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En route

JohnLloyd

Veteran Member
Donating Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Francés (2018), Português (2019), Inglés (2022)
It’s my last full day in the UK, before I fly to Biarritz tomorrow afternoon.

I’m strangely calm. Almost zen-like.

I think I’m as ready as I can be.

But I’m open to one last piece of advice.

Napoleon or Valcarlos?
 
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Definitely the Napoleon, if the weather is ok (although I have crossed it in low cloud and driving rain!)

The forecast for Wednesday 22nd, when I assume you'll be setting off, is clear skies, no rain or cloud, max temperature 30 - take plenty of water and wear a hat!

Buen Camino.
 
JohnLloyd said:
It’s my last full day in the UK, before I fly to Biarritz tomorrow afternoon.

I’m strangely calm. Almost zen-like.

I think I’m as ready as I can be.

But I’m open to one last piece of advice.

Napoleon or Valcarlos?
Click to expand...


Napoleon every day only trekked Nopoleon 10 times and valcarlos once because of bad weather buen camino
 
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I’m staying in SJPP on the 22nd and I’ll get going on the 23rd.

I have a hat
 
I went Varcarlos in April as a solo female simply because the pilgrims office strongly suggested it. Wrong. Go Napolean unless you want lots of up-downs and some very narrow dangerous trail paths that have eroded away. With that said, I did enjoy the walk as it's very beautiful, but just wasn't prepared mentally for the challenge that it presented. Just a thought.
 
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Buen Camino! Day after tomorrow, wake up and look around, 40-50 people headed up Napoleon? Maybe not. The way is steep, the scenery can be magnificent, the accomplishment is heartening for you - a proud moment for you yourself - in company with several other pilgrims to share your feelings is fantastic - crowds do not enhance the experience. Waking up in Roncevalles and you hurt all over, stiff here ache there, ignore the guidebooks, listen to your body and consider a shorter day.
 
JohnLloyd said:
It’s my last full day in the UK, before I fly to Biarritz tomorrow afternoon.

I’m strangely calm. Almost zen-like.

I think I’m as ready as I can be.

But I’m open to one last piece of advice.

Napoleon or Valcarlos?
Click to expand...
I fly into Biarritz tomorrow also, but I will start walking straight away, as I am stopping at Orisson tomorrow night. I am as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve.

The Napoleon route is lovely and looks like good weather for the view. Certainly worth considering the alternative if you want to have an easier start and break the stage to Roncesvalles into two days. Maybe see you along the way.

Buen Camino
 
I've done both (as many on this forum have!) and they are quite different. The views on the Napoleon are stunning; the views on Valcarlos, not quite, but it's very nice in other ways! TAKE WATER on both!!! I'm sure you'll do it again so maybe do BOTH! A lot of people on the Nap, not so many on the Val. !BUEN CAMINO!
 
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JohnLloyd said:
It’s my last full day in the UK, before I fly to Biarritz tomorrow afternoon.

I’m strangely calm. Almost zen-like.

I think I’m as ready as I can be.

But I’m open to one last piece of advice.

Napoleon or Valcarlos?
Click to expand...
As the others have said, Napoleon. However, it is steep (particularly going up to Orisson), so stop there if you feel tired. Otherwise, you can make it to Roncevalles, walking at a slower pace even.
Buen Camino!
 
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