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Yes, it's onerous but you don't have to take the alpinist's route in the hills above Irun - accommodation less likely to be a problem when you're walking - don't skip, start from Irun
Thanks. Irun it is- on the low route. SYes, it's onerous but you don't have to take the alpinist's route in the hills above Irun - accommodation less likely to be a problem when you're walking - don't skip, start from Irun
Yes, it's onerous but you don't have to take the alpinist's route in the hills above Irun - accommodation less likely to be a problem when you're walking - don't skip, start from Irun
Thank you Marc. Yes I've decided to start at Irun - all your replies recommend it. Nice to know there is albergue in Pasajes. This forum is a wonderful resource. SaraAt the Santuario de Guadelupe, 5 km after Irun, there is a split. The 'Alpinist route' is straight ahead. I did not walk it but I heard it is rather steep.
If you take the left at the split, you avoid the alpinist route and take an easier path to Pasajes. This way is also signposted.
I would suggest starting your camino in Irun as the first day is a nice walk. Accomodation is not so scarce, there is an albergue in Pasajes.
For what it's worth, from my perspective the "Alpinist route" is one of the prettiest walks I've done on any Camino. The lower level option is a shaded, level walk with limited views of the inland area. The "Alpinist" starts with a very abrupt and challenging ascent, but it doesn't last terribly long, and from there on you're mostly facing more gentle undulations. The views of the sea and the rolling green hills are incredible.
Thank you so much for your replies - they have spurred me on to get back to the gym and get fit. I will make the final decision of the low or high route on the day and the weather!I preferred not to discourage her from starting in Irun - she'll have plenty of chances for sea views and hills soon enough
For what it's worth, from my perspective the "Alpinist route" is one of the prettiest walks I've done on any Camino. The lower level option is a shaded, level walk with limited views of the inland area. The "Alpinist" starts with a very abrupt and challenging ascent, but it doesn't last terribly long, and from there on you're mostly facing more gentle undulations. The views of the sea and the rolling green hills are incredible.
Dave, do you have maps and elevation profiles for these two alternatives? Or can you tell me which route the mundicamino shows? It must not be the alpinist route, because all it shows is about 130 m elevation gain and nothing very steep.
This guidebook looks perfect. We live in the US. Is there any other more local publication that might serve us or do you think we should go ahead and order this one?
I bought several Camino del Norte guide books looking for annotated maps with alternative routes that I will rate as follows:
1) Guia Practica del Camino del Norte - Editorial Buen Camino - Spanish Version - Average - Requires Average Spanish - Excellent Maps
2) Pilgrim Route The Northern Caminos - Cicerone - English Version - Heavy - Requires Average English - Poor Maps
3) Camino del Norte Ruta Jacobea De La Costa - Desnivel - Spanish Version - Heavy - Requires Average Spanish - Good Maps
4) Los Caminos del Norte #4 Volume 1&2 - Confraternity of Saint James - English Version - Light - Requires Average English - No Maps
Confraternity of Saint James- English Version - Light - Requires Average English - No Maps
5) Camino del Norte Jakobsweg - Rother & Wanderfuhrer - German Version - Light - Requires Average German - Average Maps
6) El Camino de Santiago (2nd Edition) Camino Norte - Anaya Touring - Spanish Version - Heavy - Requires Fluent Spanish - Average Maps
Basically, the Guia Practica del Camino del Norte is the only guide book with annotated maps and alternative routes and if you find a guide book with better maps please let me know because I searched for over a month to find this quality of guide book.
I plan to ride the Camino del Norte in the Summer 2017 and I think it is a perfect Camino for biking because much of the route is through cities and on roads and I don't think accommodations will be a problem unless you are only thinking about staying in albergues.
I bought the Editorial Buen Camino guide when it was still hot off the presses and really enjoy it. I have recommended it on this forum over and over again, in particular to cyclists as it does take their particular needs into account when necessary. A bit of history, a few comments on albergues (not just a listing), sketched out maps that show steep inclines and descents. I chose to carry it to take notes in it as I walk, but I also took pictures of each page I would need with my Iphone and used that during the day. It's probably 8.5 X 5.5, with a spiral binding which makes it very durable. It gives you recommended stages (for those walking) and the information you need if you chose to keep going along the coast or if you opt to go inland via the Primitivo.
Can someone tell me what is the difference in distances between the Alpinista route and the lower route from Irun to San Sebastian?
Can someone tell me what is the difference in distances between the Alpinista route and the lower route from Irun to San Sebastian?
Both paths are about the same distance, it is the altitude that makes the difference. The "alpinist route" is the walk along the ridge line of the mountains that you can see in the background, in this picture you walk from your right to your left. It is completely safe, and you have amazing views of the sea which is behind the ridge. If you look closely, you can also see the "standard" trail which is like a horizontal line traversing the mountain half way up. Walking on this side of the mountain, you can't have any sea views, just the views of Irun. This is the recommended path if the weather is bad.
I hope it helps...
Oh my goodness - we can only hope that we have that weather! How beautiful.I can vouch that mine was taken on 8 May. Perfect walking weather that day.
Hi Sara, imo you cant miss the views on the walk into San Sebastien, they are stunning!!!Even if San Sebastien is too commercial for you, you dont want to miss it! If you want a shorter walk on Day 1 get the Bus/train from Birritiz as far as Lezo. Dont miss out on walking through the beautiful/quaint....Pasai Donabane and Pasai San Pedro and getting the boat across the harbour.I'm flying to Biarritz on 9 May 2016, probably staying the night in Bayonne and then catching the train over the Spanish border the next day.
Looking at various
blogs it seems like the first stretch from Irun is onerous and accommodation scarce. Would I be better staying on the train to St Sebastian and walking from there? I plan to walk to Santiago and then on to Finisterre by the beginning of August.
Any thoughts welcome.
Many thanks
Sara M
i recommend you start your walk in biarritz, or even bayonne - it is absolutely beautiful, and a great warm up for irun and beyond. and if at all possible, do the alpinista way to san sebastian!
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