking for a really, really good place (an artist) to get a Tattoo in Santiago, it could be before Santiago but I presume in Santiago I will be ready to have my first one. The...
My daughter and I will be on the Portuguese on June and July starting in Lisbon. We will arrive in Porto about the 27th of June. We want to stay for three nights. Can we stay in an albergue for...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Similar threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top