Hi Den I did the Val Carlos last year having walked the traditional route the three times before and believe me I found it harder and far less enjoyable. The route is tarmac the whole way to roncevalles walking on the side of the road with cars and trucks whizzing past you and there is no respite at all. There is a short cut at road marker 58 which I ventured down what a huge mistake all the water run offs from the hills made the track so muddy and the surface is mostly loose stone and slate so after about a kilometre I turned around and came back to the main road, please do not try it it’s an awful route and hundreds of mosquitoes, take lots of water. The road is so steep even the cyclists get off their bikes and walk. Keith from Norfolk Buen Camino