Deepforest
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2015 Camino Frances 2016 Camino Portuguese 2017 del Norte and Primitivo 2017 Via Francegina 2018.
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hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it
thanks for your questions, as I am in the "dream" stages of planning walking the El Norte, but probably at the end of April, early May... So I am also concerned with the weather, accommodations, business, so I will look forward to reading the comments that come in.hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
Thanks Joe, I also am in the dream / planning stages and would like to start mid / end of April and was wondering what kind of weather should I expect, since it is coastal, is it colder?? I also heard there are a lot of rain in Galicia, did you have some?? Thanks in advance!I walked the Norte in April. It took me 29 days and I walk in the 30-35 km range. I stayed the Northern route all the way and found it to be great with the exception of the Aviles area, very industrial. The Primitivo is similar in terrain but not coastal, hilly and rural with beautiful mountains to the South.
I would recommend you walk the entire Norte and save the Primitivo for when you have less time (ie:When you only have three weeks you could walk the Salvador/Primitivo).
The traffic at that time should be at it's peak with most of Europe on holiday.
Whatever you decide it will be a great walk.
Ultreya,
Joe
Thanks Joe, I also am in the dream / planning stages and would like to start mid / end of April and was wondering what kind of weather should I expect, since it is coastal, is it colder?? I also heard there are a lot of rain in Galicia, did you have some?? Thanks in advance!
Danielle
Laurie, I think that while in terms of connection from one Camino to the other, and logistics, Salvador plus Primitivo makes a lot of sense, bit isn't the Salvador in a leaugue of its own when it comes to difficulties (terrain, snow later and earlier in the year, limited accomodations etc., and therefor maybe not for everyone where as the Primitivo is much more accessible?I agree with the opinion that the Primitivo is absolutely beautiful. But if it were me, I would do what Joe suggests. Save the Primitivo for another time, when you can start in Leon and add on the Camino Del Salvador from Leon to Oviedo. That is one of the most spectacular Caminos of all. A short 4 to 6 days, but just gorgeous. The Camino Del Norte after Avilés is also quite beautiful, so I wouldn't miss it.
Hi, anemone, you are right that the Salvador is more challenging than your average Camino. But I think that Ender's guide now has ways to break it up into as many as nine or 10 stages. And I think that if you compare the elevation profiles with the Primitivo, you will see that the Salvador is not a total outlier. I think that the most challenging part, from Buiza to Pajares, can be done without suffering by most people who are in good shape. And it can easily be broken up with a stop in Poladura. You would have to keep an eye on the weather in fall, winter, and spring,because there will be snow at the higher elevations.Laurie, I think that while in terms of connection from one Camino to the other, and logistics, Salvador plus Primitivo makes a lot of sense, bit isn't the Salvador in a leaugue of its own when it comes to difficulties (terrain, snow later and earlier in the year, limited accomodations etc., and therefor maybe not for everyone where as the Primitivo is much more accessible?
I agree Laurie, if fit, prepared and in season, it makes sense to combine these two.
I am thinking Salvador and them make my way to Ponferrada for the Invierno, although this may be very lonely.
I am walking the Norte in June/July. Only have 34 days, want to walk mostly 20K stages and have some rest days to play, so will probably need to skip about 250 km. Any suggestion for the best (worst?) parts to skip? My friend who is walking with me has never been to Santiago, so we will have to do the last 100 km on the Frances for her to get her certificate.I stayed the Northern route all the way and found it to be great with the exception of the Aviles area, very industrial.
I am walking the Norte in June/July. Only have 34 days, want to walk mostly 20K stages and have some rest days to play, so will probably need to skip about 250 km. Any suggestion for the best (worst?) parts to skip? My friend who is walking with me has never been to Santiago, so we will have to do the last 100 km on the Frances for her to get her certificate.
Buen Camino,
Judy
I am walking the Norte in June/July. Only have 34 days, want to walk mostly 20K stages and have some rest days to play, so will probably need to skip about 250 km. Any suggestion for the best (worst?) parts to skip? My friend who is walking with me has never been to Santiago, so we will have to do the last 100 km on the Frances for her to get her certificate.
Buen Camino,
Judy
Thanks for your quick answer Joe, it is helpful.Danielle:
I wish I could predict the weather but I can not. The year I walked 2014, the weather was beautiful. The first 21 days I walked there was no rain at all and it was at least 70 F or approximately 20 C. I was warned it would probably rain quite a bit but I was lucky. That said, it rained almost everyday when I reached Galacia.
I would not worry about the weather since it is unpredictable. This is a great walk. A little tougher than the Frances and there is more hard surface walking but there is good seafood, some nice Albergues and beautiful seascapes. There were also many other Pilgrims.
Please feel free to contact me through the forum or PM me with any questions. I have also walked the Madrid if you have questions regarding that route.
Ultreya,
Joe
Thanks Laurie and Joe. Based on other posts, my understanding was that we would be missing the best part of Norte if we didn't start in Irun. I prefer the idea of picking a starting point and not "planning" a lot of skipping around.And I second Joe's suggestion about walking from Bilbao to Santiago rather than chopping up your walk and skipping bits and pieces here and there.
Thanks Laurie and Joe. Based on other posts, my understanding was that we would be missing the best part of Norte if we didn't start in Irun. I prefer the idea of picking a starting point and not "planning" a lot of skipping around.
Well yes I would agree that some of the most spectacular scenery is from Irun to Bilbao. But I also agree with joe that there's a lot of beauty spread out along the entire way. Hard choices!Thanks Laurie and Joe. Based on other posts, my understanding was that we would be missing the best part of Norte if we didn't start in Irun. I prefer the idea of picking a starting point and not "planning" a lot of skipping around.
That is very true. Certainly to Guernika I would not miss. Then bus into Bilbao if you want to visit it, or bus to Bilbao and hop on metro to Portugalete if you just want to walk. This would shve off two days. Or see how you can make it to Pobena on that day, skipping a short and failry ordinary etaps.Thanks Laurie and Joe. Based on other posts, my understanding was that we would be missing the best part of Norte if we didn't start in Irun. I prefer the idea of picking a starting point and not "planning" a lot of skipping around.
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
I am walking the Norte in June/July. Only have 34 days, want to walk mostly 20K stages and have some rest days to play, so will probably need to skip about 250 km. Any suggestion for the best (worst?) parts to skip? My friend who is walking with me has never been to Santiago, so we will have to do the last 100 km on the Frances for her to get her certificate.
Buen Camino,
Judy
I'll be walking again from Llanes to Luarca at the start of April. I'm going to get a bus between Gijon to Aviles, it will be a first but from reading the descriptions of that stage I don't mind.
Thanks all the continued input on this site and Happy New Year.
Roll on April
Ok, but that's my personal experience. I would do the same it if I was to return! Would like to know what others think of that stage??
/BP
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
I'll be walking again from Llanes to Luarca at the start of April. I'm going to get a bus between Gijon to Aviles, it will be a first but from reading the descriptions of that stage I don't mind.
Thanks all the continued input on this site and Happy New Year.
Roll on April
Ok, but that's my personal experience. I would do the same it if I was to return! Would like to know what others think of that stage??
/BP
Walking the Norte and then merge on the Primitivo is probably many people's dream Camino, including me. I doubt I will ever walk the Norte past the merging point. Now, July and especially August will be HOT and full of people on the Norte as it is a prime summer vacation destination, where albergues are not just for people with a Credencial you will most likely have to book ahead of time.
You will certainly meet people, at least upon arrival in the albergue, or in a few cafes located right on the route. Most will be Europeans, and people used to long distance walking, like you.
Correos does offer backpack service on both the Norte and Primitivo:
http://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/
As for the number of days it can take, visit the Eroski website, I find it helps me plan my own etapas easily. I like walking 23 km a day, so my etapas won't help you much.
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/mobile/los-caminos-de-santiago/[/QUOTasl
Hihi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
There is quick and cheaper train from gijon to aviles.I'll be walking again from Llanes to Luarca at the start of April. I'm going to get a bus between Gijon to Aviles, it will be a first but from reading the descriptions of that stage I don't mind.
Thanks all the continued input on this site and Happy New Year.
Roll on April
Hi LucyHi
I walked the Norte last summer in August and September. I walked alone most days. You would always find people in the albergues. I never once did not have a bed for the night, but I usually got to my destination by early afternoon. It is lovely because it isn't crowded (till you get to Arzua). It is hot, but I like the heat. Make sure you put on sunscreen in the morning, keep your shoulders covered and make sure you have enough water. It was my first camino anfd I walked about 25k a day. I had 2 days off.
Burn camino. You'll love it
Lucy
Lucy
HiHi Lucy
Did you get your credenciale before you arrived in Spain or is it available in Irun or Hendaye? I am also hoping to walk in July 2017.
Hi
I got my credential before I left from the csj http://www.csj.org.uk/how-to-get-a-pilgrim-record-pilgrim-passport-credencial/ who were great (I am for London)
I think you can get it in Irun though. Another thing I found that was amazing (if you are using technology) was the "Buen Camino" app.
Best wishes
Lucy
Buy here, from the Forum shop. It's free when you buy a guidebook as well.Hi Lucy
Did you get your credenciale before you arrived in Spain or is it available in Irun or Hendaye? I am also hoping to walk in July 2017.
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
Editorial Buen Camino in Spanish, Ciceron in English and Roher in German, all good guidebooks.Hi fellow pilgrims out there, am having second thoughts about doing the Frances again for the third time this year in June, and would like
to try the Norte can any one tell me please how to get to the start in Irun from the airport in Biarriz ,also is there any good map books I can purchase,
Thanks to all
The thing is that a number of the albergues along the Norte are not for pilgrims only, but juveniles. La sirena in San Sebastian, the albegue in Guernika and the one by the train station in Llanes come to mind. But you can make reservations in those.I will start walking from Irun on the 5th of July. Any experience about the crowds last summer? The things I have read here range from 'very crowdy, hard to get a bed' to 'I walked alone and always found a bed'. And what about people other than pilgrims booking the albergues in the summer months? Is that common? By the way: I decided to start on a Wednesday. I hope that helps avoiding the crowds a bit.
I will start walking from Irun on the 5th of July. Any experience about the crowds last summer? The things I have read here range from 'very crowdy, hard to get a bed' to 'I walked alone and always found a bed'. And what about people other than pilgrims booking the albergues in the summer months? Is that common? By the way: I decided to start on a Wednesday. I hope that helps avoiding the crowds a bit.
Note that in La Isla (stage 18 on Gronze) that the albergue next to the Hotel Bahia is not the pilgrim albergue, that is a private youth hostel. The pilgrim albergue is signed further on past the beach. We saw a number of pilgrims waiting for the 'wrong' albergue to open over our 3 days at La Isla in the hotel.Thanks ladies! The gronze site is useful. I assume albergues without a booking link are for pilgrims only. I hope I don't need reservations, but will find out rather quickly when I start walking.
hi guys, anyone nice enough to answer a few queries as I troll through the many posts to find out more.
I did the de France route in 2015, and walked from Lisbon to finesterre this July .
We actually loved the Portuguese way, whilst we met only a few pilgrims between Lisbon and Porto, we became great friends with those we met. After Porto it became very busy like the de France.
I'm wondering if we walk out from Irun this July 1st....we have all July and most of August off work....
How long would it take assuming 20-25km days to do the deal Norte and cut down through the primitive to Santiago? We are in good shape and hike a lot. On the de France I would walk 30 -35 a day. I like walking. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to cut onto the primitivo? Would I be missing much of the remaining del Norte?
I'm wondering if we'll meet other pilgrims, we love making friends and my walking friend frequently walks slower than me, so I'm wondering if I'll be alone all the time, or if we'll meet other pilgrims? Making pilgrim friends is important for me so I'd not like the idea of meeting no other pilgrims. Can anyone give me an idea of pilgrim traffic at that time of year please?
In July and August am I still okay carrying a liner or is it noticeably cooler up north?
I'm from Ireland so I'm hoping for good weather still, we get enough rain clouds and damp to do us a lifetime. Whilst I know it's not going to be like the meseta, will it still be warm and sunny mostly in July and August?
Thanks to anyone for answering my queries.
I will start walking from Irun on the 5th of July. Any experience about the crowds last summer? The things I have read here range from 'very crowdy, hard to get a bed' to 'I walked alone and always found a bed'. And what about people other than pilgrims booking the albergues in the summer months? Is that common? By the way: I decided to start on a Wednesday. I hope that helps avoiding the crowds a bit.
One way to avoid the industrial part into Aviles and not add much on to your Camino would be to turn south towards Oviedo after Villaviciosa. You then have an easy two day walk into Oviedo (or if you can get to the albergue at Valdedios, you would then only have about 34 km to Oviedo for the next day). That gives you the marvelous bonus of seeing that most beautiful city with its pre-romanesque gems, and then walk one day from Oviedo to Aviles. The entrance to Aviles from the south, which I have walked, is not at all industrial. That means missing out on Gijon, but it also means missing out on all the industrial outskirts.
When I walked from Oviedo to Aviles (2007), the marking was terrible, and in fact we wound up on the side of a very busy road. But I have been assured that it is now perfectly well marked, and I may in fact be back there this summer! Buen camino, Laurie
I did this and it was amazing. Really recommend staying in Valededios as well.
Really? On the Camino del Norte? That sounds incredible. I thought August was the month with the biggest crowds. That would be good news! Yesterday I checked some of the accomodations that take reservations and was a bit worried about the high level of bookings already on Booking.com (in July).I walked alone last August. I was on my own most days until joining the Frances route. I got a bed every night. I made sure I got to the albergues early afternoon. It was great. Really recommend it.
Hi, Lucy,
I think I'll probably stay in Valdediós this year -- were you in the albergue or the private accommodation the monastery runs?
And one other question -- did you walk back to the Norte from Valdediós or did you continue down to Primitivo in Oviedo? I am having trouble finding information on how to re-connect with the Norte from Valdediós, but I suppose it is do-able. Thanks much, buen camino, Laurie
Really? On the Camino del Norte? That sounds incredible. I thought August was the month with the biggest crowds. That would be good news! Yesterday I checked some of the accomodations that take reservations and was a bit worried about the high level of bookings already on Booking.com (in July).
@Lucy Keenan and @Kanga thanks again! I would prefer not to book ahead at all, so this would be great news!
Another question: do you know if I can get a credencial at the albergue in Irun?
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