- Time of past OR future Camino
- February-March 2024
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I've only ever walked via Valcarlos. I have a great affection for that little Basque town and the way in which it gentles me into Camino. I've not walked it as early in the year as February and the Puerto de Ibañeta can be rough in rough weather even if you stick to the road. I had heavy snow one April and was grateful to get to Burguete.Is trekking the Valcarlos in February worthwhile?
Much less true than it used to be. Although numbers starting from SJPDP have been fairly steady over the past few years - Covid-excepted - the numbers who choose Roncesvalles as their starting point have plunged over the past 20 years. Now about 1/3 of the numbers at the peak of its popularity and a much smaller percentage of pilgrims overall than in the past. Spanish pilgrims have mostly followed the trend for shorter walks and now start closer to Santiago.If you were Spanish you would consider Roncesvalles to be the starting point of the Camino Frances.
Poor wording on my part.Much less true than it used to be. Although numbers starting from SJPDP have been fairly steady over the past few years - Covid-excepted - the numbers who choose Roncesvalles as their starting point have plunged over the past 20 years. Now about 1/3 of the numbers at the peak of its popularity and a much smaller percentage of pilgrims overall than in the past. Spanish pilgrims have mostly followed the trend for shorter walks and now start closer to Santiago.
Hi,Hello there. I'm Susanne, a church minister on sabbatical, and I'm planning my first camino. I'd appreciate your advice, especially from folks who have walked the Valcarlos Route in winter.
I arrive in Madrid on February 14. Since the Napoleon Route is closed (and also no bus to SJPP), I followed Stephan the Painter's counsel, and I bought tix to get to SJPP via Bayonne.
But . . . in another thread on the Forum some experienced folks advised me just to start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona, not to bother with the mountains in February. It might be overcast then, so no view. Plus the Valcarlos Route is not without risk and pain. Is trekking the Valcarlos in February worthwhile? Please share your thoughts.
Starting in Roncesvalles worked for me.Hi,
I arrive in Madrid one day before you for my first camino and considering the length of the SJPP to Roncesvalles stage coupled with winter weather I have decided to start in Roncesvalles.
Hope that works.
I see you've gotten any good answers to your query, but I'll chime in.Hello there. I'm Susanne, a church minister on sabbatical, and I'm planning my first camino. I'd appreciate your advice, especially from folks who have walked the Valcarlos Route in winter.
I arrive in Madrid on February 14. Since the Napoleon Route is closed (and also no bus to SJPP), I followed Stephan the Painter's counsel, and I bought tix to get to SJPP via Bayonne.
But . . . in another thread on the Forum some experienced folks advised me just to start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona, not to bother with the mountains in February. It might be overcast then, so no view. Plus the Valcarlos Route is not without risk and pain. Is trekking the Valcarlos in February worthwhile? Please share your thoughts.
You could consider starting in Ostabat instead. It is about 20 km further away from Santiago than SJPP is. According to my guide by Don Elias, it is where the routes from Paris, Vezelay and Le Puy merge and thus might be considered the start of the Camino Frances. It'll give you a day of walking to warm up for the Pyrenees climb and allow you to be smug in front of all the folks who start at SJPP. ;-)But every year is different. That said, I'm planning to go back and start in SJPP this year because for whatever silly reason I have it in my mind as the "correct" place to start.
Hi Susanne,Hello there. I'm Susanne, a church minister on sabbatical, and I'm planning my first camino. I'd appreciate your advice, especially from folks who have walked the Valcarlos Route in winter.
I arrive in Madrid on February 14. Since the Napoleon Route is closed (and also no bus to SJPP), I followed Stephan the Painter's counsel, and I bought tix to get to SJPP via Bayonne.
But . . . in another thread on the Forum some experienced folks advised me just to start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona, not to bother with the mountains in February. It might be overcast then, so no view. Plus the Valcarlos Route is not without risk and pain. Is trekking the Valcarlos in February worthwhile? Please share your thoughts.
Gianni,Hi Susanne,
I’ve completed 5 Camino’s (starting my 6th on the 25th) I’ve always walked this time of year as it works best with my schedule and I don’t like hordes of people. Every time I’ve started in SJPP and in the winter you have to walk the Valcarlos route. It’s mainly on the road but it’s really pretty. I would not miss it. You can break it up into two days. SJPP to Valcarlos then Valcarlos to Roncesvalles. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino!
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