I did this alternative in 2018 and found it one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. The geology is like something out of a special effects movie. I used the book and wise pilgrim app. At that time I had to do a bit of route finding a couple times to stay on the coast line...
Off topic -but since you are on the Le Puy can you please advise how busy it is at present? I'm potentially planning this route for next year.
Thanks
Frank
On my Norte camino in 2018 I met a French pilgrim who had his shoes stolen. I adopted his solution from that point on. Unpack what you need to. Take a small plastic garbage type bag and put your shoes in it. Put your shoes in your pack. In many places the shoe rack is not visible and often...
Thank you for the information. I'm like you,I prefer the freedom that backpacking with my tent provides. I found an app that lists 90+ campsites along the route. https://hiiker.app/trails/france/le-puy-en-velay/gr-65/accommodations . Thanks to everyone else as well for the replies, much...
I'm thinking about planning a Le Puy trek for next year and am reading through the Cicerone Guide, this forum and watching some youtube videos. The sources note it is less busy than the France' route yet then go on to note how booked up it is and the necessity to make reservations almost...
I had no problem finding very nice albergue accommodation on what you refer to as the traditional Norte. I tend to lean towards there being just the Norte and the other being partial a partial Norte and the Primitivo. The later in my biased opinion missing out on some of the best parts of the...
Hi, no need to worry about sheer cliffs. The trails i walked never felt sketchy. There is one alternate section that has a reputation for being sketchy. It is the coastal path out of Orinon to Liendo-Hazas. I avoided that part. I used the Wise Pilgrim Guide book and app on my trip. If you a fit...
You nailed it. The Norte reminded me of my long childhood walks to school and back -uphill both ways. I remember Boo well. I did the optional coastal walk out of Santander which I think triples the mileage to Boo but it was the most spectacular coastal scenery I've ever seen. It's still my...
I haven't done it but I noted on my AllTrails App that the route is there and described as an 18km trek "moderately challenging taking an average of 5hr35min to complete" On that app are reviews posted by hikers, map that you can download to live navigate with, photos etc. Looks like a nice...
I have to wonder given the following information copied off a government website and your proximity to Spain / Schengen countries why not just get a visa to stay over. It's not a hard process.
If you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will...
I did the Norte in 2018 flying through Toronto to Paris CDG. Landed in Paris got directly on the bus to Paris Montparnasse train station. Had a nice lunch and walk. Then boarded the train directly to Hendaye. Got off the great train ride and walked out of the train station and across the bridge...
Big thank you for putting in the time to put this together for the rest of us. I've been following your guidance since 2019 while planning an Olvidado-Salvador-Primitivo route. Trained, geared up, booked flights for late August 2020 start. Well, hoping to once again take a run at it.
Frank
Let me answer your question with a question. Do you believe an albergue washes those blankets or perhaps even non disposable sheets everyday? Now think about the personal hygene habits of all those smelly, sweaty trekkers. My advice always carry a Hostel weight sleeping bag or at least a liner...
Hi Guy, a fellow Canadian here on the west coast. I'll be looking forward to hearing more about your trek. I have seen a news article about it but it didn't provide a great deal of the type of info a hiker would want. From what I did see it mostly required staying in Inns or hotels which being...
Jeans are cotton and will soak up moisture and not dry out and then towards the end of a long day will chafe your thighs something fierce. They don't breath on warm days and only getting hotter as you exert more energy. I see you are in the UK and therefore have access to some really decent gear...
Here are a few unbiased views and comparisons.
https://www.adventurealan.com/best-lightweight-rain-jacket/
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-womens/best-rain-jacket-womens
https://www.cleverhiker.com/best-rain-jackets
Hi Jack, Frank here across the Straight from you. I used this ultralight backpacking umbrella from Gossamer Gear and used it on the pacific crest trail this year. Not too expensive, really light, easy to carry or rig to the shoulder strap of your pack...
They all have pro and cons. If you're really going to carry a book rather than having a guide on your phone just go with the one that weighs the least.
For qualified long distance hiking nutrition factual information the only real source I have found is by "Gear Skeptic" on youtube. This fellow is a scientist and long distance backpacker. He has a series of videos that go through all the aspects of protean requirements for people who hike long...
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