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I did the Camino Frances October 2013 and loved it, didn't plan much just went to SJDP and followed the local recommendation on alberques etc. This year i want to try the Norte. From what i read, it is more challenging.
My question is what is the best time to do this route, weatherwise. I do not particularly like rain, specially cold rain. There is really no protection, you get wet either way; you sweat inside with a waterprrof or not sufficient waterproof.
Other question is, is there a luggage transport service on Norte. On CF, there were two transport companies offering to transport your bag for 3-7 Euros. That made my walk much more enjoyable.
I agree that the Norte is different from the CF, but I saw many pilgrims using bag-carrying services on the Norte last year. They explained that they were using these services because they were old and/or unwell. That is my observation, and it means the service exists for those who need it.I think that you will find that (for now) the Norte differs in many ways from the CF. The pilgrims tend to be more experienced and a bit more fit. Most carry their own packs ( even the "older ones"). Avoiding rain or discomfort on a Camino would seem difficult as it is very much a part of the experience.
Rain can be avoided (usually) on the Via de la Plata in August.
They weren't exceptionally old - I'm just reporting what they told me their reasons were for not carrying their own packs. It is not my place to judge their choiceI am wondering how old they were? I am 75 and have no need or desire to have our packs transported due to age. Perhaps they had other physical issues....or just did not want to carry a pack.
Much more uncommon on CdN.
They call it the 'green coast' - and it's green for one reason: lots and lots and lots of rain. I suggest a long 'open sleeve' poncho, one of those long rectangles with poppers up the side. They keep you and your pack dry (you might get wet from the knees down, and be sure to bring waterproof or woolen gloves) and because they are well ventilated you don't sweat. The route seemed well-served by bag-carrying services - lots of older pilgrims use them. Have fun!
Last year on the CF I used a long poncho and within minutes of rain condensation builds from the inside and wet everything. I will try to find an "open sleeve" this time and see if that makes a different. Thank you for the suggestion.They call it the 'green coast' - and it's green for one reason: lots and lots and lots of rain. I suggest a long 'open sleeve' poncho, one of those long rectangles with poppers up the side. They keep you and your pack dry (you might get wet from the knees down, and be sure to bring waterproof or woolen gloves) and because they are well ventilated you don't sweat. The route seemed well-served by bag-carrying services - lots of older pilgrims use them. Have fun!
I think that you will find that (for now) the Norte differs in many ways from the CF. The pilgrims tend to be more experienced and a bit more fit. Most carry their own packs ( even the "older ones"). Avoiding rain or discomfort on a Camino would seem difficult as it is very much a part of the experience.
Rain can be avoided (usually) on the Via de la Plata in August.
I was using the Deuter ACT zero 50+15 pack that was fully adjustable. Since the sensitivity in the middle of my back persisted throughout my walk, i don't think it was due to poor pack support alone. More likely my poor posture. The added weight, I think, was putting more pressure on certain parts of my vertebra.
They call it the 'green coast' - and it's green for one reason: lots and lots and lots of rain. I suggest a long 'open sleeve' poncho, one of those long rectangles with poppers up the side. They keep you and your pack dry (you might get wet from the knees down, and be sure to bring waterproof or woolen gloves) and because they are well ventilated you don't sweat. The route seemed well-served by bag-carrying services - lots of older pilgrims use them. Have fun!
I also have an Aarn backpack, it's a great backpack and really does make such a great difference...I sound like a broken record but have you tried an Aarn Pack? Totally different system, really does change how the pack sits. The front balance pockets look weird but are incredibly comfortable and useful. And I really have no connection to this company at all, other than wanting it to survive and continue to make packs for me to buy! View attachment 8397
Thank you. I am hoping it is not too hot and rainy. Who wouldn't wish that!Well done Raj – I hope the weather is kind to you!
Hi, I did the CF same time last year. Only faced 2-3 days of rain near Galicia. On the norte, you are outside the busy holiday period so sept/oct still should be good. I will post the highlights and itinerary; stages, alberques etc. in this forum when i return.Buen Camino to you...can't wait to read how you fare! I just did our tickets last night...mid/late Sept to early October!!
. Starting on Sunday. !
I did see her notes. I got the same guidebook. I am making notes on the guidebook and will follow. Buen Camino!I look forward to reading how you find it raj. Did you read Neve's feedback (ShefollowsShells ) good blog.
I'm hoping to be there sept/oct too.
Buen camino
Annie
Dear Raj, Do you have contact info for the bag services on the Norte? I don't want to scramble for it when I really need it! Leaving June 20. Buen camino! Thank you, LisaJust to update this thread, apparently there are backpack transport services; on El norte"; "Le petit bag" and "Peregrino express". And on Primitivo trail, the "Taxicamino". I am settling on May 23/24 as a start date from Irun.
Thanks everyone for your feedback.
Hi Lisa,Dear Raj, Do you have contact info for the bag services on the Norte? I don't want to scramble for it when I really need it! Leaving June 20. Buen camino! Thank you, Lisa
Advertised 12 euros for 1-3 bags, soon they changed claiming not many transports, we need some serious competition. Yes I am running 50/day.Wow...20 euros per stage plus no albergues for the most part.
Adds a lot of daily expense.
I think you've decided my new business venture along the norte!Advertised 12 euros for 1-3 bags, soon they changed claiming not many transports, we need some serious competition. Yes I am running 50/day.
Good for you, that the necessary extra expense hasn't stopped you doing this Camino. You know it's worth every penny! And you have boosted the local economy more than the average pilgrim. I hope you enjoy every step of the wayAdvertised 12 euros for 1-3 bags, soon they changed claiming not many transports, we need some serious competition. Yes I am running 50/day.
I did the Camino Frances October 2013 and loved it, didn't plan much just went to SJDP and followed the local recommendation on alberques etc. This year i want to try the Norte. From what i read, it is more challenging.
My question is what is the best time to do this route, weatherwise. I do not particularly like rain, specially cold rain. There is really no protection, you get wet either way; you sweat inside with a waterprrof or not sufficient waterproof.
Other question is, is there a luggage transport service on Norte. On CF, there were two transport companies offering to transport your bag for 3-7 Euros. That made my walk much more enjoyable.
I just completed my Norte/primitive on JUne 27th. You must have seen a lot of people with small packs on their back? They are all using transport! Yes, i cannot stand those older retired folks pass me everytime! Good for you.I walked the Norte from irun to Oviedo starting 1st May, not a drop of rain , lovely sunny days, walked primitivo to Santiago arriving on 3rd June , no rain. Did not see anybody using bag transfer, found both Norte and primitivo easy. I am 65 yrs old, average daily walk 29 km. if you are fit no problems
Just don´t like being taken advantage of. When you advertise a price, stick to it. If there is competition, this kind of thing would not happen. If i want to contribute to the spanish economy, i would find some other ways.Good for you, that the necessary extra expense hasn't stopped you doing this Camino. You know it's worth every penny! And you have boosted the local economy more than the average pilgrim. I hope you enjoy every step of the way
True. I hope the extra expense didn't spoil your incredible journey. Did you manage to avoid too much rain?Just don´t like being taken advantage of. When you advertise a price, stick to it. If there is competition, this kind of thing would not happen. If i want to contribute to the spanish economy, i would find some other ways.
Hi. So glad you were lucky and had good weather. My husband and I are walking the same route as you in September. I am a bit worried about difficulty of the route. How much walking had you been doing as training for your Camino?I walked the Norte from irun to Oviedo starting 1st May, not a drop of rain , lovely sunny days, walked primitivo to Santiago arriving on 3rd June , no rain. Did not see anybody using bag transfer, found both Norte and primitivo easy. I am 65 yrs old, average daily walk 29 km. if you are fit no problems
Hi. So glad you were lucky and had good weather. My husband and I are walking the same route as you in September. I am a bit worried about difficulty of the route. How much walking had you been doing as training for your Camino?
Thanks
Lesley
How long it takes depends on how much you can walk, but it's only slightly longer than the Frances so it's around a month of walking. You have the choice of continuing on the coast or taking the Primitivo to link to Santiago. You don't have to decide until you get there. I found it safe enough, and I'm a woman who walks alone. There is plenty of accommodation of all kinds, and out of peak season (July, August) even the seaside hotels are very reasonably priced. It's a very nice route, the only downside for me being that, in seaside resorts that are used to catering for big-spending tourists, the pilgrim can sometimes get a more lukewarm reception - even the big-spending pilgrim!I am also planning to walk the Camino in September, and I am considering the Del Norte route because the weather is cooler and it's less busy (and also, I love mountains and sea). I would like to hear any advice on personal safety as compared to the Frances route, alternate accommodation options, and in particular, how long does it take? I would leave from Biarritz. Thanks! Heather
Hi
Hi Lisa,
Yes, it was not easy to find, I had to Google it:
*Irun-bilboa, Carmelo 635 73 08 52
*Bilbao-llanes, mikel 633 67 15 05, transmikel@hotmail.es
*Llanes-Ribadeo, Miguel. 696 14 08 71, also for primitivo, asturperegrino@hotmail.com
*You can text to Carmelo, others email , call.
*They advertised 12 euros per stage, but changed to 20, claiming I am the only pickup, what can one do no competition.
*Most alberques don't open early to receive your luggage, forces you to pick private or hostals. You also have to call and confirm.
Good luck
I walked the Norte this spring, in May/June this year and for the first part faced torrential rain. I later heard that this had been the wettest spring for 100 years. The paths flowed like rivers and everywhere off road was deep mud which made for heavy going. Having said that it was a fantastic walk, and I would heartily encourage you to do it. At that time of year and in the early part of the camino there were many retired people walking the route, as they had the time and money to spend several weeks walking, and wern't confined to normal holiday times. There were also a wide range of nationalities and ages which made for interesting and varied company. I returned briefly in September when the weather was sunny and met one pilgrim who said he had encountered virtually no rain at all. In contrast a friend on the French route had many days of bad weather, so there really is no safe or set time to avoid rain. My suggsetion is to be prepared for all weathers, and enjoy the sun when it comes. The north route allows for a really great walk. Buen Camino!
The weather on the Norte is variable. It ranges from 16 degrees to high 20's. For example in 2010 March was 28-30 Celsius. By the time I arrived in May it was down to 16-20 degrees.
This year I was on the Norte - January 28-31 and it was 16-21 degrees.
The concern I found starting earlier in the year is the infrastructure. Are the hostels open? If they are open are you the only person at the hostel? If you are travelling with a companion that would not be such an issue.
The Norte was amazing and I would choose Spring time to do it again. Late March would be my thought.
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