First Camino

[Treasa]

Hi all, I am flying out of Dublin on my first camino tomorrow morning , with a little trepidation considering the recent events...I choose to do the northern way but am wondering if its too quiet at this time of year...are the aubergue too far apart?? I hope to ease myself into the way...have 8 days to do 6 days walking or thereabouts....will be starting from Bilbao and wonder should iI change to the French way...or stay with my original plans.....any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated..Treasa

 

[MKalcolm M]

Hi Treasa,

Take a deep breathe and relax, you will be fine on the Norte at this time of year. I walked starting May 15th a couple of years ago, and there were plenty of other walkers if you wanted company. The alberges are less frequent than on the Frances, but they are well spaced for a days walking. The hospitaleros are generally very knowledgeable about the next days options and can tell you what is ahead, it often boils down to a simple choice of walking say 18kms or going on for another 5 or 10.

I too wondered about if I had made the right decision, particularly when I saw how many people were heading for the Frances, but I stayed with my original choice and was very glad I did so. The norte is a great walk, and I made some lovely friends, many of whom I have stayed in contact with and visited in their countries or hosted them when they came to visit me.

Buen Camino!

 

[Treasa]

Hi Treasa,

Take a deep breathe and relax, you will be fine on the Norte at this time of year. I walked starting May 15th a couple of years ago, and there were plenty of other walkers if you wanted company. The alberges are less frequent than on the Frances, but they are well spaced for a days walking. The hospitaleros are generally very knowledgeable about the next days options and can tell you what is ahead, it often boils down to a simple choice of walking say 18kms or going on for another 5 or 10.

I too wondered about if I had made the right decision, particularly when I saw how many people were heading for the Frances, but I stayed with my original choice and was very glad I did so. The norte is a great walk, and I made some lovely friends, many of whom I have stayed in contact with and visited in their countries or hosted them when they came to visit me.

Buen Camino!

Thank you Mkalcom M. for that, although I not so sure about the 18+ k every day!! will be easing my self in for the 1st couple days.....so ok I will relax and enjoy and take it day by day! thank you for your reply...T

 

[grayland]

The Norte will be a good choice.

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Hi Treasa,
Try not to let worry ruin your experience, I'm flying from Dublin Sat 3 weeks and with recent events I too had a few days of will I or won't I or should I or should I not?! But reason prevailed eventually, I guess one needs to consider the number of pilgrims who have walked the way in the last decade and that given the amount of people the percentage of incidents is minute. We might be in as much danger going to the wrong places in our own cities here. I asked in a seperate thread would I be alone/safe/okay on the Frances and one man replied and said he had walked the Frances with his 16 year old daughter and if she asked to travel it on her own in the morning he would allow her - that says a lot, fathers can be ott about their daughters safety!! I know I'm doing a section of the camino Frances so it's different people numbers wise but I think this time of year as mentioned above you are likely to meet others for sure on the Northern way too. Just listen to your instinct at all times and you will be fine.
I hope you have a lovely time,
Buen Camino
Rita

 

[Cailin O Eire]

Hi Treasa,
Try not to let worry ruin your experience, I'm flying from Dublin Sat 3 weeks and with recent events I too had a few days of will I or won't I or should I or should I not?! But reason prevailed eventually, I guess one needs to consider the number of pilgrims who have walked the way in the last decade and that given the amount of people the percentage of incidents is minute. We might be in as much danger going to the wrong places in our own cities here. I asked in a seperate thread would I be alone/safe/okay on the Frances and one man replied and said he had walked the Frances with his 16 year old daughter and if she asked to travel it on her own in the morning he would allow her - that says a lot, fathers can be ott about their daughters safety!! I know I'm doing a section of the camino Frances so it's different people numbers wise but I think this time of year as mentioned above you are likely to meet others for sure on the Northern way too. Just listen to your instinct at all times and you will be fine.
I hope you have a lovely time,
Buen Camino
Rita

 

[Treasa]

Hi Treasa,
Try not to let worry ruin your experience, I'm flying from Dublin Sat 3 weeks and with recent events I too had a few days of will I or won't I or should I or should I not?! But reason prevailed eventually, I guess one needs to consider the number of pilgrims who have walked the way in the last decade and that given the amount of people the percentage of incidents is minute. We might be in as much danger going to the wrong places in our own cities here. I asked in a seperate thread would I be alone/safe/okay on the Frances and one man replied and said he had walked the Frances with his 16 year old daughter and if she asked to travel it on her own in the morning he would allow her - that says a lot, fathers can be ott about their daughters safety!! I know I'm doing a section of the camino Frances so it's different people numbers wise but I think this time of year as mentioned above you are likely to meet others for sure on the Northern way too. Just listen to your instinct at all times and you will be fine.
I hope you have a lovely time,
Buen Camino
Rita

 

[SYates]

Both are fine! What ever you do, Buen Camino! SY

 

[jpflavin1]

Hi all, I am flying out of Dublin on my first camino tomorrow morning , with a little trepidation considering the recent events...I choose to do the northern way but am wondering if its too quiet at this time of year...are the aubergue too far apart?? I hope to ease myself into the way...have 8 days to do 6 days walking or thereabouts....will be starting from Bilbao and wonder should iI change to the French way...or stay with my original plans.....any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated..Treasa

Treasa:

It all depends on what you are looking for in your walk? The Norte will have plenty of activity this time of year. If you choose that way, you might want to contact Mendiwalker. He is a forum member and lives in Bilbao. He met me and walked through the city. He might also provide you with insight others might not have because He lives there.

The Frances will also be quite active at this time.

You could also walk a shorter route like the Ingles if you want to finish in Santiago.

Whatever your decision, I am sure it will be a good choice for you.

Ultreya,
Joe