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Hi Laurie, I suspect that this might not be a common problem. When we chatted with others about it today, they simply following the red and white GR markers, or the very clear instructions in the Northern Caminos guideWe foolishly took advice from a Spanish hiker, even though I strongly suspected that it wasn't right.
We had fun creating our own trail between the lower and higher options. Not something I'd recommend, but definitely one of our most memorable Camino adventures! And the views from the Alpinista are magnificent.
I also missed it,Laurie. There was a mass on in Basque when I arrived. There was a couple of hundred people outside the church. A man told me it will be the Saints day in about a week's time. When I left I can remember coming to a steep path on the right. On the left there were two tracks in to a Wood. I went into the Wood. It wasn't until I'd nearly finished that I realized I had done the wrong track. I put it down to being distracted by the mass,cheers Mick.Ok, so Nuala has reported on findpilgrims that she has once again missed the turnoff for the Alpinista route after leaving Irún. I think this means that we need some clearer instructions for people who want to take that alternative (most highly recommended). I must have been lucky because I am the queen of getting lost and never had a problem. I did talk to others in San Sebastián who, like Nuala, found themselves unintentionally on the lower path and were kicking themselves. So for others that are coming behind, some clearer instructions might be useful.
And, btw, the label of "alpinista" route is highly misleading. This is not an alpine route by any means. It has a little scramble up at the beginning, but is totally walkable by any pilgrim who is in good enough shape to walk from Irún to Santiago.
All I remember is that I found the path slightly after passing a sanctuary. Anyone else have more precise instructions?
Buen camino, Laurie
Hi Laurie am on The Norte as I write , just follow the GR121 with the yellow arrows very easy. We did it two days ago and for a great place to stay come down from Fero cross on the ferry at Pasia turn right onleaviing ferry up the stairs where the path forks follow the Camino arrow to yr left on to the road go about 800m to “Doce Tribus” this place amazing 20 beds all facilities x wifi if you go past you have missed one the most beautiful experiences. Terry aka TexOk, so Nuala has reported on findpilgrims that she has once again missed the turnoff for the Alpinista route after leaving Irún. I think this means that we need some clearer instructions for people who want to take that alternative (most highly recommended). I must have been lucky because I am the queen of getting lost and never had a problem. I did talk to others in San Sebastián who, like Nuala, found themselves unintentionally on the lower path and were kicking themselves. So for others that are coming behind, some clearer instructions might be useful.
And, btw, the label of "alpinista" route is highly misleading. This is not an alpine route by any means. It has a little scramble up at the beginning, but is totally walkable by any pilgrim who is in good enough shape to walk from Irún to Santiago.
All I remember is that I found the path slightly after passing a sanctuary. Anyone else have more precise instructions?
Buen camino, Laurie
Actually, I have heard amazing things about this place too, pity it does not appear as an option for accommodation in any guide.Hi Laurie am on The Norte as I write , just follow the GR121 with the yellow arrows very easy. We did it two days ago and for a great place to stay come down from Fero cross on the ferry at Pasia turn right onleaviing ferry up the stairs where the path forks follow the Camino arrow to yr left on to the road go about 800m to “Doce Tribus” this place amazing 20 beds all facilities x wifi if you go past you have missed one the most beautiful experiences. Terry aka Tex
Hi Laurie am on The Norte as I write , just follow the GR121 with the yellow arrows very easy. We did it two days ago and for a great place to stay come down from Fero cross on the ferry at Pasia turn right onleaviing ferry up the stairs where the path forks follow the Camino arrow to yr left on to the road go about 800m to “Doce Tribus” this place amazing 20 beds all facilities x wifi if you go past you have missed one the most beautiful experiences. Terry aka Tex
Hi Laurie. When you arrives to Monasterio de Guadalupe, lets say 5 km after Irun, you need to follow the path near the " Casa Forestal de Jaizkibel" Later, before passing the stairs the trail turn divided in two. You need to choose the rigth track to take the "Alpinist Route", its only 540 mtrs high on the top.
To take the alpista route, I remember, just past and behind the sanctuary of Guadalupe, near the coffee/tourist shop - turning left and going straight up the hill. It was a scramble. There was an arrow made out of wood, not very easy to spot.
I never said anything to Pingüirino, because I thought I must have my memory wrong. He said choose the path to the right. But my memory was that I did the same thing Kanga remembers, turning left and going straight up the hill after the sanctuary.
But after doing a bit more googling and looking at tracks, this is what I think. At the sanctuary, the Camino takes a left (easterly) turn. Soon thereafter, there must be another split. Taking the left takes you around the back of the hill, while taking the alternative to the right gets you to the higher route. And just like Kanga, I remember that at that point there is a sharp ascent. Of course, this might all be wrong, but that is one explanation of why Kanga and I remember a left hand turn.
I have since heard from two more people who missed the higher route, so if anyone had clear pictures to post, that would be helpful.
Hi Laurie. When you arrives to Monasterio de Guadalupe, lets say 5 km after Irun, you need to follow the path near the " Casa Forestal de Jaizkibel" Later, before passing the stairs the trail turn divided in two. You need to choose the rigth track to take the "Alpinist Route", its only 540 mtrs high on the top.
It is described in the German outdoor guidebook by Raimond JoosActually, I have heard amazing things about this place too, pity it does not appear as an option for accommodation in any guide.
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