Irun to San Sebastian GI-636 or GI-3440

[Dchell]

HI All! Im looking at threads and see that many folks walk GI-636. Based on Google Maps, this looks like a pretty straight-forward route but it's a highway. GI-3440 seems to have better views and the road is much quieter. It's a bit longer, but not by much. Does anyone have opinions on either of these two routes? We plan to go May 2017. Thanks kindly!
-Donna

 

[PilgrimPillar]

If possible-avoid bitumen.

There is also a alpine variant out of Irun---in nice weather that would bee a fantastic highland start for your walk.

Buen Camino !

 

[grayland]

Avoiding asphalt (except traffic) is a personal preference. Some prefer asphalt with little or no traffic....others are horrified at the suggestion.
Clearly a personal choice.

 

[J Willhaus]

Dchell,
I just listened to a pod cast (found under Camino podcasts on this forum) where the host discusses the various walks from Irun to San Sabastian. You may want to listen. It is podcast 29 called "What I did with my summer vacation". Dave and a colleague are updating the Northern Caminos guidebook they published in 2011 and he and his co-author discuss this segment. Sorry I don't know how to link it for you.
Janet

 

[NualaOC]

Dchell,
I just listened to a pod cast (found under Camino podcasts on this forum) where the host discusses the various walks from Irun to San Sabastian. You may want to listen. It is podcast 29 called "What I did with my summer vacation". Dave and a colleague are updating the Northern Caminos guidebook they published in 2011 and he and his co-author discuss this segment. Sorry I don't know how to link it for you.
Janet

Here's a link to this podcast (and others by @Dave): https://soundcloud.com/user-939742370

Edit - I've just listened to this podcast and it's very interesting. The alternative route from Hondarribia sounds particularly appealing! There's also some useful information (and very good photos) on the Northern Caminos Facebook page (scroll down to the post dated 27 June 2016).

 

[PilgrimPillar]

Of course ...I totally agree..as everything written on this forum is up for personal choice/preference...and I take for granted that moderators also have that in mind when commenting. Just to, again, state the obvious...

My advice is of a physical nature. Depending on experience is one thing.....lessen the impact of walking is especially important when starting a camino....and that's a general rule of thumb in my book..

And the alpine alternative ...?....such great momories from overlooking the atlantic coast from above.....on my first day.

You will bee exited whatever route you take...

Go for it!

 

[Dchell]

Thank you! I did see the Alpinista route - thought very hard to get details on the varying routes. But it looks like while a little more challenging especially the descend( yes afraid of heights), the scenery, if not raining, is spectacular!

 

[intrepidtraveler]

HI All! Im looking at threads and see that many folks walk GI-636. Based on Google Maps, this looks like a pretty straight-forward route but it's a highway. GI-3440 seems to have better views and the road is much quieter. It's a bit longer, but not by much. Does anyone have opinions on either of these two routes? We plan to go May 2017. Thanks kindly!
-Donna

Hi Donna - When in May are you planning to start? Assuming that the flight gods cooperate I will be leaving Irun on May 18th. Maybe our paths will cross. Buen Camino.

Marcella

 

[camino07]

Thank you! I did see the Alpinista route - thought very hard to get details on the varying routes. But it looks like while a little more challenging especially the descend( yes afraid of heights), the scenery, if not raining, is spectacular!

Yes! Alpinista if you can. Needed my sticks to get up the steep slope to the top but once up there it was like being in Heaven,such fresh air and amazing views. Descending wasn't too bad in my opinion just take your time . If I could do it anyone can.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Yes! Alpinista if you can. Needed my sticks to get up the steep slope to the top but once up there it was like being in Heaven,such fresh air and amazing views. Descending wasn't too bad in my opinion just take your time . If I could do it anyone can

camino07 - I think you have it exactly right - a little extertion at the start pays great dividends further on. I met a few of the less-athletic sort who just took their time to get up the steep bit and then enjoyed the rest.
Spoiler alert for exhilarating views..
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/8677980267/in/album-72157633351850582/lightbox/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/8677985443/in/album-72157633351850582/lightbox/

 

[KatWanderlust]

Donna I can't recommend the Alpine Route enough, on a good day the views are stunning you feel like you're on top of the world! It is steep at first (sticks are highly recommended) but as Camino07 said it evens out and it's just glorious and Tom's photos above do it justice.

A tip to make things easier is to split the first day in two and stay at San Juan de Pasajes before heading to San Sebastian the next day: https://www.gronze.com/pais-vasco/guipuzcoa/pasajes-san-juan/albergue-peregrinos-santa-ana

From memory it's about 15km from Irun and this allows you to really take your time on the higher route and enjoy the scenery. We were able to start a little later, soak in all the lovely views, have a leisurely lunch and wandered into the Albergue about 3.30pm. It says it opens at 4pm but the Hospitalero said they'll often open a little earlier if Pilgrims are around.

I have to say this Albergue was one of those special places you find on the Camino, run by volunteers it's a lovely facility, very comfortable and San Juan is a gorgeous little town to soak up the seaside atmosphere before the tourist crowds at San Sebastian.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deborah53]

Am I correct in seeing on the alpine route via video that there is a narrow path where one can hold onto a steel cable? I would like to take the higher route, but that looked a little intimidating for anyone afraid of heights. Can someone confirm...console?