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My husband and I will be starting our first Camino in late April and were wondering whether there was a best day to arrive in St. Jean Pied du Port. We want to rest and recover from our flight so we'll stay in St. Jean a night and start out in the morning and hopefully will be able to get a bed in Orisson. Also wondering how many days it will take us to reach Pamploma. We plan on taking things slowly (we're in our mid-60's and not very athletic) but have an anniversary on April 30th and plan to stay in a nice hotel for the night. Pamploma seems like the logical place.
Mary
Hi Mary, it's about 70km. to Pamplona.My husband and I will be starting our first Camino in late April and were wondering whether there was a best day to arrive in St. Jean Pied du Port. We want to rest and recover from our flight so we'll stay in St. Jean a night and start out in the morning and hopefully will be able to get a bed in Orisson. Also wondering how many days it will take us to reach Pamploma. We plan on taking things slowly (we're in our mid-60's and not very athletic) but have an anniversary on April 30th and plan to stay in a nice hotel for the night. Pamploma seems like the logical place.
Mary
Starting beginning of the week is certainly quieter then starting at the week-end. Four days to Pamplona is realistic, if you want to get an impression of Spanish fiesta atmosphere arrive a Saturday in Pamplona, Buen Camino, SY
I agree, Viranani, going Valcarlos is a great 4-day start that also gets you away from the Brierley guidebook stops. A nice one is SJPDP-Valcarlos-Burgete-Zubiri-Pamplona. It really takes the sting out of Day 1!I had a mellow Tuesday start also. It was very low-key...but that was also early/mid-March. I was told by someone (but can't remember who) that weekends are busier.
The Valcarlos route is a hidden gem, and a beautiful walk through beech and pine forest after Valcarlos; 4 days if you stop there, 3 if not. I got to Pamplona in 3 and was fine, but this part of the walk definitely had its moments--daily walking with weight on one's back is quite an adjustment, and it tales time. I was late 50s., often sedentary, but with long ago backpacking experience and a stubborn streak. I just put my head down and kept walking--alert to any discomfort that might have been more than adjustment. After day 3 it got better and better, easier and easier.
I can wholeheartedly second this recommendation! Lots of fantastic bread and cheese and fruit, perfect for the next day. Also there is a small natural food store not far from the market that has some lovely treats...On Monday morning there is a Farmers Market in SJPDP that also sells prepared food
Thanks, Robo. I followed your blog last year - and you are an expert! And thanks to everyone else. I'll have to digest all of this and check out the map. I did think it would be cool to "cross the Pyrenees" on the Napoleon route, but maybe the lower route will be more practical for us. We'll see how our training goes between now and then. We're off this afternoon to walk in our nearby state park - the first the weather's been nice enough in a while. MaryI am no expert.
You can see some videos and commentary about day one here:
http://robscamino.com/28th-of-april-its-raining-saint-jean-to-orrison/
http://robscamino.com/saint-jean-to-orisson/
http://robscamino.com/day-1-to-orisson/
Thanks, Robo. I followed your blog last year - and you are an expert! And thanks to everyone else. I'll have to digest all of this and check out the map. I did think it would be cool to "cross the Pyrenees" on the Napoleon route, but maybe the lower route will be more practical for us. We'll see how our training goes between now and then. We're off this afternoon to walk in our nearby state park - the first the weather's been nice enough in a while. Mary
You'd be crossing the Pyrenees on an even older route--called Valcarlos because Charlemagne and many others--including thousands of pilgrims) came this way. And it is 'crossing,' without a doubt. Many of the kms after Valcarlos are plenty steep, and seriously uphill. I don't buy into the 'less than' idea about this route that now has gained general traction. It's fantastic.I did think it would be cool to "cross the Pyrenees" on the Napoleon route, but maybe the lower route will be more practical for us.
It's interesting looking at the Brierley Guide now, having walked the CF. And accepting that I am a slow walker...
But even so, I can't imagine doing St Jean to Pamplona in three days. Unless really fit and very used to hiking long distances that is.
The first day would be a very 'big' day for most people, St Jean to Roncesvalles. 27 kms plus the height.....gain and loss.
Then another 27 km to Larrasoana on tired legs, including the steep descent into Zubiri. I think that would finish me off....
Then a much easier 20 to just past Pamplona.
I'm not sure I could do itDo many people?
For an experienced hiker OK....
A couch potato like me? No way
SYATES, do you know much about Valcarlos? I am hearing a lot about snow, and orrison maybe not opening yet, so sadly I feel I may miss Orrison. If Orrison isn't open, is there a place not too much further along the trail after Orrison that would be sure to be open?In four days it would be:
SJPdP to Orrison
Orrison to Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Zubiri to Pamplona
Three days would be indeed a bit harsh at the beginning. Buen Camino, SY
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