Hi Corr,good to hear that you are fit and healthy.I hope to allay your fears.I am almost twice your age and I have walked the Del Norte 3 times in the past 3 years.
Yes there are challenging stages in the Basque country but if I can do it so can you.
On the first stage from Irun to San Sébastien you can choose to walk the higher route known as the Alpine route or take the lower route .The Alpine route which I took ,has beautiful views.I should just add there is some climbing but it is not Mount Everest.The lower route is a forest trail.
There is an excellent web site called gronze which lists all the stages ,distances and accommodation.You will see that Deba to Markina is 24 kms.
I am not saying that it is a walk in the park but there were older pilgrims than me on the route.The Camino del Norte is beautiful and I just love the Basque country.The scenery is stunning.I may return this year and walk it for a 4th time.
Best wishes and Buen Camino.
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