Latest Possible Departure From SJPP to Roncesvalles?

[reneeavril]

Hello Peregrinos,

I'm sorting out my final logistics and trying to determine if it's possible to take the first bus out from Bayonne at 7:45am and still make it to Roncevalles that night. (I'm trying to make it to Santiago by my birthday, so attempting to get started as quickly as possible and would rather not lose 2 days traveling.) Is there a general recommended cut-off time for departures since Day 1 is a long hike?

Thank you and Buen Camino!
Renee

 

[whariwharangi]

I would allow 9 - 10 hours. Feed that back from sunset ... you don't want to have to do the last bit in the dark ... particularly if there is low cloud.

 

[mspath]

Hello Peregrinos,

I'm sorting out my final logistics and trying to determine if it's possible to take the first bus out from Bayonne at 7:45am and still make it to Roncevalles that night. (I'm trying to make it to Santiago by my birthday, so attempting to get started as quickly as possible and would rather not lose 2 days traveling.) Is there a general recommended cut-off time for departures since Day 1 is a long hike?

Thank you and Buen Camino!
Renee

Renee,

The 07:45 autocar from Bayonne will arrive SJPdP approximately 09:00.
Remember you will be tired after your flight (transatlantic?) to Paris as well VERY eager to begin!! Don't ruin the pleasure of your camino by trying to dash up the mountain to Roncesvalles too quickly. Scan the posts in this recent thread re the pros and cons of walking to Roncesvalles before you decide.

Arriving in SJPdP do stop at the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle . Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. In season the pilgrims office is open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. They can provide you with current weather/ trail conditions, a map of the trail section, your Credential if needed and on-site lodging assistance plus lots of friendly advice.

Bon chemin and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

if it's possible to take the first bus out from Bayonne at 7:45am and still make it to Roncevalles that night.

Yes, it is possible. Possible, but demanding. There is light until past 2100, so waymarks will be visible.

 

[indyinmaine]

It appears from your profile that you did this last year! Racing to the end is not the way to start.

 

[Pruden]

Been in Santiago on your birthday is not that important! The real question is to get there in good shape and having enjoyed your Camino journeys.
Don't tied things to hard or you might no get there, don't force to much and have a good Camino.

Buen Camino.

 

[reneeavril]

It appears from your profile that you did this last year! Racing to the end is not the way to start.

I'm a huge fan of slow and steady (and took 40 days on my last Camino) - but given the days in travel, I'm hoping to begin in SJPP as soon as possible after I land in Paris on the 12th.

 

[Susan hopes]

If you're rushing you won't enjoy it.

 

[Theatregal]

Hello Peregrinos,

I'm sorting out my final logistics and trying to determine if it's possible to take the first bus out from Bayonne at 7:45am and still make it to Roncevalles that night. (I'm trying to make it to Santiago by my birthday, so attempting to get started as quickly as possible and would rather not lose 2 days traveling.) Is there a general recommended cut-off time for departures since Day 1 is a long hike?

Thank you and Buen Camino!
Renee

Hola Renee ~
Your camino. Your way. You walked this route last year so you know what to expect. I would only echo the advice that mspath gives. Check in at the Pilgrim Office for their advice and knowledge, given the conditions on that particular day.
Buen Camino!