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I'll be passing that way in ten days or so, and I can post what the current conditions are like then. If the river can't be crossed below the dam, it's really not a big deal having to walk the couple of km along the N330 down into Canfranc.. it has a good shoulder, good visibility and a barrier...
I think you should take less notice of exaggerated reports. Pilgrims have walked the path and survived.
But anyway...
If you'd rather not use a taxi and don't want to take the path, then the option you're left with is the road up through Santa Cruz and stay either there after the monasteries or...
Indeed.. but there were also several statements, in this and in another recent thread regarding this route that, in my opinion were exaggerated. I was simply adding my own thoughts and sharing my own experience in the hope that it might be helpful.
I thought your own advice was spot on: if...
Except nobody mentioned anybody springing nimbly up and down the mountain or that it was only a moderate challenge, quite the opposite.
As I said, opinions are subjective.
Respectfully, for what it's worth and all opinions being subjective, I do feel some of the descriptions, especially the downhill stretch after the monasteries, are a bit exaggerated:
I've taken this route twice (in late April 2019 and early November 2021). The first time, with a friend, we did...
I'll be passing it (the bridge under the dam) in a week or so, I'll let you know what the current situation is.. but things might be different when you get to walk it in 6 months time.
I don't know if they have specific facilities, though others might know.. Normally, pilgrims visit the upper...
I think your stages look OK, as long as you feel you have the stamina to do Jaca- San Juan- Santa Cilia. As others have mentioned, it's not the easiest stage. For a first time, though, I would recommend Arres, it's justifiably well regarded. For myself, I'll consider continuing on to Artieda as...
It was me who greeted you with your credential last time, in October 22, don't you remember?!! I'll be back as hospi in Canfranc again in mid Oct, all going well, but you'll probably have passed through by then.
It's tough enough, but the views are fantastic.. first time, was in springtime...
Both times I stayed there, that was the case. You just reserve dinner when you check in, so they know how much stuff to throw in the pot. I'm assuming, I think.. that's what J Willhaus meant?
I walked from Jaca up to the monasteries and down to Santa Cilia twice by the path and didn't find the...
I see that it's not your first camino.. While there are some stretches without intermediate services, they're only a few hours walking, hardly a wilderness hike, you'll survive! Personally, I have found the stretch between Arres and Ruesta a bit lonely but you can always detour up the hill to...
In Canfranc in 2021 and 2022, we found that Spanish pilgrims made up about half, French about a quarter and the other nationalities combined made up the other quarter.
I'm suprised you think that, but are you comparing to the Camino Frances, perhaps? Aragonês has more than adequate infrastructure, especially in May when everything is open..
It is.. but the Aragon Valley gets far more day hikers, climbers, ski tourists etc than pilgrims, and many of them care little about the environment. Thankfully, pilgrims by nature are (mostly!) self sufficient and less demanding.
Another option, if the connection times suit you, might be to fly into Lourdes Airport (from Paris?) From there you can get a bus/train to Pau and/or Oloron. I'm thinking to do the same in April, from Dublin.
I have walked all and parts of the Aragonês a few times now and served twice at Canfranc.. there is something special and atmospheric about the route up into the pass on the French side and down into the Aragon Valley that draws me back. I see now Ryanair has a route from Dublin to Lourdes, (I...
The Gronze maps, elevation profiles and albergue listings/contact details are really all you'll need for this lovely route. In July there will be other pilgrims around and enough services to support you, just plan a day ahead as you go. Also, a new pilgrim office/information centre opened...
The accommodation options between Oloron and Somport are listed on Gronze, up to date and with phone numbers. You wont find them listed on the Camino Aragonês, because it doesn't start until Somport. Oloron is on the Camino Arles.
And there is nothing too leisurely about the climb from...
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