I think it's a really important point. We are doing the Norte for the second time right now and my husband and I frequently comment how hard/ impossible this would be if we were going in the opposite directing.
If you want other pointers:
- get shoes that have a lot of support but that will...
I agree with kathrina as Irun to Bilbao ( roughly 6 days so you could go farther if you wanted) is hilly but beautiful. But if you have your heart set on starting at Santander, our most unpleasant single day of hiking the Norte was the first 18 miles or so after Santander.
We did the Norte in 2019 and I agree with it all of this. It is important to make reservations to Bilbao esp in Aug. And those prices, high as they may seem, are the way they are. It's a popular tourist area so fills up quick. After Bilbao everything gets way way cheaper
Boy I disagree with the people who think its better to do one continuous camino. We walked the Norte in 2019 and it truly is so beautiful but those first few days starting in Irun are some of the MOST beautiful.
For what it's worth, we did the whole thing in 31 days, not far from your 28 day...
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