Sunny Fitgirl
Fast Little Canadian
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (May/June 2017)
Camino Norte (May/June 2018)
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Hi Carla, We are near Llanes in Asturias. Orange works we!l for us. Over 8 years never used anything else. Picks up Movistar masts when appropriate.I did the Frances Route last year at this time and loved it. Next month I start the Norte. I have a couple of questions.
1) It sounds like I may average coming across around 15 pilgrims per day. Does that sound about right? Huge difference from the Frances.
2) I didn't have a Spanish Sim card or plan last time. Just used wifi but I think I will get a package. Any suggestions of what plans worked best for you. (Movistar, Vodafone, ...) Canadian add-ons are too expensive and I haven't had the best luck with them in the past.
Thanks,
Carla
It will definitely be more than 15. It is now probably at least 30 to 40 and next month it could be around 50 or so. I walked last year in July and think it averaged somewhere between 60 and 80 a day. But the number might be higher, because it is difficult to count the pilgrims that are not staying in albergues. You won't be lonely, no worries!It sounds like I may average coming across around 15 pilgrims per day. Does that sound about right? Huge difference from the Frances.
It will definitely be more than 15. It is now probably at least 30 to 40 and next month it could be around 50 or so. I walked last year in July and think it averaged somewhere between 60 and 80 a day. But the number might be higher, because it is difficult to count the pilgrims that are not staying in albergues. You won't be lonely, no worries!
Is there a reason that you have chosen the Norte over the Camino Frances? I'm asking because the CF has more infrastructure making it easier to walk shorter stages when you want. I haven't walked the Norte yet (I start July 4th), but I've heard that it's a lot more challenging. I'm glad that the Camino Frances was my first (and second) Camino, but now I'm ready to branch out. BTW, I've found a website that's good for planning stages on the Norte: http://www.rutasasantiago.com/BDCaminos/configurador-etapas-camino-de-santiago?cam=Camino-del-Norte. Also, Gronze.com is very helpful.Thanks for the advice. Can I ask you opinion on something else? I am going for 6 weeks, and I know the entire Camino del Norte can be done in 6 weeks, but I am quite unfit and overweight (this trip is to help me turn that around) so I will probably be slower than most, and might not get the full Irun to Santiago completed. I am flying into Bilbao, but was planning to travel to Irun to start. I've read the section from Irun to Bilbao is some of the best scenery but also the toughest climb. I'm a little anxious starting out on such a tough section, but I suppose I don't need to do the 25km each day if I'm not able. What would your advice be? If I have to skip a section, what would you suggest?
Your advice is much appreciated
Is there a reason that you have chosen the Norte over the Camino Frances? I'm asking because the CF has more infrastructure making it easier to walk shorter stages when you want. I haven't walked the Norte yet (I start July 4th), but I've heard that it's a lot more challenging. I'm glad that the Camino Frances was my first (and second) Camino, but now I'm ready to branch out. BTW, I've found a website that's good for planning stages on the Norte: http://www.rutasasantiago.com/BDCaminos/configurador-etapas-camino-de-santiago?cam=Camino-del-Norte. Also, Gronze.com is very helpful.
I walked the Norte in may/June this year. The first 3 weeks I walked with my wife, who did not walk a Camino before. To start in Irun did not seem to be a good idea. So we started in Bilbao. As all was going well we decided after about 8 days to travel back to Irun and do the beautifully stretch from Iran to Bilbao. Without any doubt this stretch was harder than after Bilbao, but we had done a long week of "training" We turned back in Boo the Pielagos, where the albergue is 100 meter from the station. From there I continued after waiking from Irun to Bilbao. The only disadvantages was "loosing" a day.Thanks for the advice. Can I ask you opinion on something else? I am going for 6 weeks, and I know the entire Camino del Norte can be done in 6 weeks, but I am quite unfit and overweight (this trip is to help me turn that around) so I will probably be slower than most, and might not get the full Irun to Santiago completed. I am flying into Bilbao, but was planning to travel to Irun to start. I've read the section from Irun to Bilbao is some of the best scenery but also the toughest climb. I'm a little anxious starting out on such a tough section, but I suppose I don't need to do the 25km each day if I'm not able. What would your advice be? If I have to skip a section, what would you suggest?
Your advice is much appreciated
I have only walked from Irún to Villaviciosa so far. I would say around the cities. More industrial, and always public transport options. For example:
Larrabetzu - Bilbao (14,5k)
Bilbao - Portugalete (12,5/19.5k)
Santander - Mogro (12k) -> take the train and you'll skip the railway bridge between Boo and Mogro
Gijón - Avilés (25k) -> haven't done it, but seems to be very industrial
You could also expand the last one and skip all the way between Colunga and Avilés. This way you'll skip 3 stages (Colunga - Villaviciosa - Gijón - Avilés). I found Colunga - Villaviciosa not so interesting because the Camino stays close to the highway A8 all the time (crossing it a few times) and Villiviciosa - Gijón would mean walking into a city, so I guess that stage is also less interesting (but I haven't done it).
I was worried about that too, and have made a reservation at a guest house called Casa Txurdin, which is close to the albergue in Pasajes, that another member mentioned. It's 25€ and includes breakfast. The phone number is +34 685 47 57 33. They are on WhatsApp, so I messaged them that way to make my reservation.Hello, I am starting in Irun end of August--yes, a busy time...
I plan to walk to Pasajes de San Juan as San Sebastian seems too far.
I see there is only one albergue with fifteen beds. I wonder if anyone has advice regarding where I could stay (on a modest budget).
Do you suggest booking in advance? I am not planning to take a phone, but will have wifi access. I have not needed to book before (Primitivo, CF or Le Puy en Velay), but I understand that I am walking during a busy time.
Also, is it customary for hospitalero/a to make reservations for pilgrims for the next night's accommodation?
Thank you for any advice.
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