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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.
I 2nd a good trail shoes. If you don't enjoy walking with wet feet, some waterproof trail shoes (Gtx or eVent) would be beneficial. I have walked the Norte/Primitivo and Frances with boots as I needed ankle support. However, I have managed to wean off the boots and am now using Trail shoes with...
Yes. In 2015 I got injured at the start of the VDLP. My return flight was some 6 weeks away. So to kill that time I went to Valencia and enrolled at "hispania" Spanish language school. Ended up doing Level1 and 2 over 2 months. Wonderful school. I even rented room through them. I highly...
Yes. If the reasons for choosing vdlp still holds, other than your partner, I say go for it. Unlike Frances or Norte, vdlp has long stretches without much people or break spots. But, It is easier to walk in terms of trail condition/elevation gains. With a good map/guide and staging, it is not...
I second the Hoka hiking shoes. Most of my life I have worn leather boots. Since discovering the Hoka tor tech mid shoes, never go back to heavier boots.
The benefits of a mid cut is that it is easier to keep the Water, mud or debries from entering.... This model also has an eVent layer that...
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...
Have you had any winter hiking experience before? In addition to gear suggestions above, I would recommend taking "kahtoola microspikes". They are mini crampons for hiking (not mountaineering). I hate slipping and falling in icey/snowly trails, specially over uphill/downhill. I am sure they...
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