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It's always hard to gauge. We continued our camino one June from Santander and met pilgrims who had made videos of the torrential rain and mud on the first week out from Irun. I think that week brought them all closer together as it did involve some level of endurance. So that would have been a...
I always pack coffee sachets so even if we just have use of microwave then I can have coffee. I used to be a bit of a snob, wanting proper coffee etc but on the Camino this is often difficult, especially for early risers. Essentially it is more about the caffeine and not the coffee so I gave up...
I see on Gronze the two albergues are closed but after that they should be OK if they book ahead. It is however limited at each stage ending for communal accommodation
Hi. I too would definitely suggest Irun which will bring you to Santander, at least and probably further. Santander has its own airport. Assuming you get further it's quite easy to find a train or bus back for you return flight. The first week from Irun was exceptional.
Hello. I'm reading all the suggestions on this page and find it very interesting. The clear picture that is coming across is to remember everyone is different. Yes on the Norte there is a lot of ups and down and day 3 or day 4 was the only tough day I can remember. The walk out of Guernica was...
Hi. I appreciate you are talking direct to someone else so ignore this if you like 👍 I would like to offer a suggestion to you which myself and 3 camino buddies did in 2019. We took the historic route to Vegadao rather than go through Ribadeo. It was such a unique and bonding 3 days. The...
Hi. I'm aware I wasn't asked so apologies in advance if my experience is not wanted or needed
Hi. My only suggestion would be to begin in Irun and you will experience the enthusiasm and excitement of an abundance of fellow Pilgrims if you stay at the Municipal Albergue. I'm not fit by any means...
Hello. If you have two weeks and fly to Biarritz you can always do a couple of days in France before arriving in Irun. Check out Gronze on Del Norte. I've completed Irun to Santander in 2018 in 12 days but that included two ridiculously short days so you will have plenty of time. I sincerely...
No worries. Personally I often do too much research into shoes which results in silly headaches I can do without. Hopefully having to wear new shoes doesn't cause you too much grief and the rest of your way is a pleasant experience.
My fellow pilgrim walked over 2000 kms in a pair of Decathlon boots so please try not to over think the shoe brand etc. My other suggestion would be to wear the new shoes for an hour or so of the route in the morning and also around town in the evenings to break them in as best you can, using...
Hi. When I did Del Norte it took 37 days. Only three days were over 30 kms. Some were only 14kms and a few more under 20kms. My suggestion, if I may is to just walk. Start in Irun and see where you are after about 26 days. Is the Compostela important to you?? If not then I believe you will have...
Hi. I've been looking at gronze and on my camino map when I continued from Luarca last year. Depending on your distance/ fitness levels I would myself allow 14/ 15 days for comfort. Daniel
Hi. If you ever do the Norte again I would recommend following the historic route to Vegadao instead of going through Ribadeo. It was 3 stages of pure bliss, magnificent scenery and alberques all to ourselves.
Thanks Easygoing. I have walked the Norte myself last year and it was phenomenal. Just a heads up, the 3 days out from Santander were all asphalt and made a mess of my feet otherwise it was absolutely beautiful. In terms of compromising I couldn't imagine doing the Frances route but thats...
Yea. Maybe Im delusional or just have been fortunate to only meet really wonderful people on my various trips on the camino. Fortunately her cousin is also going and also her father(Brother in law) so the dynamic has changed. Thank you for raising relevant concerns.
In fact on my last Camino someone stole a pair of custom insoles from a fellow pilgrim. For most of us this was a horrible experience to hear of and fortunately as you said most of us on the journey have good hearts and so supportive.
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