Camino del Norte or Camino Frances?!

[Pips]

Hi my name is PIps and I am planning on beginning the Camino mid July 2009. I am a 24year old girl with anxious parents and would like some advice on whether or not it will be safe to do the Camino del Norte on my own? The appeal for me is that it is less crowded and close to the ocean at times, but I do worry about the arrows being vague and the safety of the route. Perhaps my first time should be of the Camino Frances? Any advice would be hugely appreciated. THANK YOU! I am extremely excited, but a little nervous too

 

[johnBCCanada]

Hello

I was thinking of the Camino Norte but ended up doing the Camino France as I was concerned that my lack of Spanish or any second language might be more of a problem on the Camino Norte. If you speak Spanish that might not be an issue. If you don't have much Spanish this could be an issue.

I don't know how much some basic Spanish is necessary on the Norte but I am sure that others on this forum will.

Regards

John in Canada

 

[arjuna]

Hello Plps,

I've walked the Camino five times in the past six years by various routes. Since this will be your first Camino, I recommend the Camino Frances or the Camino Aragon (starting at Col de Somport), but not the Camino del Norte. Don't worry about the Spanish language issue. You'll be OK. September is a great time to walk the Camino.

Best Wishes,
Arjuna

 

[Javier Martin]

Hi my name is PIps and I am planning on beginning the Camino mid July 2009. I am a 24year old girl with anxious parents and would like some advice on whether or not it will be safe to do the Camino del Norte on my own? The appeal for me is that it is less crowded and close to the ocean at times, but I do worry about the arrows being vague and the safety of the route. Perhaps my first time should be of the Camino Frances? Any advice would be hugely appreciated. THANK YOU! I am extremely excited, but a little nervous too

Pips,

I've walked several times he Camino, many times every year I walk for a weekend wherever, and having some friends who are working as hospitaleros, etc, I've never heard about security problems in the Camino. Just the same problems than in your city or even less.

So, don't worry about that. The Camino is safer than others options.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

 

[MermaidLilli]

I just finished the NOrte route and I assure you it was as safe as any other. Woman alone is not an issue. I met other women walking alone as well. Many. There were more pilgrims than I expected and you will be walking a busier month as well. Your lack of Spanish should not be an issue. Everyone tries to communicate and almost every pilgrim speaks English. People in towns help to understand you and with a little imagination you can get your message across as to what you need. Go for it, it is a lovely camino.
LOVE

 

[peregrina nicole]

I did the Frances last August and haven't done the Norte. I did run into one guy who abandoned the Norte for the Frances because he found less budget accomodation on the Norte (since the coast is more set up for tourists than peregrinos). For a first time peregrina, I would recommend the Frances in order to have the full peregrino experience. I did the Frances with my boyfriend, but would not hesitate in doing it again on my own. In any case, there will be a number of people also setting out in Sept, so you won't be alone for long.

 

[Roamer35]

Hello Pips, My name is LarryG. I walked the Camino Frances in April and am thinking of doing the Camino del Norte in September. I have the same concerns as you. My knowledge of Spanish is meagre (to put it mildly). That was a problem at times on the Camino Frances and I'm wondering if it might not be a bigger problem on the Camino del Norte. Also, does anybody know of a good English-language guide book for the northern route? I have one...Le Chemin Cotier...the maps are good but the text is in French. Another problem for the linguistically challenged.
The route is exceptionally well marked on the Camino Frances. Can I expect the same on the Camino del Norte?

 

[TerryB]

Hi LarryG,
If you have not already done so have a look here for info on the Norte.
el-camino-del-norte/topic6397.html If you have walked the Frances then you know the ropes. There are places on the Norte where it is easy to go astray! Road works especially can cause problems and it is then that you will need enough Spanish to ask questions and understand the answers. Accomodation and food should be no problem.

Enjoy your planning!
Tio Tel