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  1. R

    Planning Camino del Norte: Tips from experienced hikers

    I started last year on the Frances and planned to stay there but heat and fires drove my to the Norte. I spent two weeks there from Bilbao until I switched again to the Ingles due to my personal time constraints. The terrain on the Norte was rockier and as I walked, I wondered about whether...
  2. R

    Just how difficult is the Camino Norte ?

    Oh thank you. Looks like I need another cafe con leche! : )
  3. R

    Just how difficult is the Camino Norte ?

    I walked from Bilbao for two weeks last year after starting on the CF and getting to Pamplona. I found the ups and downs, degree of grade and terrain more difficult that the CF but by that I mean it took me longer (age 72). And note, I can only compare based on where I actually walked. It was so...
  4. R

    Industrial Walking along the Norte...

    Well said. Having read posts in this forum that offered the same advice, when my plans changed in a major way a few times last year, I just kept going and it was very satisfying. One of many delightful surprises discovered on my unplanned CN were the Bufones de Arenillas. Although most dramatic...
  5. R

    Industrial Walking along the Norte...

    Last year I began my Camino in SJPDP fully intending to complete the CF. At around day four, the temps were predicted to be 44 C+ and I knew this old girl would not do well in those temps even sitting still. I took a bus from Pamplona to Bilbao, bused forward through an industrial area, and...
  6. R

    Alternate route after Castro Urdiales

    After I shared my walk on the beach route with my family, my son asked if he should take out a life insurance policy on me. Haha. That said, it's pretty challenging with narrow paths, rough terrain, and steep grades but with care I made it. The walk on the beach was wonderful.
  7. R

    Footwear options for Camino del Norte

    Last year I started on the CF and in my research I read that someone mentioned shoes having a rock plate. Another poster said they weren't necessary on the CF but might be useful on the CN. Because of heat and fires, I transferred to the CN and due to the rugged terrain and the fact that the...
  8. R

    5 “Unproven” Facts About Norte

    On the Norte, which is not marked as well as the CF, there were times when I came to a fork in the road in a forest. The only yellow I could find was on the leaves. I was able to use an app that tracked me so I could see where I was on a hill. I knew that if I was at the top, I could go down but...
  9. R

    5 “Unproven” Facts About Norte

    All of this resonates with my experience on the Norte last year. A 'beach route' I took up and over to get to the gorgeous beach made me feel like I was in Jurassic Park! And a number of the ups on precarious terrain had me concentrating only on staying alive. At one point my toe seemed close to...
  10. R

    On the Norte

    That IS amazing! There was an alternative route. We decided to take the beach route not realizing it was a bit more Jurassic Park than beach for quite a stretch. But all good and no dinosaurs.
  11. R

    Packing for del Norte in June

    I walked the Norte from Bilbao to Llanes last June after switching from the CF where I walked from SJPDP to Pamplona before extreme heat set in. I wore Hokas and they were great although on the Norte I found rougher terrain than I had experienced on the CF. As others have said, I saw all sorts...
  12. R

    On the Norte

    It is particularly treacherous to be sure! After writing about it in my Find Penguins app that was shared with those who followed me, my son called to ask if he should take out an insurance policy on me. Haha. But the walk on the beach afterwards was glorious!
  13. R

    Prep for late June to July Camino del Norte

    I'm still researching this myself. I belief there is something built into the sole of the shoe to help protect the foot from difficult surfaces. Before I started and when I was planning only the CF, someone on the forum had asked about the need for one and responders indicated that it wasn't...
  14. R

    Prep for late June to July Camino del Norte

    Apps! Yes! Since I had planned to walk the CF, I had no book for the CN and used only apps. The trail marking is not as complete as CF. In one place I found an arrow on the ground made entirely of twigs. I used several apps. In some places when the road forked, one up and one down, I could use...
  15. R

    Prep for late June to July Camino del Norte

    I walked the CN from mid-to-late June. I recall one day as being quite hot with little shade but I started/finished early. I needed my poncho a couple of times but both my pants and shoes dried quickly. I had no trouble finding a place. I'd either gauge my pace and phone ahead to reserve or just...
  16. R

    Best part of Del Norte Scenery and walk.?

    I'd have to agree having recently completed Bilbao to Llanes. It's not just the hills, it's the grade and the rough paths. It took me a long time to navigate some long stretches. On top of that, often the towns are all hills as well. The brakes on the cars must be amazing and the people must...
  17. R

    Lost & Found Found hat

    I found a tan khaki hat left by a fountain with a blue handle and carried it forward looking for the person who left it behind. Finding no one, I left the hat at Casa Flor, the lovely albergue in Pendueles.
  18. R

    Advice needed with Camino del Norte route

    I’m here now and although it’s hot, it’s definitely cooler than the CF these days.
  19. R

    Advice needed with Camino del Norte route

    I’m also curious about the ups and downs compared to the CF from SJPDP to Pamplona. I just finished that part today and then bused to Bilbao to avoid the extreme heat. I’ll go back to CF when the temps drop. This is my first and I’m 72 and other than very frequent stops on the uphills and all...

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