Del Norte by Horseback

[Evilmuffin]

In April/May 2017, I did the Camino de Frances, SJPdP to Santiago in 34 days and 2 days rest. During this time, there was a Spaniard doing it by horseback (with 2 horses) and we became friends and occasionally I would get to ride one of his horses. It was amazing. So when he asked if I wanted to do the Del Norte by horseback, I jumped on it. We are meeting up in Pamplona on 5 May, and start on the 6th. (I’m flying in on the 4th from Canada) We will be following the Plazaole that goes up to San Sebastian to get on the Del Norte. (4 days planned). Unfortunately we will miss the Irun to San Sebastián stage. In Ribadeo, we will breaking off the trail and going to Muxia then to Finisterre and finally to Santiago. So far we think it will take 50 days. The horses are limited to 25 km a day. Has anyone ever done the whole route by horseback, and if so, do you have any tips?

 

[Pelegrin]

I haven't done any route by horse but I think if you don't have a support vehicle you need places to feed the horses everyday. Also to stay at night. On the Norte there are quite a few rivers so water won't be a problem.
Some hotel or albergue owners in the rural could also have place for the horses and also food (corn) because they have a farm. Otherwise you would need previously to contact with private farms.

'

 

[Magwood]

You could read a book called “horseshoes and holy water”. About two women who rode from the uk to Santiago. The husband of one drove a horse box and scouted out appropriate places to leave the horses at night. There is a great deal of planning and work involved. Vets and farriers need to be contacted on route as well as buying supplies of food. Good luck. It sounds very romantic, but as a horse owner in the past, I wouldn’t want the responsibility.

 

[Evilmuffin]

Anything to do with the horses is being taken care by William, the owner of the horses. The horses will be trailored to Pamplona from Girona, but we will not have a support vehicle once we start. As for food, we will carry 3 days of food. Some days we will be sleeping outside in a tent. No big deal... I am a retired Canadian Forces veteran with 30 years of service and 4 operational deployments (2 in Afghanistan). As for it being romantic? He’s my friend. This is a pilgrimage, not a romantic holiday. He is married, and I have a bf in Canada. I will look for that book....

 

[Cary]

This sounds like an amazing experience! I will be on the del Norte too...leaving from Irun May 8th. I sure hope I see you all at some point along the way.

 

[Magwood]

As for it being romantic? He’s my friend. This is a pilgrimage, not a romantic holiday. He is married, and I have a bf in Canada. I will look for that book....

I wasn’t meaning that sort of romantic. More the idea of a long ride along the coast. I did actually meet a guy riding along the Norte (and walking/leading a lot), but he had a horsebox and driver. I hope you have a wonderful camino.

 

[Canche]

I am having severe back problems and may have to have surgery. I had planned to do San Salvador and Primitivo in September but now may not be able to. However, I will do a Camino this fall someway somehow. I had to cancel my planned Caminos in 2017 and 2018 for physical problems. I don't want to do that again. So I am thinking about doing a Camino on horseback preferably Norte, Primitvo or something that is not the Frances. Anyone know the logistics of this? I think it's probably complicated as one has to find a place to stay for the horses as well as ones self. Gracias

 

[sid gustafson]

I will ride with you, maybe in 2021!

 

[Canche]

I will ride with you, maybe in 2021!

Que bueno. I am hoping to do El Camino in 2021 come hell or high water, but will probably be able to walk it. Now I am thinking about starting in Oviedo to do the second part of the Norte, go on to Ruta do Mar to the Ingles to Santiago and then Finisterre and Muxia. I still want to do the San Salvador and Primitivo. Vamos a ver. Thank you.
I love you cat.