A comparison

[WALKER007]

Just wondering... I climbed Snowdon last year. Found it tough. I am a 55 year old male and it took me about 5 hours up and down. Has anyone climbed Snowdon and how does it compare to the Pyrenees. Is this a silly question Feeling anxious about that first day over the Pyrenees

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I have not climbed that mountain. But I can assure you that if you are fit, and are willing to take your time, you will make it up this one. It is not a Mountain Range, even though everyone refers to it in the plural. It is one mountain, and thousands of people every year manage to walk up it.
Don´t listen to the drama. Don´t worry. Just do it.
Unless, of course, it´s snowing up there!

Reb.

 

[Wildrover1]

I climbed Snowdon in 2008 and walked from St. Jean to Roncesvalles the following year( when I was 59). I found the route over the Pyrenees to be no more difficult than the climb up Snowdon.
Much of the route from St. Jean is on paved road and although it involves a long uphill slog there is nothing to cause much concern, in good weather conditions. The descent down to Roncesvalles requires a bit of care as the track is rougher and steeper.
The wonderful views, the encounters with fellow pilgrims and the excitement of starting your camino will lighten your load and make it a memorable day. Buen Camino!
Andy.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Some mountain profiles for bicycles:

A tough one:
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... ainID=3597

Cruz de Ferro (from Molinaseca):
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... ainID=4396

Orzanzurieta (Roncesvalles):
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... ainID=4707
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... ainID=6856

Snowdon (Llanberis pass to lake):
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... inID=12373

Down from Somport:
http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Co ... ainID=4966

 

[robertt]

You can always just take the Valcarlos route. Still plenty of uphill, but easier. (I have an encyclopedic knowledge of flatter, easier alternatives between Le Puy and Portugal. I explored every single one.)

The Valcarlos route is by no means all on-road, and it's a nice trek in its own right. If people ask you why you didn't take the Orisson route, just go all hipsterish and say "It's far too commercial!".

No, seriously, if the weather is okay, you'll be okay on either route. What Rebekah said.

 

[tyrrek]

Hi!

Yep, there are alternative ways of doing it, but you end up at the same place so a bit of climbing is involved either way. If you can climb Snowdon you should be fine. My sister climbed Snowdon last year and spent the next 2 days in shock with a bottle of wine beside her.

The Valcarlos route has more options for places to stay etc, but the Napoleon route is the iconic one (although I've never done it). The decision may be taken out of your hands by the weather.

You'll enjoy it! Buen Camino!

 

[WALKER007]

Thanks everyone for the reassurance- I'm flying out on 28th April and can't wait.