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Yes. Thats exactly what I did. Took the train from Bilbao to Pobena overnight and then a bus in the morning to the trail that reconnects at a beach. The walk from Pobena to Urdales is spectacular.
I have walked the norte in June last time. Only light rain over the mountains before Bilbao. Poncho was sufficient. This time I am starting Sept 29th hoping for a cooler and less crowded walk. Go for the Norte. I might see you on the way... Buen camino.
The coast is a well developed region, popular even among Spaniards for its beaches, food and cooler climate. Most of the route interconnects fishing/farming villages along the coast. So, expect to walk through smaller paved roads. I am not sure if you have walked the Frances, i would say the...
I went through the same dilema. Chose the Norte and experienced the best Camino ever. I would say the Norte is harder than cf in the sense that you will have about 500-600 meter elevation gain every day before Bilbao and then through the Primitive. The rest of the walk would be similar to the...
I recommend a break day at Embalse de Salime. It has a gorgeous lake and has one hotel/bar (http://www.hotellasgrandas.es/es/index.php) with a stunning view of the lake/dam. In fact your walk that day will circle around this lake/river and if you like remote/quite place to relax, this is unique...
I walked the Norte via Primitivo in June. Not too many people, enough to keep company in the evening. I would guess October would be similar. I hear traffic has increased on the Norte this year.
The trails are well marked. Along the coast, it is difficult to miss the direction. All you have to...
I took the PESA bus from the airport to San Sebastian and then a train to Irun. The alberque at the start of Norte is near the Renfe train station. It opens at 4PM. If you arrive early, have to wait. Usually there is a bus every hr i think. Is your son arriving at 10 AM or 10 PM. Best think is...
I do not like walking through side walks/concrete or industrial slums. So whenever a stage was over about 25k, and next to a major town I was happy to bus in or out. In addition to skipping an entire stage (Bilbao-Pobena), I bused about 38km out of the 825km Norte/primitivo. So, I am not sure...
Your friend is right. Norte is also referred to as the "green" coast. Rain Rain Rain. Norte is wetter than other Caminos. Your friend had bad luck with alberques. Most accommodations are for all travellers and are quiet good.
I started May 26th from Irun. Irun to Bilbao is usually muddy in the...
Yes the Norte is well marked. I took a wrong tern twice though. Signs may be there but you have to be attentive. I got lost in major towns on Frances as well. So, it is part of the Camino experience.
I started from Irun. Some of the best coastal part is between Bilbao (Pobena) and Ribadesella.
The stages from Ribadesella through Gijon (largest industrial town) and few stages after that is not that very appealing (mostly along roads and country). So, one idea would be walk from Pobena to...
Depends what you like and do you enjoy a bit of physical challenge. Expect about 500-800 meter climb every stage through the Primitivo. The Norte via the coast seems less of a challenge but should offer beautiful ocean views....
How much time you have?
By the time i reached the splitting point along the Norte, i had enough of the ocean (some 20 days) and wanted some mountains so it was easy decision to turn towards the Primitivo. About one third of us did that. I don't know whether rest of the Norte route is any better than the first three...
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