camino del norte

[corr1985]

Hi Dave here, looking for some advice on the route from San Sebastian to Bilbao. I am a first timer and was thinking of doing this route over a week from the second of June. My main query is the difficulty level. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013 but since then have been perfect and have no disability what so ever. I have been doing some 10km walks at the weekends usually takes around 2 hours or less) without any difficulty but I am a little bit apprehensive reading the difficulty levels. I am 32 years of age and would say have about an average level of fitness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this route is one that appeals to me on many levels.

 

[Colette Z]

I just returned from El Norte. Day 1 Irun to SS is the toughest day I think, lots of climbing so you eliminate that. The first week is the most demanding physically of the entire El Norte because of longer days with no facilities (Deba to Markina ~35km just forest). Best to walk with a buddy. Only you can judge your fitness level and health status. Buen camino.

 

[QuailHiker]

Dave, on the del Norte now. Our second day (just completed) would be your first. Beautiful day to Zarautz from San Sebastián. You could stop in Orio if needed. Today was nowhere as challenging as yesterday but still a lot of climbing. You know your capabilities best but be sure you know your “stop” options.

 

[Mournes]

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.

.

 

[Colette Z]

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.

.

I stand corrected, i walked 33km Deba to Ziortza monastery (past Markina) that day.

 

[Puiu]

Hi Dave here, looking for some advice on the route from San Sebastian to Bilbao. I am a first timer and was thinking of doing this route over a week from the second of June. My main query is the difficulty level. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013 but since then have been perfect and have no disability what so ever. I have been doing some 10km walks at the weekends usually takes around 2 hours or less) without any difficulty but I am a little bit apprehensive reading the difficulty levels. I am 32 years of age and would say have about an average level of fitness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this route is one that appeals to me on many levels.

Read here : www.gronze.com . Buen Camino!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Hi Dave here, looking for some advice on the route from San Sebastian to Bilbao. I am a first timer and was thinking of doing this route over a week from the second of June. My main query is the difficulty level. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013 but since then have been perfect and have no disability what so ever. I have been doing some 10km walks at the weekends usually takes around 2 hours or less) without any difficulty but I am a little bit apprehensive reading the difficulty levels. I am 32 years of age and would say have about an average level of fitness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this route is one that appeals to me on many levels.

Hi Dave,
Walk with MS? You are my hero ! Good for you !
Anyone doing something of this magnitude, not to mention The Norte, with MS gets my complete attention.
Reading that you are able to do 10K (6.2 miles) in about 2 hours gives you a 3 MPH pace. This is a good training speed. When you are training at this speed are you carrying your weighted backpack? If so, you are ahead of the training curve. If you are not, start training with a backpack on and get to the consistant3 MPH pace. By June you should be in good condition to complete the task.
Please bear in mind on any of the Camino's you will seldom want to go at a 3MPH pace since they are so beautiful.
As others have mentioned only you know your true level of conditioning. Go forward !
Buen Camino !