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We walked the Norte in 2017, as our first Camino, and cherish the experience. So different from the experiences of our friends who have walked the other more popular Caminos. The more rustic and less developed countryside is its charm. It has an authenticity to it that wrapped us in its...
If you arrive early enough the Alberque in Pasaje is truly a gem. It is a converted church high on a hill just above the town. If Mario is still the hospitaleros, you will indeed enjoy your stay. His music selection is special, and he is a wealth of information on the following legs of your...
The easiest place on the Norte to access the Picos I'd from Llanes. Great town with a nice Albergue. I think most people take a short bus ride from Llanes to get to the area. There are some accomadations there, but not sure of quality or price. Friends of ours did the side trip for a few...
Take all the time you can on the Norte! Our biggest regret when we walked it (42 days) was that we did not take the time to savour the areas we loved. We pushed on and regretted the fact we did not take longer to walk some areas. What's the rush really, if you have an extra two weeks? The...
We walked the Camino del Norte in Sept and part of August 2017. It was typical weather that year I think, and we enjoyed swimming and wading in the sea at several spots. Often it was a wade from one of the many beautiful beaches, refreshing both spirit and legs. At some of the towns we stayed...
I would agree whole heartedly. Take it easy the first day, savour the beauty of the hills and the vantage points of Irun and it's river valley. The Albergue at Pasajes San Juan is special, as is the little town itself. If Mario is still the hospitaleros you will indeed be lucky. Wonderful man...
You're welcome Princess!
We did not have any trouble finding Albergues anywhere on the Norte. HOWEVER, we generally finished our walking by early to mid afternoon . Any later than that and you risked the albergues being full. Most towns do have alternate affordable accommodations, perhaps a...
My wife and I walked the Norte from Irun Sept 1 toto Oct 12, last year . It is not without its challenges. The Basque country has many steep climbs and corresponding descents.. The weather was quite wet initially, almost daily rain, but it was not unpleasantly cold or windy....just a bit of...
We walked the Norte last fall and saw very little graffiti or vandalizing of the markers until we reached the Camino Francais. The vandalism is a sign of disrespect of the person within themselves. It's a shame it is manifested outwardly for all to see
Pasajes De San Juan is a beautiful little town about 14 km from Irun It has a beautiful little Albergue in an old church on a hill above the town. I think it only has 12 beds, but it was such a beautiful place to stay after our first night in Irun. The advice we would give to anyone walking...
We are Canadians from NB. We flew to Paris with a one way ticket and walked the Norte in September and October this year. Afterwards we toured a bit and took a repositioning cruise back to NA from Rome. Absolutely no issues with customs, coming or going. Enjoy your planning and love your Caminos
I think Bilbao to Santiago in two weeks would be a bit ambitious. We walked the Norte this fall from Irun, in 40 days.. We met many pilgrims who had put on big mileage but had managed to burn themselves out well before reaching Santiago. Savour the journey. Take your time. Do it in stages...
Thank you for sharing this information on the Norte. My wife and I are planning to walk it next year in September. I would be interested in knowing which guide book you used. Many thanks and congratulations on your camino!
Glad to hear you had a successful and fulfilling camino. My wife and I are planning on doing the Norte in 2017 in September, so it was nice to hear of a person who completed it in that same time frame. We have seen precious little on the Norte Route on the posts, and would welcome any...
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