First timer on the Camino del Norte

[Chris81]

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping to do the walk From Irun right through to Santiago de Compostella. I'll be walking the first half with my mum and sister and the second half on my own. I plan to do it over a 4 week period starting around 21st May! Its several months away but i'm already really excited about the journey and meeting lots of friendly people! I've been looking at various websites for tips and help but there are so many, its hard to take it all in. I found this website today and it's looks fantastic, everyone seems very friendly and eager to help..its brillant!

I was wondering if anyone had done this route and if so can you tell me what you thought? the highs and lows? and any other tips you can think of?

Great to be part of the Camino community,

Chris

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum. If you haven't discovered it already here I'm sure others that have walked that route will be able to help you further with any specific advice\information that you need.

Buen Camino
Mig

 

[Chris81]

Thanks for the link Mig!

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Chris81,

Welcome to the forum (and if 81 is your birthday year, I am old enough to be your mother, and I'm sure she will love this journey as well).

After you take a look at some of the posts on the link miguel sent you, please post back with more questions. I could go on and on about this lovely route (only downside for me was lots of asphalt), which in fact I have already done in many of the other posts, for instance:

el-camino-del-norte/topic2829.html
el-camino-del-norte/topic12086.html

Looking forward to continuing the conversation, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Alan Pearce]

Hi Chris

I walked the del Norte in late August/Sept in 2009 with a companion. We had 2 days when we did not walk, and our total trip time was 33 days, so it took us 31 days actual walking time. We were fit, and I think to do it much quicker than that would be a big ask. The first section from Irun to Bilbao is more strenuous than anything I have encountered on the Aragones or the Via de le Plata.

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

I agree the first week is very strenuous lots of up and down hills so be prepared for that I found the section they call Calvary the hardest but It was very enjoyable for all that

 

[APilgrim3393]

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping to do the walk From Irun right through to Santiago de Compostella. I'll be walking the first half with my mum and sister and the second half on my own. I plan to do it over a 4 week period starting around 21st May! Its several months away but i'm already really excited about the journey and meeting lots of friendly people! I've been looking at various websites for tips and help but there are so many, its hard to take it all in. I found this website today and it's looks fantastic, everyone seems very friendly and eager to help..its brillant!

I was wondering if anyone had done this route and if so can you tell me what you thought? the highs and lows? and any other tips you can think of?

Great to be part of the Camino community,

Chris

The norte is my personal favorite for the landscape. It is exciting having views of the sea appear at times when one least expects. You'll have your choice of many beaches, some of which, will be empty. It is less crowded and a bit more physically challenging than the others I've done. In summer, during a regular year, you will find many towns and cities with beaches that are filled with tourists but I had no problem finding a place to sleep. And being most days were filled with solitude walking, I welcomed see the tourists. Blisters are a problem for many especially from Irun to Bilbao where you build your hiking legs right out of the gate on the most difficult beginning stages. I took more zero days or nero (near zero) days than most and if you have the time and resources might be a good option especially in the first weeks.