Bad Pilgrim
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Yes
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To avoid snow, why not walk from Biarritz to SJPdP? Beautiful Basque Country, lower elevations, and perfect for 5-6 days.. The Batzan in the winter will be very unpredictable.
I know some have done it, and as much as I like the Baztan, I would avoid it during the high winter
if there is snow in the passes (I don't know if it snows there since it's close to the coast). On the passes, the trail sometimes follows along the side of the mountain with a precipice going down to your side (think double black diamond). If the trail is covered with snow and ice this will be very dangerous. I've attached some photos as examples, although the photos do not do the steepness justice.
Hope this helps.
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@Bad PilgrimIt’s a great concept, just POSSIBLY mistimed.. Easter could be better and it avoids the CF crowds. But go walk SOMEWHERE now if you can! Walk now and then. Walk, walk, walk. Piemonte, Ingles, Norte, Irun, Aragon,.... in short, GO!
Via Augusta (Cadiz - Seville) would also be a possibility, and not too cold. Camino Salvador is also short. Camino San Olav is even shorter, and so is Barcelona.
I find this map really useful for planning, though it does not have ALL the caminos...
How about SdC to Finisterre/Muxia? I have six days from 28th Dec to 2nd Jan and will be doing this route.
Some would hate the Baztan in Winter, some would hate walking in Winter...
I walked the Baztan (solo) in 2nd week of Jan this year, then again in April with a friend - loved them both,but different.
The Baztan is totally doable in Winter, as in any other route - as long as common sense is applied (which ain’t that common anymore...) I grew up with «Fjellvettreglene» - the most important, in my mind, is 8- Don’t be ashamed to turn around/back.
There was fairly poor weather forecast on the day I started from Elizondo, so my plan was to walk 4-5 hours, then turn around - get the bus to Pamplona, but the weather shifted - and it was beautiful clear skies, so I carried on.
I had «mini-crampons» in my bag- needed them getting to airport from home - I used them once - crossing Belotea, and felt much safer; there’s a brook from the Ermita that had frozen, and the brook sort of covers the main path, crampons allowed me to «walk» down it. It might be doable without, but it’s plain stupid not to have them.
I started walking in January with short notice - accomodation was more limited than in peak season, but there were options available for days around the 20 and 30 km mark, most days also had an option for 12-16km. I had a down 3 season sleeping bag, would not have wanted to be without it - as I stayed in a few places with no/limited heating.
If you feel drawn to the Baztan - and are flexible enough to change plans according to weather - I see absolutely no reason why you should not choose it.
I know some have been disappointed about markings, paths, facilities - we all have different expectations. I am totally a Baztan «fan-girl». I love it! Feel free to PM,
best wishes for upcoming walk,
Where were the 4 photos taken ??I know some have done it, and as much as I like the Baztan, I would avoid it during the high winter
if there is snow in the passes (I don't know if it snows there since it's close to the coast). On the passes, the trail sometimes follows along the side of the mountain with a precipice going down to your side (think double black diamond). If the trail is covered with snow and ice this will be very dangerous. I've attached some photos as examples, although the photos do not do the steepness justice.
Hope this helps.
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Hi Mr TornleyWhere were the 4 photos taken ??
They are beautiful , interested in the third
Check about accomodation, because I understood municipal albergues in the Pais Vas closed.
Good luck! October should be lovely on the Batzan, though a bit chilly at the upper elevations. You may have to camp out a few nights if the few albuergues along the route are closed, but that’s a survivable challenge. Keep us posted
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