For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
If taking the Ferry to Calais all passport checks and stamps are carried by French authorities in Dover, then when you arrive in Calais you just head off, being a Canadian I presume it will be the same.. Some ferry companies don’t allow pedestrians but if you have a bicycle you’re ok...
Maybe you can cancel your booking ?? If not maybe forego it and book somewhere that has communal meals, in my opinion it would be worth it as the people you meet on your first night in St Jean are often the people you’ll bump into for the next 4 weeks..
If you’re lucky with the weather you’ll only wear shorts, unlucky and you’ll need trousers and waterproofs. It’s as simple as that,.. Jeans??? no chance but it’s up to you..
You begin the process at the Spanish consulate in your home country, a lot depends on your age, employment qualifications, income, nationality, accumulated wealth, pension, ability to speak Spanish, health insurance. You name it and the Spanish authorities will want it. I started the process 18...
If you’re concerned about fitness then stay at orrison. You’ll probably get there at lunchtime which is enough for your first day. It’s a beautiful place and very easy to talk to new friends, after evening dinner they have a very sociable introduction session which basically means you stand up...
I did the Norte this September/October.. I wore my walking trousers once then threw them away, shorts from then on.. obviously you might get rain but generally it was perfect for me..
I’d suggest you find the best buying rate for the euro (cash) before you depart and buy yourself 10 or 15 €100 notes, depending on what you think you might need. Portugal is a very safe country and if you take the usual precautions you’ll be fine.. take a couple orf cards for backup..
I walked the Norte last September and I was always taking detours and sidestepping to various places of interest. My trusted thumb got me numerous lifts, I never had to wait more than a couple of minutes and met lots of locals who were very interested in my Camino. I know it’s not for everyone...
If your friends strongly prefer to stay in their bubble throughout the Camino they’ll be looking at private albergue and small hotels, that’s going to need a bit more organising with reservations etc..
Great plan, plenty of time too. Your first two days might go tits up because of the weather but you’ll still manage it via the lower route, good luck..
Theres also a ‘surfy’ type hostel near the beach in Biarritz, about an hours walk from the airport, next time I’m in Biarritz I’ll maybe give it a look .
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon