I loved the semi isolation of towns. It’s a route with less numbers of pilgrims so amenities aren’t what you see on the busier caminos. For example there were a few instances where cafes in the town I was staying in didn’t open until mid morning which is far too late to get going.
I also loved...
The del Norte is just so beautiful! Sure, you climb EVERY day and the views are worth it! The paths vary from rocky to almost paved but you are well protected from going over the edge! Enjoy!
Last week I flew with them from SdC to Barcelona and on to Bologna and they were on time and everything was good.
I fly with them again next week Rome to Split. I will come back to you if it’s a different experience
I walked it this time in 2018 and always managed to find a meal. Mostly not menú del peregrinos but a meal. The hardest thing i found was finding something opened for breakfast!!
some places will get ve you a packed breakfast the night before but it was the coffee I craved!
Enjoy it!!!
I have been informed that it is to force pilgrims out to eat in the local restaurants but that doesn’t make sense as it takes trade away from local supermarkets. It is only happening in Galicia. Young pilgrims, who are students on tight budgets will stop coming
I also have just finished walking all the del Norte as well. I finished on the 9 th October and I agree with you. I have also done a few other Caminos and this one was by far the most physically challenging. The day walking into Gijón was a killer! It is relentless, day after day of hills until...
I walked last April and May and got bitterly cold. It snowed 2 days as well. So, yes rains gear is essential plus a warm sleeping bag. My sleeping bag covers temperatures from 6 degrees and I was warm enough. Not all albergues provide de blankets
I really think it’s a shame that such paranoia has set in, particularly from many who live in the USA which had clear evidence of the high rates of physical and sexual violence against women.
I am soon to start my 3rd Camino and like the previos two, my only means of self defence is my voice and...
I have never done the Frances and probably never will as there are far too many people for me! The Portugués was my first and last year the Vis de la Plata which does have quite a bit of road walking, lots of solitude and quite a few hills. I start the del Norte in September. I expect it to be...
Hi Dan,
You will find me on Facebook at Elizabeth Drew, . I would stay in both those places for at least an extra day. Why the rush? I look forward to hearing from you.
Liz
Hi Dan,
I live in Brisbane and the del Norte will be my third camino. I fly into Madrid, from there I will train it to Irun. You might consider flying into Paris and train from here - it's just slightly longer.
It won't matter how far from Bilbao you are, you will find it easy to return there...
I am an Aussie so bear with me here. I phone ahead, usually on the day, and ask in Spanish whether they speak English. When they sa no, I say Bugger! Then in about 10 seconds I turn on the Spanish part of my brain and stumble through. So, my advice is have a go and speak clearly and slowly,
After spending time in Canada, Mexico and Cuba I will go over to Europe and do the del Norte. From there I will fly to South America and spend a month there before flying home to Australia. As I will only be travelling with one backpack will I need a sleeping bag at that time of the year on...
I walked solo the entire Camino portugués from Lisboa in September 2016 and did not have any issues, encounter any trouble or at any time feel threatened or frightened. I mostly walked with other pilgrims but there were a few days when I was on my own.
Like anywhere, stay vigilant, only walk...
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