Camino Fances - walking Pic D'Orisson - taking a cab back nd starting next morning

[MEM_Texas]

Dear Friends;

I want to complete the Camino Frances and want to use the Napoleon Route. I have arthritis in both my knees and the first section will be very difficult for me to complete. So, wondered if I can walk to Pic D'Orrison which is about halfway, take a cab back to the hotel and start the next morning take a cab to exact same spot and start again. In that manner I am feel I have a better opportunity of making it to Roncesvalles.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Regards

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You can do that. Just make arrangements with a taxi company.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Dear Friends;

I want to complete the Camino Frances and want to use the Napoleon Route. I have arthritis in both my knees and the first section will be very difficult for me to complete. So, wondered if I can walk to Pic D'Orrison which is about halfway, take a cab back to the hotel and start the next morning take a cab to exact same spot and start again. In that manner I am feel I have a better opportunity of making it to Roncesvalles.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Regards

Hello, and a Warm Welcome to the Forum, MEM.

Yes, you can do that or schedule the trip with Express Bouricott. Although I prefer to walk to Roncesvalles in one day, if I were to break up that section into two stages, I would do what you propose to do.

 

[Blintintin]

you want to also consider the Valcarlos Route instead, 2 days to Roncesvalles, ..still challenging but might be better, and no need to cab back. it's lovely. link here to info on this forum comparing the two routes.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/valcarlos-albergue-2019.64345/post-785840

 

[lt56ny]

You can get a cab back and then a cab to Orisson. Depending on when you are going the Napoleon route may be closed. It is only about 1/3 of the stage to Orrison but it is the toughest part. With you knee problems I would recommend that when you get to the downhill which is about 5K out of Roncesvalles take the alternative route that is to the right. You can search here for more information about this. I know the Brierley guide has information about it. Make sure you have poles and zig zag on downhills. Don't walk straight down. The downhills will be much tougher on your knees than the uphills.

 

[trecile]

With you knee problems I would recommend that when you get to the downhill which is about 5K out of Roncesvalles take the alternative route that is to the right.

I would recommend that everyone take the alternative route to the right. No point risking injury when you are just starting out!

 

[Pepper_E]

I used Express Bourricot this past April - their “Mountain Shuttle” let me break the trek to Roncesvalles in half. Plus I was able to leave most of my pack contents behind while taking on all of day ones elevation gain. I made Shuttle reservation on their website - https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/.

 

[Kathar1na]

So, wondered if I can walk to Pic D'Orrison which is about halfway, take a cab back to the hotel and start the next morning take a cab to exact same spot and start again.

Pic d'Orisson is a bit vague as a pick-up location since it is just a rocky outcrop to the left of the path and there is no sign pointing it out. Getting picked up by a motor car and starting from the same spot the next day has become a regular feature. Arrange with a taxi driver or with Express Bourricot as already suggested.

You may already have seen their website with their standard pick-up and drop-off points: Huntto, Orisson albergue, Virgin Mary statue and Thibault cross. Drop-off in the morning is around 9:00 and pick-up in the afternoon is around 14:00.

 

[Joseito]

Why not stay at the Orisson albergue?

 

[NorthernLight]

Why not stay at the Orisson albergue?

Orisson albergue has limited beds, requires reservations and does a touchy feeling bonding exercise that is not everyone's cup of tea. Using the shuttle means you can walk the hardest uphill without all your gear.

It's good to have options.

 

[Joseito]

Orisson albergue has limited beds, requires reservations and does a touchy feeling bonding exercise that is not everyone's cup of tea. Using the shuttle means you can walk the hardest uphill without all your gear.

It's good to have options.

Bonding exercise?? I booked a night there, now I'm a bit worried, haha.

 

[trecile]

Bonding exercise?? I booked a night there, now I'm a bit worried, haha.

All they do is ask that each person stand up, say their name, where there are from, and why they are doing the Camino. You can just say your name and where you are from if you want.

 

[Joseito]

All they do is ask that each person stand up, say their name, where there are from, and why they are doing the Camino. You can just say your name and where you are from if you want.

Oh ok, that's doesn't sound bad, cheers.

 

[Malachiuri]

MEM,

You do exactly that. This is YOUR Camino, not anyone elses. Take all the taxis, buses, ect you need to complete exactly as much of your Camino as you wish. There is no Camino police to haul you in for questioning.

Go and walk your own Camino.

M

 

[Bonita]

I couldn’t get a bed in Orisson, so I did basically that. I walked to Orisson, with no backpack, had lunch, and rode with an Orisson employee back to St. Jean. Next morning, one of the workers picked me up (I was on the road, waiting), had breakfast on the patio and finished my walk. I could have done it in one day, but too many people on this forum made it sound too difficult. The sun was out and I had a great two days walking. Also, got to spend two nights in St. Jean.