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On the way up Somport there are streams to cross. If it has been raining these could be quite difficult to walk through.
I have done it a few years ago in good weather and it was not difficult.
It's on the road for a good part(beware of trucks) and then on a nice path to the Somport Pass.
Your best option is to ask the locals at the hotel in Borce or Bedous and they will tell you the condition of the trail and indicate to you a safe way.
It's a nice stage that shouldn't be missed.
I walked from Oloron to Somport last July and thought a very few sections were dangerous, particularly where the path is cut into a cliff-face alongside the river ravine. Unfortunately I cannot remember if this as the section from Borce. It was relatively dry when I did it but I would not do it in the wet, even with the hand-holds provided. The last day to Somport I also found fairly strenuous, as I think it rises 1000m over the 17km journey. It's beautiful but if you are nervous you have the option of the road (maybe not so safe itself), or taking a bus or taxi.
By the way, it's much easier and safer on the Spanish side!
I stayed at the albergue in Borce on the 16th of September, 2016 and walked through to to the albergue at the top of the Somport Pass on Sept. 17. It had rained much of the time from Oloron Ste Marie to Somport, but I did not find that this made the walk up to the pass particularly difficult. I don't remember that there were any streams blocking the trail. I would hate to have missed it. I walked alone and I was 68 at the time. Buen camino.
Ness,I’m in Borce tonight and need to decide if I should walk to the Somport Pass or take the bus. ...Hoping that someone can remember the route and
Thank you , Bernice, for your good wishes and for sharing your experience. I am walking to Jaca today, but will definitely go to the Albergue in Arres that you recommend. I am hoping that I will meet up with a pilgrim or to on my way to Puenta la Reina; I’m a little tired of my own company.
Ness,
Company will be a challenge, especially when you get to the Francés. I recall someone saying that at the albergue in Jaca, the heating was on all day, and that it was very pleasant there. I stayed elsewhere and it was freezing. I understand your being rather tired of your own company, but I was heartened to find that it was manageable and that solitude didn't cause me to give up. My next Camino will be alone. All the best. Bernice
I can also recommend the albergue at Santa Cilia, particularly if you are planning that gruelling walk up to the monastery after leaving Jaca. The lady that runs it is lovely, and will cook you a great meal.
Thank you for the advice, Karl Oz. I am thinking about taking the Juan de la Pena route today. Unfortunately was told by Hospitalero that there is no accommodation in Santa Cilia. Though he might have meant no municipal; I only get the gist of what I’m being told. But, just day 2 in Spain. I will improve. I will look out for a private allergy’s in Santa Cilia.
I walked from Oleron some years ago after a two weeks walk on GR65. It was middle of May and it had been raining for days. There was a warning about the path, everyone told me I had to take the road some streches, and so I did. The traffic was heavy and I sometimes felt it could be more dangerous than the path. Took the bus through the tunnel the last km up to Somport. From there the onwards the path was great. I had been a bit scared about the arroyos, but there were built some small wooden bridges over those that might have been a problem.Very grateful to have found this thread.
My plan is to walk from Oloron-Sainte-Marie to Somport and then continue on the Aragones this year.
The prospect of facing a ravine or walking close to a cliff fills me with fear.
I do not mind steep climbs but not close to a cliff.
Seems the alternative from Borce to Somport along the mainroad is not safe either.
Some thinking to do....
I walked the Camino Aragones in October last year.It was an easy walk from Oloron St Marie until the last 2.7 Kms before SarranceVery grateful to have found this thread.
My plan is to walk from Oloron-Sainte-Marie to Somport and then continue on the Aragones this year.
The prospect of facing a ravine or walking close to a cliff fills me with fear.
I do not mind steep climbs but not close to a cliff.
Seems the alternative from Borce to Somport along the mainroad is not safe either.
Some thinking to do....
Buen CaminoI walked the Camino Aragones in October last year.It was an easy walk from Oloron St Marie until the last 2.7 Kms before Sarrance
which was along a narrow path with a ravine to the left hand side.The path was badly eroded.I took a tumble and I have to say it was the longest 2.7 Kms I have ever walked.
The next day I walked from Sarrance to Accous it was a beautiful walk apart from the exit from Sarrance which was along a similar path and for this part I had to watch every step.You are advised not to take the main road as it is very dangerous.It rained a lot that night and the following morning.I decided to take the bus directly to the Col du Somport .Thé tumble had knocked my confidence and I had no desire to repeat it.I had walked this way in 2019 without any problems and I crossed the Col on foot.It was a beautiful experience and therefore I had no hesitation taking the bus as I preferred to keep my memory of crossing the Col on a lovely sunny day.
I got off the bus at the Col not at Canfranc Estacion which is further down the valley.It was a steep descent down the valley along the Camino path.
It is a beautiful Camino with very good albergues , particularly at Santa Cilia and Tiebas.The couple who run the Tiebas are very welcoming .I am Irish and at the breakfast table they had left a little note for me in gaeilge wishing me Maidin Mhait which means "Good Morning " A lovely touch.
Burn Camino
I walked the Aragones for the first time in 2009.Buen Camino
There ARE some spots on the trail where you are walking on a narrow path that has a steep drop off. For those with a fear of heights, it can seem quite scary. Generally safe, but not so much if the rain has been steady.
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