Del Norte guides

[Alfred Said]

I’m planning to walk Camino Del Norte in July this year, from Irun to Oviedo, then the Primitivo next year. Which is the best guidebook for Del Norte. Is there a guidebook that I can download to my ipnohe - one less thing to carry!

 

[naplesdon]

A Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino will let you do both. It can be purchased from the Forum Store.

 

[spursfan]

A Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino will let you do both. It can be purchased from the Forum Store.

I think you'll have buy both the Northern and Primitivo guides

 

[naplesdon]

As far as I know Michael has only published the Northern Guide. I think there is a guide printed by Cicerones for the Primitivo but while I was considering it this year I consulted a few pilgrims who have written anecdotal guides and decided against it.

 

[dfitzg773]

I am planning to walk the Norte this fall. I have three guides: Cicerone, Village to Village, and Wise Pilgrim.
For a small guide, the Village to Village guide is great; only 96 pages. The Wise Pilgrim guide is also relatively small at 179 pages. Cicerone is the largest 318 pages.

I'm still researching using them and like each for different reasons. The Wise guide is my current favorite, but the binding on the book is poor. After about a week of use, the pages are falling out, but the maps are good . Maps are also good in the Village to Village map guide. Cicerone has the worst maps, but the most information and fairly detailed narrative of the route and turns.

 

[Scarlet Fez]

Just to make sure I'm in the right paddock. Please confirm we are talking about the 'Wise Guide to the Northern Camino' written by Michael Matynka Iglesias.
To be honest I've never really relied on Guide Books I've used in the past as once on the route I pretty much go with the flow. Always nice to have a comfort blanket though.

 

[dfitzg773]

yes

 

[spursfan]

As far as I know Michaewl has only published the Northern Guide. I think there is a guide printed by Cicerones for the Primitivo but while I was considering it this year I consulted a few pilgrims who have written anecdotal guides and decided against it.

Not so, the Primitivo guide has just been published - but my general point is that you can never have too many guides to look at when you're doing your research (for the Norte I've used the Cicerone one but also have ones in French, German and Spanish)

 

[naplesdon]

Just to make sure I'm in the right paddock. Please confirm we are talking about the 'Wise Guide to the Northern Camino' written by Michael Matynka Iglesias.
To be honest I've never really relied on Guide Books I've used in the past as once on the route I pretty much go with the flow. Always nice to have a comfort blanket though.

That is the right guidebook.

 

[Barry Corbett]

I’m planning to walk Camino Del Norte in July this year, from Irun to Oviedo, then the Primitivo next year. Which is the best guidebook for Del Norte. Is there a guidebook that I can download to my ipnohe - one less thing to carry!

check out www.gronze.com......I found this Spanish website was the best and google chrome will translate it for you.

 

[Colette Z]

I’m planning to walk Camino Del Norte in July this year, from Irun to Oviedo, then the Primitivo next year. Which is the best guidebook for Del Norte. Is there a guidebook that I can download to my ipnohe - one less thing to carry!

Just returned from El Norte Irun to Santiago (deviated to Oveido using Gronce.com map OK then back up to Aviles to finish El Norte). Used WISE PILGRIM guide (both APP live map and book) and with a few exceptions not the author's fault (locals have changed the Norte route), the guide is EXCELLENT for not only maps but towns and accommodation information. Prices of accomodation might be off by 1-2 euros max (Municipals and Xunta albergues are now 6euors not 5). I recommend it 200% BUEN CAMINO

 

[Colette Z]

check out www.gronze.com......I found this Spanish website was the best and google chrome will translate it for you.

Im afraid that Gronce maps are really too simple and don't offer any variant or alternate routes. WISE PILGRIM is the Brierley of the Norte for me.

 

[Barry Corbett]

Thanks for the tip....I had never heard of these guides!

 

[classicalfan]

I will be walking the Norte then switch to the Primitivo this May/June and I will be carrying the Wise Pilgrim guides. I have purchased and downloaded the Cicerone ebook (and am downloading the updates from their Facebook page), and have the Buen Camino app loaded. I will cross reference all three should I need to. Hopefully I'll be covered!

 

[Lucy Keenan]

Just returned from El Norte Irun to Santiago (deviated to Oveido using Gronce.com map OK then back up to Aviles to finish El Norte). Used WISE PILGRIM guide (both APP live map and book) and with a few exceptions not the author's fault (locals have changed the Norte route), the guide is EXCELLENT for not only maps but towns and accommodation information. Prices of accomodation might be off by 1-2 euros max (Municipals and Xunta albergues are now 6euors not 5). I recommend it 200% BUEN CAMINO

What do you mean "locals have changed the Norte route)?

 

[lt56ny]

I am planning to walk the Norte this fall. I have three guides: Cicerone, Village to Village, and Wise Pilgrim.
For a small guide, the Village to Village guide is great; only 96 pages. The Wise Pilgrim guide is also relatively small at 179 pages. Cicerone is the largest 318 pages.

I'm still researching using them and like each for different reasons. The Wise guide is my current favorite, but the binding on the book is poor. After about a week of use, the pages are falling out, but the maps are good . Maps are also good in the Village to Village map guide. Cicerone has the worst maps, but the most information and fairly detailed narrative of the route and turns.

A possible remedy for the poor binding is to use your pocket knife and tear out the stage you are walking that day (of course it’s your Camino it’s your stage) and put it in your pocket. My blower backpack strap has two pockets. I put those pages and my glasses and pocket knife in those pockets. So it’s rifht there for you when you need it. It works great for me, maybe for you too.

 

[Colette Z]

What do you mean "locals have changed the Norte route)?

There were places in Asturias and more Galicia were the Wise Pilgrim map was not consistent with NEW Camino stone markers, the local Camino association has moved the route .....Galicia got their French and Northern Camino routed recognized as UNESCO. The Wise pilgrim guide routes are still valid (I stuck to it) but in places only an odd yellow arrow can be spotted if looked for. PS I took my Wise pilgrim to a faxcopy store and had them make it a spiral binding much bettet

 

[Lucy Keenan]

Thats really interesting. When I walked the Norte in 2016 there were loads of signs saying locals wanted the Camino re-routed. I wonder if this is the same thing?

 

[Colette Z]

Thats really interesting. When I walked the Norte in 2016 there were loads of signs saying locals wanted the Camino re-routed. I wonder if this is the same thing?

Yes I’d say they got their wishes in some places. In a way it made me feel less “connected” to the footsteps of pilgrims of the past vs the Frances where I felt the camino history through my feet.

 

[wisepilgrim]

The Norte is a bit squirrely in places, and I did my best to document as many of the old and new variations... including a few places where it is clear that the route may change at a moments notice. The good news is that the old routes do not become invalid, and there are always some arrows to guide the way. On top of that the albergues are always able to give some added guidance.... though do take all advice with a bit of skepticism as the people who run the albergues cannot help but have a biased opinion.

I did a count of the number of 'not officially the camino' variations in the book and there are 60 of them. They range from short deviations through a town to get to the pharmacies and other services, to going the long way around Santander, to the several places where the route splits into two places for the better part of a full day of walking.

I happened to have met John Brierley in Santiago when I was getting started on the book; his reaction when I told him what I was up to was "please, thank you, and it´s all yours!" I look forward to revisions to it but would dread having to write it all over again.

Thanks everyone for the great support.

 

[Lucy Keenan]

Blimey. 60 variations. That's white shocking really. Will you update include old and new then?
How confusing.
I just hope some of the new hasn't diverted the pilgrim from some beautiful paths.

 

[Colette Z]

The Norte is a bit squirrely in places, and I did my best to document as many of the old and new variations... including a few places where it is clear that the route may change at a moments notice. The good news is that the old routes do not become invalid, and there are always some arrows to guide the way. On top of that the albergues are always able to give some added guidance.... though do take all advice with a bit of skepticism as the people who run the albergues cannot help but have a biased opinion.

I did a count of the number of 'not officially the camino' variations in the book and there are 60 of them. They range from short deviations through a town to get to the pharmacies and other services, to going the long way around Santander, to the several places where the route splits into two places for the better part of a full day of walking.

I happened to have met John Brierley in Santiago when I was getting started on the book; his reaction when I told him what I was up to was "please, thank you, and it´s all yours!" I look forward to revisions to it but would dread having to write it all over again.

Thanks everyone for the great support.

I think the guide is exceptional and would not recommend any other. I still remember a warning you included before Ribadeo near the last GR coastal path fork about not getting tricked by the yellow arrows put up by a private albergue trying to lure pilgrims.....I stuck to the GPS WP map and had a lovely walk that took me to the northern side of the Ribadeo bridge vs everyone else in the albergue having to walk the south side. Thank you very much for such a massive effort

 

[wisepilgrim]

Blimey. 60 variations. That's white shocking really. Will you update include old and new then?
How confusing.
I just hope some of the new hasn't diverted the pilgrim from some beautiful paths.

Don´t let me make it sound overly confusing. When it comes right down to it the Norte is still one foot in front of the other. There are no wrong options, and when there is a major option the pros and cons are well described. To your remark about beautiful paths, I can say that most of the changes in recent years are designed to put you onto them and that many of the variations included in the book are beautiful alternatives to the 'official' camino.

 

[MTJ]

Just returned from El Norte Irun to Santiago (deviated to Oveido using Gronce.com map OK then back up to Aviles to finish El Norte). Used WISE PILGRIM guide (both APP live map and book) and with a few exceptions not the author's fault (locals have changed the Norte route), the guide is EXCELLENT for not only maps but towns and accommodation information. Prices of accomodation might be off by 1-2 euros max (Municipals and Xunta albergues are now 6euors not 5). I recommend it 200% BUEN CAMINO

We are planning on walking the northern route from mid May to mid June and are trying to figure out the best way to get to Irun from the USA. Should we get to Madrid and bus or train to Irun? Get to Paris and fly? So many options! Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Jerry B]

I’m planning to walk Camino Del Norte in July this year, from Irun to Oviedo, then the Primitivo next year. Which is the best guidebook for Del Norte. Is there a guidebook that I can download to my ipnohe - one less thing to carry!

hi, i bought the wise pilgrim for Iphone about $5 it has a list of places to stay and the elevations but other than that is has very little details of what to expect or information to help you thru the stages

 

[Scarlet Fez]

I've ordered the Wise Pilgrim Book but will figure when the best date to start. I'm fortunate as only living near London can hopefully get a cheapy flight over to Biarritz short notice, then work out during a potential French train strike how to get to Irun possibly early May. Another member considering doing the Norte for the first was suggesting some Albergues don't open till June!!! Can this be right as there would be little point in starting the beginning of May.

 

[old brown hermit]

Don´t let me make it sound overly confusing. When it comes right down to it the Norte is still one foot in front of the other. There are no wrong options, and when there is a major option the pros and cons are well described. To your remark about beautiful paths, I can say that most of the changes in recent years are designed to put you onto them and that many of the variations included in the book are beautiful alternatives to the 'official' camino.

Dear author, I am on my way to Irun from California and will arrive in Irun in two days. Where can I buy your guide in Irun?

 

[Scarlet Fez]

With regard to my enquiry about getting from Biarritz airport I've just seen an older thread stating there is a bus/coach that goes o Irun. I'll research that to see if the timetable coincides with any potential flight arrivals.

 

[spursfan]

It's the #816, get off at Hendaye Gare and then walk across the bridge and into Irun - all for €2

 

[Scarlet Fez]

Cheers Spurs, looks like Ryanair flight lands at Biarritz at teatime so get #816 get off Hendaye Gare and find a bed and start the walking the next day.
Not booked yet but May 3rd now a possibility.

 

[wisepilgrim]

Dear author, I am on my way to Irun from California and will arrive in Irun in two days. Where can I buy your guide in Irun?

I am afraid it is not available in Irun yet. Too much to do, too little time.

 

[Jerry B]

hi, i bought the wise pilgrim for Iphone about $5 it has a list of places to stay and the elevations but other than that is has very little details of what to expect or information to help you thru the stages

Hi, just an update I was not able to open part of the app wise pilgrims Norte that’s why most of the town by town details were hidden ...... I got it fixed and there seems to be a lot of very helpful info

 

[trecile]

I’m planning to walk Camino Del Norte in July this year, from Irun to Oviedo, then the Primitivo next year. Which is the best guidebook for Del Norte. Is there a guidebook that I can download to my ipnohe - one less thing to carry!

I'm thinking about walking the Norte starting in July this year. I had wanted to go in August/September, but other obligations are changing my time frame. Perhaps I'll see you there.

 

[Priskalista]

I'll start my walk in 6 days! I plan to walk del norte and primitivo. I have purchased Cicerone book and have downloaded Wise Pilgrim app and Eroski app. I hope they'll be sufficient.