Cartographically challenged

Hi Caminomary!

The route was quite well marked when I walked it a couple of years ago. It was my first Camino and I was alone but managed it. From memory the main places to take care are;

1) turning at the right place on leaving SJPP (easy enough - take the road to the right just outside the village),
2) After you've passed through the shopping precinct and car park on the border (it's near Arneguy, I think). It's tempting to cross a bridge towards the main road but there's a path before the bridge along the river,
3) Just before Valcarlos the arrows were very faded and I missed the turn off to the village. You can see Valcarlos on the other side of the river at that point so look very carefully at each turn off for any sign of any arrows pointing in that direction. I think there was a sign pointing to a bed & breakfast or similar at the junction where I went wrong.

Hopefully the arrows have been refreshed since then. It doesn't help that it's your first day - after a few days/weeks you can see a yellow arrow at 200 paces!

It's a nice route. Buen Camino!

We took the Valcarlos route this past May and didn't have any problems. This section of the Camino is well-marked by little yellow signs saying "Roncevaux Par Valcarlos", rather than by painted yellow arrows. You can see a lot of pictures of this section on our blog:

http://www.farofflands.com/camino/day-1 ... -valcarlos

Russell

caminomary,

On all my caminos I have walked the Valcarlos alternative; it is the ONLY way open in snow. The trail markings have improved GREATLY over the past eight years.

Before you begin In Saint-Jean the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle can provide you with a Credential and a schematic map of the Valcarlos route as well as lodging assistance for SJPdP.

In Valcarlos the new municipal albergue is VERY comfortable with good heat, blankets and showers. You can reserve in advance if you wish. For more info see http://www.luzaide-valcarlos.net/. Last October 16 two other pilgrims and I cozily spent the chilly night there before tediously climbing up to Ibaneta and continuing to Roncevalles the next day. That stretch is NEVER easy! Be prepared with water and basic trail snacks; there are NO services other than one dicey water spigot on the 16 km between Valcarlos and Roncevalles.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith