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This was the only part of the trail that I found difficult. It was discussed here:-"Take care as the path follows the edge of a steep drop . . . . . . many people find it quicker and easier to stay on the road for this section".
peregrino_tom said:I agree with all said here. No tricky exposed bits to get wobbly over.
I thought it was worth chipping in as one of my hospitales photos (on another post) makes it look more hairy than it actually is. I was just trying to make it look dramatic, but actually on the other side is a gentle heathery slope that would be quite good fun to roll down....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_ ... 8189914015
As has been mentioned, wet weather is likely to be more of an issue - requiring some care and concentration on a couple of steepish rocky paths.
cheers, tom
Smallest_Sparrow said:It seems like most of the way (from photos) is road....
I know the need/don't need issue of poles has been covered a few times in Equipment--perhaps not as much as one sock or two, thick or thin, or boot or trainer but I have the impression the roads vary quite a bit so I'd appreciate advice: I'm planning to start in Barcelona in apr, continue through Pamplona and get to irun, then the Norte to Primitivo to Santiago to the sea. Do I really need poles? And if the answer is yes any advice on how to find one I can hold comfortably? The unisex/men's I can't close my hand around, the ladies I can almost but not quite. The youth fit perfectly and I liked the horses and bunnies on them but he salesperson said NO. Thanks
Yes, tracks are mostly dirt trails. A few are the ancient Camino with the old limestone cobbles (flat stones) but only a very short distance.. The only really, really bad mud we found was at Sta Eulalia, 3kms before Tineo when it is better to go on the road. Much shorter and avoids the water over the ankles if it has been wet. The track doesn't have or need piles, it isn't that bad!!!! at least not in Terry's experience from Santander onwards. There is a simple guard rail in places to separate the Camino trail from the tarmac road. (We don't know the stretch from Irun to Santander)Smallest_Sparrow said:Thanks so much Abbeydore and Tia Valerie,
For 'track' does that mean dirt trail? I don't need support for knee or back issues but would prefer to avoid HUGE mud puddles and someone somewhere said piles keep you from falling down steep slopes... Should I expect a lot of those?
Yes to poles for a few parts of Norte ( el Brusco and coming down from the monastery for sure) and the Primitivo where you are often walkin in single step tracks on uneven terrain ( never mind pushing thorny plants out of the way of your calves). For comfort, what about Pacer Poles? I find they make you walk faster on flat ground, not sure how different they felt to me for the rest, but the grip is a no brainer, and if that is something you struggle eith they may br worth considerng.It seems like most of the way (from photos) is road....
I know the need/don't need issue of poles has been covered a few times in Equipment--perhaps not as much as one sock or two, thick or thin, or boot or trainer but I have the impression the roads vary quite a bit so I'd appreciate advice: I'm planning to start in Barcelona in apr, continue through Pamplona and get to irun, then the Norte to Primitivo to Santiago to the sea. Do I really need poles? And if the answer is yes any advice on how to find one I can hold comfortably? The unisex/men's I can't close my hand around, the ladies I can almost but not quite. The youth fit perfectly and I liked the horses and bunnies on them but he salesperson said NO. Thanks
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