How busy is route Napoleon in June ? (concerned about walking this stretch alone)

[Dutchwalk53]

Looks like I'll be walking alone this time. The only stretch that concerns me is from SJPP to Roncesvalles. Is this a fairly busy stretch in June? Last time I started in Pamplona and there were most of the time other pilgrims within 100 meters. Is this the same in the Pyrenees? I don't mind walking alone but would love to see some other people around me . Just for safety reasons. (not so much because I'm afraid to be attacked but more in case you trip or so and need a hand.) Also is the route very clearly marked? I know it is everywhere else but read somewhere the markers are different there? (don't want to get lost there ) I know I could take the lower route but I have my heart set on the Napoleon route . However if this is a not so smart idea...I won't

 

[whariwharangi]

The statistics if I recall correctly is that 30000 pilgrims that reach Santiago start from SJPdP. The summer months are busiest. You won't need to worry about being stranded alone.

The route is marked with Yellow arrows. The confusing bits are near SJPdP where there are several intersections. The critical part where you leave the road is well marked. I found the last bit where there is a decision point of going down a relatively steep hill through a forest or taking a road down to the highway and adding a km to the walk ... that point wasn't well indicated. You can see the albergue from this point so its not a big issue. I do recall there being a sign for GR11 which is a trans Pyrenees hiking trail.

Your only concern is that you have enough time to make the journey before it gets dark. The mountain weather can get snotty so make sure you have some energy snacks and good rain gear.

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Logically thinking ..... I should know that the Napoleon is no different the the rest of the Camino. Just need some reassurance I guess because I'm walking alone this time (last time my son was always in sight )

 

[MeganG22]

In June, I'm sure you will never have a moment when another person is not visible. I walked in October 2012 and there were SO MANY people leaving SJPdP the same day I left, and we all kept criss-crossing paths all day. I'm sure it will be an amazing day! Happy planning

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Plenty of people, and hardly anywhere that could be confîusing, nothing to worry about, you'll be just fine as long as you take your time.

 

[JabbaPapa]

It's busiest in September on that stretch out of SJPP, apparently.

 

[julia-t]

I walked alone from SJPdP to Orisson - it's pretty well marked leaving Saint Jean, and you can't really go far wrong on the rest of the climb up to Orisson.

If you stay at Orisson that first night, you will meet around 30 other people and set out with them the next morning so no chance to walk alone! Though you may well find yourself walking at times with no one else in sight, there is always someone within a few hundred metres.

 

[Cailin O Eire]

I was there this June gone and I can't remember been alone, my memories are always with others in sight. Plus met ppl walking out of St. Jean and we were walking buddies from then on! I definitely don't think you have need for concern in June
Buen Camino

 

[Aidan21]

Hi,
I walked alone during Sept 2013 and the route was very busy with other people always in view. The weather was very good and the views superb so I do understand why you want to take this route. I suspect that in June there will be many other pilgrims also so I think you will not be alone. However the weather is a very significant factor and perhaps at least as important as having company. Simply put if the weather is not good for the day you want to cross either delay your start until the weather improves or take the alternative route. 1400m above seal level in poor weather is somewhere you do not want to be. I hope you get the weather as you will get the company.
Aidan

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Thanks all. I kind of knew the answer but just needed a boost of confidence I walked with my son this year from Pamplona so walking alone and starting in SJPP is a new adventure for me.

 

[Felipe]

I walked this way the end of September. I was with people in sight all the time, and actually -coming from the lonely Piedmont way- I felt it quite crowded. When I stopped for a rest at Virgin of Biakorry (this is more or less half of the way) we were 15 or 20 of us. In June, which is high season, there will be much more people.
The SJPP Pilgrim's bureau will give you a leaflet with a sketchy map and instructions.
Being summer, carry plenty of water -there will be none between Huntto and Fuente de Roldán (km. 16.5).
Estimate your times so you arrive well before night. I did 9 hrs, which apparently is average.
Buen camino!

 

[SYates]

Looks like I'll be walking alone this time. The only stretch that concerns me is from SJPP to Roncesvalles. Is this a fairly busy stretch in June? ... Also is the route very clearly marked? ...

In June you will be in a Conga line of pilgrims, no worries, and yes, it is very well marked. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Devon Mike]

As said in the comments above, there will be plenty of people around you. This was the view in late May......

 

[sabbott]

Would it also be true in mid-April that there would be enough walkers on the Napoleon that one wouldn't be alone for long stretches? I'm hoping to do the same then, if the weather cooperates.

 

[SYates]

Would it also be true in mid-April that there would be enough walkers on the Napoleon that one wouldn't be alone for long stretches? I'm hoping to do the same then, if the weather cooperates.

As Easter is early this year, I am sure there will be plenty of pilgrims around in mid-April. Buen Camino, SY