Thank you for taking them time to give such detailed advice, it’s really kind. Hope you don’t mind some follow up questions
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Am I right in thinking that I can start the Norte in Irun and then go in to the Primitivo?
Did you encounter any snow on your Camino??
Thanks again xxx
The "traditional" starting point if you want to do the "full" camino (sorry for the quotes haha) is in Irun. I doubt if if would be very difficult to get there from SJPP. It may be a little convoluted but I am sure there are others who know the answer. I just checked the website Rome2rio.com, which is a great site to use for all travel. There is a train that leaves SJPP 4x a day for Irun.
When it comes to the routes I would give you the following advice:
In France definitely buy the Miam Do Do guidebook. It was my biggest camino mistake not to buy it. It is in French so I didn't buy it. When I finally took a good look at one a few days before I got to SJPP I could have kicked myself. It was really easy to read and has a wealth of information regarding accommodations especially, maps, services etc. I bought the Michelin guide and I found it next to worthless.
On your phone you should definitely bookmark Gronze.com. Google translate does a more than adequate job translating the Spanish. It will give you stages, elevations, difficulties of the days path, accommodations and services in towns on the Le Puy Route, and Norte to name just a few.
If you check Gronze it will show you the route to join the Primitivo from the Norte in Villaviciosa.
I would also download either the Wise Pilgrim Norte and Primitivo apps and the same for Buen Camino. They are free and will give you more places to stay and if you tend to get lost have GPS systems, The routes are well marked so that should not be a problem but as you get later in the year more albergues close and after this horrible pandemic it is difficult to know the status of many accommodations.
When I walked the Norte there were just a dusting of snow on a few days. I arrived in Santiago about November 1. I was never cold walking but there were a few albergues I stayed in that were really cold. I did not have a sleeping bag, only a sleep sack. Slept in all my clothes and there were blankets so I did survive.
I guess thats about it for now. Any other questions let me know.
Check out the forum threads on the three caminos. There are lots of people who have alot more knowledge and ideas than I do. I am sure it will be a little help to answer some questions.