April-May 2018 Camino del Norte

david marquez said:

I am planning on doing the Camino del Norte starting around April 7th 2018.
Any advice, information, observations, tips, etc greatly appreciated.
I have started accumulating specific gear and am walking a great deal more, in the type boots I plan to use, and I am trying to prepare physical, mentally, and all needed equipment.
What are the thoughts on taking a bivy sack “just in case”?

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I walked the Norte in mid April/May 2016 with my adult son. We chose to turn on to the Primitivo at Oviedo. Both are beautiful routes. My weather was good overall. I did have occasional rain mixed with some mud, but it didn't really bother me as temperatures were not too cold. I brought my Frogg Togg rain jacket and pants and also an umbrella that worked well for drizzle.

I took a lightweight sleeping bag and was glad I did. I used trailrunner shoes which worked well for me. The infrastructure was pretty good overall, although we did get caught a couple of times with pilgrims traveling in groups, causing some bottlenecking end of day for beds, but during the day we were mostly walking alone. We followed the coast whenever possible.

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

david marquez said:

I am planning on doing the Camino del Norte starting around April 7th 2018.
Any advice, information, observations, tips, etc greatly appreciated.
I have started accumulating specific gear and am walking a great deal more, in the type boots I plan to use, and I am trying to prepare physical, mentally, and all needed equipment.
What are the thoughts on taking a bivy sack “just in case”?

Click to expand...

Hi David and welcome to the forum,
I have not walked the Norte, but have completed the Frances several times. In your above quote you mention you are preparing physically and mentally, but if I may add consider preparing yourself emotionally as well. During the time of year you are considering your walk I have heard there are fewer companion walkers thus, if you are walking alone, those long hard miles can take a toll on your mind as well as your body.
Either way good luck and Buen Camino.