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I have them and use them. My husband does not like them, but he has much better balance than I do and takes my arm on the rough parts.Do you use sticks? If not get them in Pamplona! If the weather is good (no rain, no slippery ground) the descend is not too bad, just take it slowly, rest a lot, there is no hurry. Buen Camino, SY
Hi, as SY stated do zigzagging down the mountains. I learned to do that from my wife, it worked for me.In Pamplona now and going over Alto de Perdon on Monday. I've read some of the old posts about the climb and descent and as usual there is conflicting advice - everything from "worst descent on the Camino" to "not a problem." I had a lot of trouble with the descent to Zubiri. One of my knees hurt with each step, and I had to take it very slowly (and my husband carried my pack to help take the weight off my knee). Today it rained - 20% chance for tomorrow. I really do want to see it. Any advice? Someone in an old thread talked about walking up and taking a taxi down.
When going down the last mile into El Acebo, it is possible to use the paved road, which offers a more regular way, without loose stones. That was the recommendation of a hospitalero, but I was not sure about the exact place, because the Camino crisscross the road quite frequently. So, I literally missed the point.I thought it was very doable. (we walked it on a dry day) Poles (and I always wear preventative knee supports) and take it slow. I absolutely think the going down into El Acebo was the hardest.
I found the descent into Zubiri far more challenging than the descent from Alto de Perdon. This may be because I took a rest the previous day and had only walked from Pamplona to Cizur Menor (approx 6km) then from Cizur to PdlR via Alto de Perdon. Maybe this could be an option for you, however it will cost you a day. If you are not too constrained by time, I would recommend this option.In Pamplona now and going over Alto de Perdon on Monday. I've read some of the old posts about the climb and descent and as usual there is conflicting advice - everything from "worst descent on the Camino" to "not a problem." I had a lot of trouble with the descent to Zubiri. One of my knees hurt with each step, and I had to take it very slowly (and my husband carried my pack to help take the weight off my knee). Today it rained - 20% chance for tomorrow. I really do want to see it. Any advice? Someone in an old thread talked about walking up and taking a taxi down.
i agree, it is tough but go SLOW,watch where you put your feet as lots of loose rock,but you will feel like a super star when you get to safe ground againHate to tell you but the descent from Perdon is worse than the one to Zubiri. I dont know how anyone could say its not bad. I would hate to have to do it if it was raining. Dont want to put you off, it is tough but take it easy, watch every step you take and dont rush it and you will be OK
Well done, that's inspiringI did it some days ago (in Burgos now) and am 70 years old with arthritis. I used sticks. Every step I watched where I put my feet and made sure I was balanced. I was very afraid of that descent, took a rock from alto de perdon for Cruz de Ferro- representing overcoming fears.
In Pamplona now and going over Alto de Perdon on Monday. I've read some of the old posts about the climb and descent and as usual there is conflicting advice - everything from "worst descent on the Camino" to "not a problem." I had a lot of trouble with the descent to Zubiri. One of my knees hurt with each step, and I had to take it very slowly (and my husband carried my pack to help take the weight off my knee). Today it rained - 20% chance for tomorrow. I really do want to see it. Any advice? Someone in an old thread talked about walking up and taking a taxi down.
I did it some days ago (in Burgos now) and am 70 years old with arthritis. I used sticks. Every step I watched where I put my feet and made sure I was balanced. I was very afraid of that descent, took a rock from alto de perdon for Cruz de Ferro- representing overcoming fears.
We did it! Thanks for all the advice. I did take it slow and steady. What helped a lot was we decided to send our packs ahead today. I found the descent into Zubiri much worse.There's a recent thread (April 12 2016) Pamplona to Logrono that has more video photos and conflicting advicebecause we all walk it our Way. Best advice - slow and steady and walk whatever way has worked for you in the past. You should be on the road very soon and over the top and down the other side before you know it.
Me - I'm with the zig zagging lot, which is actually safer on loose rocks and scree, and, as my mother used to say:
If you can't look where you're going, at least go where you're looking.
Don't forget to stop and enjoy the view.
Would love to hear from you on how you found it and what advice you would now offer others.
Go Well
You must have been pretty close to a man of steel to have managed that walk in those conditions.The descent in May 2008, in a heavy storm with lightening and 40 km + winds, was nearly the end of my Camino. That said, it was also the beginning of a love fest with the Camino and a realization I am not a man of steel any longer.
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