Irun start versus SJPdP

[jpflavin1]

I walked the Camino Vasco this Spring. It was a very enjoyable hike without the congestion of the Frances. A combination of farmland, small towns, city walkways, mountains and wine country. I would recommend this as another starting point versus SJPdP. You could even walk there or start walking from Bayonne 30km's. I am really surprised by how little this route is walked. It connects to the Frances at Santo Domingo de Calzada or Burgos. It is well marked and offers a variety of different types of walking.

This route offers a more gentle start than SJPdP. Starting in Irun and walking through the Valley from the coastal cities into the mountains. several days in there is a great climb up the mountain to a tunnel through the mountains followed by several days walking through small towns and vineyards to the wine country of Brinas and Haro before joining the Camino Frances in Santo Domingo de Calzada.

This route is a seven to nine day hike and, imo, a great option to starting in SJPdP. The infrastructure is not as good as the Frances but I never had a problem finding a place to sleep or eat.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[grayland]

That sounds very interesting, Joe. I have become pretty disillusiond with the SJPP start due to the large numbers of Pilgrims now..at least again earlier this year. It would be great to start from a new point.

 

[jpflavin1]

Grayland:

This is actually a great starting point for several reason, imo.

You do not need to travel the last leg to SJPdP.

The route offers all the scenery, challenges and more that the French route offers. You can actually start in France (Bayonne). One additional day of hiking about 30km.

There are very few Pilgrims and while there are not as many accommodations there are plenty and they provide a list at each Albergue.

The route begins much more gently than SJPdP, which allows your body to ease its way into the hike.

You have options along the way of traveling more rugged or less. You can also choose between exiting this route at either Burgos or Santo Domingo de Calzada to connect to the Frances.

It offers a very steep climb (1100m) just outside of Zegema that goes through a 70m tunnel near the top of the mountain.

Finishes in the wine country around Brinas and Haro.

It is a great route. I would be willing to share my limited notes with anyone wanting to try this Route (Camino Vasco or the tunnel route).

There is additional information on this route under the Camino Vasco.

It just seems like a great alternative to starting in SJPdP.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks guys, I will look at this route for 2014. Has anyone written a guide for it?

 

[jpflavin1]

Wayfarer:

The purpose of my posting under Camino Frances is to offer this as an option to starting your Frances hike here (Irun/Bayonne) versus SJPdP.

There is a lot of information on this route under the Camino Vasco (tunnel route). There are several other regulars that have made posts on this route.

If anyone would like particulars on my hike feel free to PM me for additional information.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[majorspydr]

Hi Folks, Just returned from Camino. Arrived Santiago 23 Oct.
I started in Bayonne from the Cathedral walking the Baztan way to Pamplona. Takes about 5 days at an easy pace. We left on 14 Sept and encountered NO pilgrims until Pamplona. Check it out. really beautiful Basque country.
Ken

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks Joe, will do.

 

[yentl.spiteri]

https://vimeo.com/52470325

Our adventure

 

[j maguire]

Off topic but .................. Great Video Yentil

....,..........INSPIRING !!!