A Novel Idea

[hieudovan]

Originally I had planned to take a bus from Barajas to Pamplona then onto SJPDP. My first day will start at SJPDP and ends at Orrison, and onto Roncesvalles the following morning. Yesterday, a pilgrim posted a non-traditional path that she had taken. Instead of taking the usual bus/taxi from Roncesvalles to SJPDP, she WALKED the Napoleon route to SJPDP, stay the night as usual, then take the Valcarlos route back to Roncesvalles the next day. This way she did not lose anytime, but got to walk both routes! The elevation issue (hiking uphill is) also minimized. I am intrigued and attracted to this new idea. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. BTW, I will land in Barajas March 29. If I walk to SJPDP from Roncesvalles, I'll stay at an alberge in Roncesvalles. Any recommendations?

Buen Camino

Hieu

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - It isn't something I would do as I prefer to walk the route in the traditional direction! However why not if you want to do it. But you are still going to have to walk up the hill from Roncesvalles and it would mean a total of around 54 kms in the first two days which might not be the best way to start.

Let us know how you get on.

John

 

[Sagalouts]

not such a novel idea,in the days of yor I presume Pilgrims retraced their steps,how else did they get home?.
I have walked from SJPP twice and each time I have met quite a few people walking in the other direction,even further on you see the odd one or two,they tend to be a bit strange mind but consider what they are doing very traditional in fact in a few places its even marked for those walking "backward".
to me it makes perfect sense what you are thinking of doing-we are there to walk after all so why complicate things by thinking about taxi's or buses-but John is right 54km in two days is a lot you may want to break it up a bit,unless things have changed just the one Albergue in Roncesvalles opens 3pm or 4pm-pay across the road in the pilgrim office and pick up your credencial.
Ian

 

[hieudovan]

Hola - It isn't something I would do as I prefer to walk the route in the traditional direction! However why not if you want to do it. But you are still going to have to walk up the hill from Roncesvalles and it would mean a total of around 54 kms in the first two days which might not be the best way to start.

Let us know how you get on.

John

I was contemplating the "novel" idea as there was no direct bus from Pamplona to SJPDP. This week, through the forum, I heard of Express Bourricot. They provide bus services to pilgrims in France and Spain all the way to SJPDP. I have made arrangement with them to go directly from Pamplona to SJPDP for only 18 Euros. So, I'm back to my plan to stay at L'Espirit du Chemin the first night, and stopping at Orrison the following day, before continuing with my camino. That is much better than walking 54 kms the first 2 days!

Buen Camino.

Hieu

 

[Deleted member 3000]

in fact in a few places its even marked for those walking "backward"

Most of the Camino Frances is marked for reverse walkers, but forward walkers rarely see the markings unless they turn around and look back. The symbol is usually a blue spiral arrow on the backside of forward yellow arrow markers (plus a lot of random rocks and corners).

In France, grand rondonnee red/white markers go both directions. The French walk whatever direction they want, so want the trail marked to accommodate them.

 

[sillydoll]

Hieu - I think its a wonderful idea! It might have been a necessary evil 500 years ago but I doubt many do it our modern era.
If I did it that way I would walk the Val Carlos route to St Jean and then the route Napoleon back to Roncesvalles.
I'm sure you have booked your place at L'Esprit (which opens on the 30th March) and Orisson. Both fill up very quickly.
Have a great walk.