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I would highly recommend the Norte- go for it ! Walked the Norte/ primitivo in May/June 2014 and loved it so much especially the first part in the basque country! Distances are fine and I felt very safe generally. Only once- in Portugalete- I staid in a hostel as the albergue was still closed...
Go for it- the norte (&primitivo) are so beautiful!!! I am an experienced walker but didnt train at all before starting the Norte and I wasnt in a good conditions at all- so took it easy in the beginning and everything went fine with some small hurdles and many lovely surprises! I loved this...
The Norte- is my advice.. although it seems you already decided :). It is quite some time ago I walked the Frances so probably cant advice you in terms of crowds these days apart from what I have heard/ read. Yet- the norte is so beautiful especially the first part- just stunning- but I think...
Go for it!!! Is my humble advise :). Did the Frances, Norte/ Primitivo and the San Salvador but all seperatetely- however did meet plenty of people who came from alternative routes (there are many more :) should you be interested and I am sure others could tell you more about. Leaving it open...
Is there such thing really as 'traveling solo' on the Camino Frances? Even if you walk 'alone' you will almost certainly to a degree 'be part of a group'- particularly from Sarria as quite high numbers of people start from there generally. Are you looking for solitude? Others may be better...
Sorry your friend had to cancel- but maybe things happen for a reason.. . I walked the camino del norte alone and loved it. Never felt alone and did feel safe. I thought the beauty was that if i wanted to be or walk alone i could, and when i felt like meeting people there were plenty of people I...
Interesting question. I never thought of the possibility of getting mentally bored during a long walk. 'My head gets empty' almost instantly and that is what I really enjoy + of course the nature, historical sites, food, wine, the physical exercise and the mixture of people you meet. Doing the...
Yes- pretty crazy :). Was on the norte and primitivo june/ july and found that there were certainly some cold nights. And carrying a back pack with some essentials (including a light weight sleeping bag) is part of the experience, no? Of course that is different for everyone- but for me this is...
Hey Alan, unexpectedly your post is turning into a blog- now we expect a daily update of your journey and tell us and how you are :). Your experience reminds me of my own on the Camino del Norte- started off too enthusiastically- was in real pain in the beginning but then after some rest days...
Totally agree with the comments and of craigmiller and many others.
And why not start from Irun? Think the first parts of the camino del norte are so beautiful.. but guess that is another discussion not related to your question:).
overall would not rush it but just take the time you will need...
@timr when did you walk from lugo to sobrado dos monxes? And was it not too difficult to find the way? Tried this route 2 years ago and got so lost on the first day- nevertheless still very much loved it! And yes also met the barking dogs:).
Brian- don't worry it will all be fine- santiago will take care of it- certainly not worth a panic attack:). I had a credential from the st James confraternity which I had bought in a dutch bookshop. Btw the first parts of the camino del norte in the basque county are so beautiful- I would go...
Hi Clara, sounds like we have a simular dream:). Love this thread! Just find a donkey companion and live your dream- hope you will go- keep us posted:)!
Great read- love anything off the beaten track:). Must admit- when i walked the camino Frances- I took the bus from burgos and went for two days to Santo domingo de silos and then went back to burgos to continue the camino- Santo domingo de silos was one of the highlights of my experieces on the...
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