Family of 6 Camino del norte

[Fruhma]

Family of 6 (kids 18, 13, 11, 8), planning our walk on Camino del norte (Bilbao to Santander) in August. We cycled part of CF in 2017. I am a bit worried about accommadtions as we are so many. I cannot seem to find enough information about albergues on the part. Any suggestions? I know that i cannot prebook.
Thanks,
Lyn

 

[peregrino_tom]

Hi Lyn
have you looked at Gronze yet?
And there are other good guides too, like the Cicerone one (which I used) and the Wise Pilgrim one.
I think there's quite a fair mix of accommodation options on this stretch, many of which will be bookable, but wider apart than you found on the Frances. So what may limit your options is the distance you can manage each day with the younger ones - what daily distances are you going to be aiming for?
Secondly, August will be a difficult month because this part of the coast is very popular for family holidays and you will be going in peak season (when the prices are higher too). That means the 'cheap' hotels and private apartment-style accommodation which pilgrims sometimes opt for is likely to be all be booked up.
So you have set yourself quite a challenge, but have a look at Gronze and see whether I'm being unduly negative!
What I can say is that I'd expect the Guemes albergue (probably the day before you reach Santander) to give you a warm welcome and be an excellent place for you all to stay.
Cheers, tom

 

[Fruhma]

Thanks Tom, great advise! I have actually walked and cycled the camino (only the Frances) mamy times but alone and years ago ('98, '99 and '00) so my main concern is precisely what you mentioned, how far my youngest two can walk. I am hoping between 15-18 km per day. These teo guides i didnt find on my search so thanks again! I might have to choose a different camino..

 

[peregrino_tom]

And here's the link to where you can download Dave Whitson's del Norte accommodation resource that is on the forum.
Yes, you might have to rethink the camino part you have selected. But I think everywhere will present challenges in August.
Perhaps look at the Camino Ingles?

 

[Dennis Pack]

Also try the Editorial Buen Camino app

 

[jsalt]

Family of 6 (kids 18, 13, 11, 8), planning our walk on Camino del norte (Bilbao to Santander) in August.

Hi, for a 5 day walk (plus or minus a day), for a group of 6, between Bilbao and Santander in August, I would most definitely pre-book every night, as the whole of Spain is on holiday then.

Gronze has most of the available accommodation listed.

 

[Fruhma]

Thanks. I have decided to try the camino vasco due to your response and the other few that i received.

 

[Fruhma]

Thank you for the responses! I have indeed chamged my plans, will begin in Vitoria and do a 5 day Camino Invierno. Any suggestions here? Should i pre-book anyway because we have children and we are a large group?