jamesw3435
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- March 2015 Ssint jean to Santiago
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I left March 7th of last year. The pilgrim's office told everyone not to take the Napoleon route due to high snow still on the path. I do know of some people that still walked it though. Orrison was not open, and the hut along the way was filled with snow. The snow was chest deep in places on the high route and markers were covered. Two people ended up having to stay the night in a tent one of them brought along. The high winds ended up destroying the tent. Another group arrived at Roncesvalles in 1 day, but it was a miserable walk and said if they had to do it over again, they would have taken the lower route.
I should note, on the day I left, it got into the 70's. But the heat didn't last long once the sun went down. The folks who spent the night up on the mountain were freezing and wet from walking through slushy snow all day. The point is, you can't really know what the weather is on the mountain until you're up there.
Unless the pilgrim's office says the Napoleon route is safe, stick to the lower route. Walk to Valcarlos and spend the night. They have a great albergue and a very fun bar. Wake up refreshed and be ready for the uphill battle to Roncesvalles!
Take a peek:I start my Camino from saint jean pied de port on march 3rd,
The Napoleon Route - Orrison is not open until April and weather might be a issue on that route and it could be advised it is not safe to travel so I will check with the pilgrims office and locals once I arrive in saint jean.
The Valcarlos Route - I decided I would travel from Saint jean on the Valcarlos route to Roncesvalles the same day. I know weather can change on a dime while crossing the Pyrenees, what are people's experiences with weather along the routes at the beginning of march . If the weather is good and taking the Napoleon route is clear I might change my mind and travel that route once I see the weather with my own eyes! I don't want to be on the Napoleon route and weather go south and get stuck since Orrison is closed from what I have read there is a emergency hut a long that route.
James i am heading off on 1st March and not sure which option either.I start my Camino from saint jean pied de port on march 3rd,
The Napoleon Route - Orrison is not open until April and weather might be a issue on that route and it could be advised it is not safe to travel so I will check with the pilgrims office and locals once I arrive in saint jean.
The Valcarlos Route - I decided I would travel from Saint jean on the Valcarlos route to Roncesvalles the same day. I know weather can change on a dime while crossing the Pyrenees, what are people's experiences with weather along the routes at the beginning of march . If the weather is good and taking the Napoleon route is clear I might change my mind and travel that route once I see the weather with my own eyes! I don't want to be on the Napoleon route and weather go south and get stuck since Orrison is closed from what I have read there is a emergency hut a long that route.
Jam
James i am heading off on 1st March and not sure which option either.
Jam
James i am heading off on 1st March and not sure which option either.
I agree with you i am thinking of that and not sure how to go around. GPS?im about 80% sure I will be taking the lower route,
hen i get home will add you and can chat more.not sure if you joined my FB group being your close to my date Bound to bump into you some where, all my updates will be uploaded to my facebook group for this camino https://www.facebook.com/groups/1489322237948292/
I agree with you i am thinking of that and not sure how to go around. GPS?
I agree with you i am thinking of that and not sure how to go around. GPS?
That looks like the same distance? That is a great Map, where did you get that from?
Cheers
Got ya. Hope that we catch up and will chat a lot more.in this guide
That looks like the same distance? That is a great Map, where did you get that from?
Cheers
I agree with you i am thinking of that and not sure how to go around. GPS?
@mike archer . I think you have the routes turned around. Napoleon is over and Valcarlos is around. If by "tourist office" you mean Pilgrim's office, advising people to disregard their advice is unwise IMO.
@mike archer . I think you have the routes turned around. Napoleon is over and Valcarlos is around. If by "tourist office" you mean Pilgrim's office, advising people to disregard their advice is unwise IMO.
It really is as simple as this:
If the high road (Route Napoleon) is closed - don't try to walk it - if you have to be rescued then you will need to pay, justly, big money for that.
If the high road (Route Napoleon) is open, it is highly advisable to break it up in two day stages at Huntto or Orisson (reservation necessary) unless you are really well rested (no jet lag) and already fit and well trained in mountain hiking!
If the high route is closed, take the low route through Valcarlos.
It really ain't no rocket science, but please don't underestimate the Pyrenees! Buen Camino, SY
Just joined your FaceBook siteW
hen i get home will add you and can chat more.
Glenn
Orisson Is not open in march while I'm there, as I said above I'd only be taking the napoleon route if it was open, and clear , other wise I'll be taking the other other route .
I agree with you i am thinking of that and not sure how to go around. GPS?
It is not worth thinking about James.
Decide to take the lower path and you will be very happy with the result.
If you are going to ruin your trip it will occur in the first 3 days.
Use Valcarlos which is the ancient way as a jet lag stop.
Better town than the top of a hill especially if you see nothing and wonderful people in the village.
Don't even worry about the advice from StJ , just go the lower way........which is in fact not that lower ...and stay in Valcarlos.......next day Burgette and a warm bath.
Take clothes for the Blue Mountains mate , not Coolum.
Hola Mike,Cher, What I experienced was a slightly alarmist near directive by the hostel staff to take Valcarlos. I think they relied on a internet weather report yhat said it might rain. This was the hostel run by the pilgrims office I would say many of us were confused as the weather was fair. Having already walked Valcarlos I knew there wasn't much that was easier about it and I really wanted to do Napoleon. So as everyone were adults they made up their own minds, and by the hundreds pilgrims took Napoleon. If I were to do it again and in March/April I would get a report on the trail conditions from Roncesvalles and then consult the weather forecast. If I didn't emphasize that wet snow storms are hazardous to ones health let me say it. Hypothermia kills. Valcarlos isn't that impressive. I would not recommend that one misses Napoleon unless necessary.
I see another question to walking in march and april. If one has to be prepared for winter conditions crossing the Pyrenees yet once on the other side whether needed or not for the crossing you will have some clothing and equipment that isn't necessary for the remainder of the journey. Okay, there are a bunch of whatifs here so everyone has to do their best to make an informed decision.
Cheers
.
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