Camino frances vs camino norte

[505badgolfer]

I've walked the entire camino frances twice and have also reviewed previous blog postings about the difference between the frances and the norte routes. I'm considering walking the camino norte this September. For those who have walked both routes, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most difficult and giving the camino frances a rating of 5, what difficulty rating would you give to the camino norte for the entire route from Irun to Santiago? Thanks!

 

[naplesdon]

6 to 7 only because of the greater distances between stops and lack of support facilities, there are some dodgy ups and downs but I don't think much worse than CF.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Yep, I'd say Don is calling that about right.
Actually if you just compare second halves, the Frances is more testing in terms of elevations.

 

[Sweetbaboo]

This is good to know as I am also walking the Norte Camino in September and also have completed two CFs (starting one in Rouncesville and one in Saint Jean). Might see you.

 

[Teddie]

6-7 was an immediate flash to mind. Did same month of October, rains are more steady, dogs are loose and bark authority, quiet paths and roads, not sure luggage transport is viable.

 

[lt56ny]

I would rate it a solid 7 for sure. It has alot more up and downs but the payoff of walking along the cliffs by the ocean make it all worthwhile. The Norte is beautiful and a very different experience than the CF in many ways. Walk both and you will see.

 

[naplesdon]

The sea side scenery and the beaches are a major plus, for sure.

 

[mark stevens]

I've walked the entire camino frances twice and have also reviewed previous blog postings about the difference between the frances and the norte routes. I'm considering walking the camino norte this September. For those who have walked both routes, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most difficult and giving the camino frances a rating of 5, what difficulty rating would you give to the camino norte for the entire route from Irun to Santiago? Thanks!

I’d say the first 4 days of the del Norte are an 8. Tough ups and downs and a defo lack of support facilities when compared to the Frances. After that it’s. 6 for me.

After doing the Frances this was a walk I wanted to do and loved it but if you want the busy ness of the French way and lots of camaraderie this is t the one for you.

If you love the sea and scenery and being away from it all you’ll love it.

One day I’ll do it again as I really enjoyed it but I’m back on the French way in 2 weeks as have really missed it.