@Steve Hackman -
I think you have great advice for the "Camino Care and Management" of your 6-year old!
That said, give a thought to grandparents. (Being one, I may be a bit prejudiced!
)
On my first Camino, I was:
- careful on the descent from the Col but not concerned...until I got into the "Enchanted Forest" area the last few km before the albergue. It was wet from rain a couple days prior, slick and the slyly hidden tree roots all combined a few times to make for a near disaster. There is a road detour that is probably safer.
- careful on that walk down into Zubiri, but not concerned ...but it was dry. The second time around it was wet, slick and very tricky footing calling for absolute caution on the descent.
- careful on the descent from Alto de Perdon....but it was dry. It also was wet the second time around and as bad (maybe a bit worse) as the Zubiri experience.
My point is that, early on, if the grandparents' fitness levels and walking experience are up to the rigors of these conditions in the wet - - no problem.
Otherwise, these are the sections they might want to bus/taxi around if you wish to start in SJPP.
After that, they will be pretty darn fit before you get to the next area of bad footing (that I remember) from Cruz de Ferro down to Molinaseca.
Buen Camino,
B