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Thank you so much! I agree I found it very pretty- the heather was in full flower and very stunning. I think like you I might find the concentration on walking on the forest track would reduce the enjoyment.HI @Ahaj
Last October I walked from SJPP to Roncesvalles for the 4th time. All previous times I took the steep path, but this time I took the alternative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it picturesque. I've read descriptions of it as 'walking on the road' but I think that's misleading. It's a very quiet 'road' and much of the time we were on a grassy verge. I wonder if that was your experience. There were some lovely views looking down to Roncesvalles and I liked the entry into Roncesvalles.
The steep path through the forest is atmospheric for sure, but I seem to recall that each time I've walked it I was very focused on how I was walking, and being careful not to trip or slide. I found the alternative more enjoyable in that regard. So, in trying to answer your question, I have enjoyed both but I too have a few knee issues - and if I walk that path again, I will choose 'the road' option again.
Thank you for your reply- I can be slightly accident prone so another factor pushing me towards the road route!Although it was years ago I have walked both paths down from Ibaneta. The forest way can be slippery and covered in roots which could catch your foot. The road route always seemed easy. This photo from winter 2007 shows the view of Roncesvalles from the road route in snow.
View attachment 164496
this was very helpful. thank you.If you have a sketchy hip, knee, or leg. I recommend continuing to take the road snaking down from the peak. There is a more direct route, through the woods.
You make your choice at the pole / marker that splits the trail into two routes - the road route mentioned, and the forest route.
Be advised that the forest route is known to be slippery and somewhat treacherous at times, especially for folks who are not fully ambulatory and fall resistant.
Hope this helps.
Tom
My wife and I have done it both ways, the first time on the forest path and the second time on the roadway. We thought the views on the roadway path were outstanding. The views on the forest path might be better, I suppose, but you sure couldn’t prove it by us; we were too busy watching our feet to look up. It’s pretty challenging. We didn’t regret taking the other path the second time.Has anyone done both and have an opinion on which they prefer and why? I’m thinking of giving it a go but only if I’m really missing out by going the longer road way.
Absolutely!!!!HI @Ahaj
Last October I walked from SJPP to Roncesvalles for the 4th time. All previous times I took the steep path, but this time I took the alternative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it picturesque. I've read descriptions of it as 'walking on the road' but I think that's misleading. It's a very quiet 'road' and much of the time we were on a grassy verge. I wonder if that was your experience. There were some lovely views looking down to Roncesvalles and I liked the entry into Roncesvalles.
The steep path through the forest is atmospheric for sure, but I seem to recall that each time I've walked it I was very focused on how I was walking, and being careful not to trip or slide. I found the alternative more enjoyable in that regard. So, in trying to answer your question, I have enjoyed both but I too have a few knee issues - and if I walk that path again, I will choose 'the road' option again.
Hi there, fellow pilgrim! I've only walked the route that goes off to the left, sometimes called the steep route. It was steeper at the beginning and a couple of places after that, but mostly I was carried away by what I've come to call The Enchanted Woods. It was absolutely gorgeous. However! My legs were so tired from having crossed the Pyrenees already that I ended up with a very sore knee until I went to bed that night. Turns out was actually due to tight calf muscles. The next morning it was okay. So yes, it can be harder on the knees, especially for people like me who weren't that well prepared.I have only ever turned right and descended on the road into Ronscevalles assuming it would be too hard on the knees to go the main route. I have an occasional, minor degree of pain in one knee on steep descents. I am wondering just how hard the forest way is. Has anyone done both and have an opinion on which they prefer and why? I’m thinking of giving it a go but only if I’m really missing out by going the longer road way.
It seems that the staff of the Pilgrim's office always has a story of someone who sprained an ankle or broke their arm just the day before, so I have always taken their advice (4 times) and walked the gentle way to the right. After reading @John Crawford Howell's account in post #11, I think that I made the right decision!The pilgrim office in SJPDP recommends not to take the forest route. The alternate is quite beautiful.
I would caution going to the left. There are a few slightly steep sections that are not that steep but always shaded so they stay damp and very slippery. It looks like you're standing on a smooth sandy surface but really it is rock hard with a thin layer of mud. In addition since it is beautifully shaded you lose your sense of level. Only section from SJPDP to Santigo that I saw the necessity of EMTs in a motorized mini ambulance.I have only ever turned right and descended on the road into Ronscevalles assuming it would be too hard on the knees to go the main route. I have an occasional, minor degree of pain in one knee on steep descents. I am wondering just how hard the forest way is. Has anyone done both and have an opinion on which they prefer and why? I’m thinking of giving it a go but only if I’m really missing out by going the longer road way.
You are a sensible person, Trecile, so of course you made the right decision. I'm a Marine which may explain my, ahem . . . decision.It seems that the staff of the Pilgrim's office always has a story of someone who sprained an ankle or broke their arm just the day before, so I have always taken their advice (4 times) and walked the gentle way to the right. After reading @John Crawford Howell's account in post #11, I think that I made the right decision!
And I’m a cautious retired lawyer so I guess you can see the choice I’m making after all your kind advice!!!You are a sensible person, Trecile, so of course you made the right decision. I'm a Marine which may explain my, ahem . . . decision.
Same. We saw quite a few vehicles between SJPP and the Col. But none on the 'road' leading down to Roncesvalles.I don't remember ever seeing a vehicle on the road. I've seen plenty of sheep though.
View attachment 164602
I am one of those people who took the forest path inadvertently many years ago- 2009- - despite having been warned by the Pilgrim Office to avoid it. I don't remember the terrain- perhaps I was too tired or because I came upon a film crew complete with people on horseback who looked like they had stepped out of the Middle Ages. When I tried to talk about my experience in Roncesvalles and no one seemed to know what I was talking about, I realized I had taken the "wrong" path!HI @Ahaj
Last October I walked from SJPP to Roncesvalles for the 4th time. All previous times I took the steep path, but this time I took the alternative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it picturesque. I've read descriptions of it as 'walking on the road' but I think that's misleading. It's a very quiet 'road' and much of the time we were on a grassy verge. I wonder if that was your experience. There were some lovely views looking down to Roncesvalles and I liked the entry into Roncesvalles.
The steep path through the forest is atmospheric for sure, but I seem to recall that each time I've walked it I was very focused on how I was walking, and being careful not to trip or slide. I found the alternative more enjoyable in that regard. So, in trying to answer your question, I have enjoyed both but I too have a few knee issues - and if I walk that path again, I will choose 'the road' option again.
I have only ever turned right and descended on the road into Ronscevalles assuming it would be too hard on the knees to go the main route. I have an occasional, minor degree of pain in one knee on steep descents. I am wondering just how hard the forest way is. Has anyone done both and have an opinion on which they prefer and why? I’m thinking of giving it a go but only if I’m really missing out by going the longer road way.
Proof that poetry does not have to rhyme!I’ve gone through the woods twice and I have a bad knee.
I take very short steps, striding no more than the length of my shoe. Shorter sometimes. Baby steps.
And I lean back slightly at the hips.
And I lengthen my poles and always keep them in front of me. Real long poles.
And I zigzagged a little. The trail is often wide enough for this.
Never allow your momentum to build. Pause between steps on the steepest parts, a split second will do.
And it was a lovely walk both times, and one time it was wet and rainy.
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