- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2013 - 2018 , Pilgrim Office volunteer 2014 - 2022
I would like to see the look on your face as you walk beyond the old Roman walls circling St. Jean Pied de Port to the west and proceed to the first "fork in the road." You go left by the way... However, from there, and as far as the eye can see, the route is UP. That generally wipes the glee from the hardiest pilgrim's face.
But, always remember, the first 10 Km of the first stage ARE IN FACT the most steep ascent of the entire Camino Frances. Look at the ascent profiles the pilgrim office gave you when you checked in. There are steep and hazardous downhill sections. And there are other steep climbs. But no climb goes as high, in as brief a distance, as the first day.
That is the reason so many people, myself included, stop at Orisson for the first night, after 8 Km. This breaks the first 26 Km into 8 + 18 Km. On the second day, the first two km are the steepest. After that it is either undulating up and down, level, or DOWN into Roncesvalles.
But, I wish you clear weather for the first two days, for two reasons:
I hope this helps. Have a wonderful Camino!
But, always remember, the first 10 Km of the first stage ARE IN FACT the most steep ascent of the entire Camino Frances. Look at the ascent profiles the pilgrim office gave you when you checked in. There are steep and hazardous downhill sections. And there are other steep climbs. But no climb goes as high, in as brief a distance, as the first day.
That is the reason so many people, myself included, stop at Orisson for the first night, after 8 Km. This breaks the first 26 Km into 8 + 18 Km. On the second day, the first two km are the steepest. After that it is either undulating up and down, level, or DOWN into Roncesvalles.
But, I wish you clear weather for the first two days, for two reasons:
- The views leading up to the top are simply Divine!
- Poor visibility and MUD are your worst enemies on this route.
I hope this helps. Have a wonderful Camino!