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I agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
The most dangerous place I ever had to deal with was a busy street crossing in the center of the town of Virgen del Camino, back in 2015 --- where I stupidly stumbled over my own feet, fell, and badly broke my right hand! (Bone sticking out, and all that.... I took a picture of my rather gory looking hand, but I'll spare you...!)Any place where one can twist an ankle or stumble and fall.... which is pretty much everywhere.
A rather frivolous answer, but the most dangerous part is when you start your first journey.Shutting your front door and off you go.After that one of life's great adventures starts.the páramo after león, almost wiped me out.
actually a combination of heat, dehydration and stupidity on my part. but i like the idea of it being frivolous. there really is no dangerous stage along the Camino apart from our lack of preparation, awareness and bad judgement on a particular stage.A rather frivolous answer, but the most dangerous part is when you start your first journey.Shutting your front door and off you go.After that one of life's great adventures starts.
Dangers lurk everywhere, whether on a Camino or at home.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
Funnily enough, I wasn’t phased by the descent from Alton del Perdon, I guess because I’m come across that kind of rolling shingle in plenty of other places.I agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
That is why so many of us decide that discretion is the better part of valor - and we follow the windy road on the way down from Cruz de Ferro - at least as far as Molinaseca.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
Me too. Fell over the pavement exiting Pamplona. Now have a lovely scar around my right eye, where I fell...The most dangerous place I ever had to deal with was a busy street crossing in the center of the town of Virgen del Camino, back in 2015 --- where I stupidly stumbled over my own feet, fell, and badly broke my right hand! (Bone sticking out, and all that.... I took a picture of my rather gory looking hand, but I'll spare you...!)
I must here say that the care I received on the scene from the rescue squad, and later at the Hospital Universitario de Leon, was absolutely world-class. I was triaged, operated on, given a prescription for pain killers and pushed out the door all on the same day. And bless his heart, the surgeon spoke English, and had gone to medical school in the States.
I agree with you that the descent from Alto de Perdon was tough. I saw a group of young kids-(probably a running club)- jogging down it. That bit of trail contained rocks that looked like they came from the depths of hell. Now that I remember, getting to Zubiri was tough as well. Totally forgot about that.I agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
Ah, Tincatinker, you have an uncanny knack of nailing things in one, usually with a humorous twist. You can turn things anytime you like as far as I’m concerned!Can I turn this? I’ll turn this. The most dangerous place on the Camino Frances, or any other Camino, is the gap between expectation and reality. Many have fallen there. Yes there are places where the footing is a bit challenging and there are places where very big lorries share the path with very fragile pilgrims. That’s no different to wherever we live. The discovery that Camino can be just like home. That’s a terminal gut punch for some
Amen to that! My taxi driver thought he was Nascar! I was nearly scared to death and wrote a post about it on the forum several.years ago.The taxi ride from Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port was crazy. We had to stop because my traveling partner became sick from the all twist and turns at high speed through the mountains
I agree and it is also dangerous for drivers. When the trail gets bad, many pilgrims use the road and very few wear high visibility clothing.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
Very true! The bus I was traveling in hit a car that was trying to pass us on a curve. I wished that I had a better understanding of Spanish because the ensuing conversation/yellong between the two drivers was very dramatic!The taxi ride from Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port was crazy. We had to stop because my traveling partner became sick from the all twist and turns at high speed through the mountains. The walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri was tricky in places, especially in the rain. And the stroll down from Alto de Perdon to Uterga was very rocky at the beginning of the decent. Hiking poles highly recommend.
Thank you each for you cautionary tips which I'll look out for as I begin my first ever pilgrimage beginning of MayI agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
When the train to SJPP was cancelled from Bayonne, the bus journey was frightening turns to narrow reversing into train stationsVery true! The bus I was traveling in hit a car that was trying to pass us on a curve. I wished that I had a better understanding of Spanish because the ensuing conversation/yellong between the two drivers was very dramatic!
Can I turn this? I’ll turn this. The most dangerous place on the Camino Frances, or any other Camino, is the gap between expectation and reality. Many have fallen there. Yes there are places where the footing is a bit challenging and there are places where very big lorries share the path with very fragile pilgrims. That’s no different to wherever we live. The discovery that Camino can be just like home. That’s a terminal gut punch for some
I feel for you - can't imagine. I'm glad you lived to tell about it! A blessing in there somewhere I'm sureOn my second Camino Frances walking from SJPP with my husband I learned that one should never let one’s guard down as danger abounds at every turn. After crossing the overpass above the freeway into Santiago i hastened with such enthusiasm and joy to catch up with friends , poles under arm and full pack, i tripped on a missing paver outside the bar on the left just before the Santiago sign and projectiled head first with great vigor, my head taking full force as i hit the ground. I hence found myself in an ambulance for the first time ever just 3kms out from the cathedral. I was stitched up and sent on my way with headaches and black eyes developing and my many pilgrim friends assisting. Clearly letting one’s guard down too soon can be extremely dangerous and the lesson learned is that one needs to remain focused to the end!
Thanks kindly - and thankfully I was still able to walk (despite the grandiose headache and stitches) and did manage to complete the Camino walking in very carefully without my pack the next day. I’ve since walked the Portuguese and Ingles and will walk the Frances again when time avails - hopefully without such a spectacular finish!I feel for you - can't imagine. I'm glad you lived to tell about it! A blessing in there somewhere I'm sure
....especially on a bridge on a curved area of the road that is heavy with trucks!!!....any time you're walking along the edge of the road on the white line with no place to escape oncoming vehicles...
It doesn't sound great, and I remember describing the walk to Molinaseca as a "hell walk", doing it with a bad knee in the dark. But I hardly think it ranks as the "most dangerous" section. That honour (?) would have to go to the stage between SJPP and Roncesvalles, followed by sections along the highways. Injuries, sprained joints or broken bones don't really compare to fatalities. I'm not sure how many rescues are needed every year between Foncebadon and Ponferrada but I am confident that it is less than the number needed between SJPP and Roncesvalles.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
El Acebo is one of my most beautiful and wonderful locations on the Camino. I also remember the treacherous rock hill in the rain that day. My wife was walking with a broken foot ( Liz Frank fracture ) and her steps had to be on flat ground. I had to walk backwards down the rock hill and to instruct her where to put each step. There was a gathering of pilgrims at the bottom which stood and witnessed what a husband would do for his wife in times of need, and they applauded upon my wife' completion!!!To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
I'm currently in Molinaseca and did the walk from Foncebadon here on a beautiful sunny day, yesterday and I am not young.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
To get up there, I had to unhitch my bike trailer and strap it on my back. A Korean pilgrim offered to carry the bike. And a local was very insistent I not try to bike the descent. So I took highways to Uterga.I agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
I wrote a post about the apalling condition of the trail between Rabanal del Camino and Molinaseca. And I was lucky that it wasn’t even actively raining. It is not made clear to inexperienced pilgrims that you can simply walk along the highway, and will get there just the same without the risk of an awful slip. I would definitely call this stretch “dangerous”, and it requires your full concentration to avoid an accident.I would not want to do the section from Riego de Ambros to Molinaseca in snow or rain. It was challenging enough in good weather, but not what I would call dangerous if you watch your step.
That is the only spot I fell on the whole Camino. Luckily enough it was lined with thorn bushes to break my fall.To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
I agree - we left SJPP in our shorts - beautiful April day - by the time I got to roncesvalles, I was completely covered in snow. It was a very tricky hike straight up.Challenging? Yes, some of the mentioned sections. especially with rain or frost. The final descent to Molinaseca is a good candidate.
Dangerous? Nope, not really, but this is quite subjective. I would reserve this word for the stage from SJPP to Roncesvalles in winter; it was forbidden some years ago for very good reasons.
To me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
That's it - I'm not walking on any more pavements!Me too. Fell over the pavement exiting Pamplona. Now have a lovely scar around my right eye, where I fell...
Thanks for this comment. Wonder if there are comments about this path on dry days. I have put a note on my map as I leave from Burgos next week for part 2 of my caminoTo me the most Dangerous stage on the Camino Frances was from Foncebadon to Ponferrada in the rain.
Never forget the riverbed rocks from El Acebo to Ponferrada totally treacherous, seen several injuries sprained or broken ankles on route including one Italian young man carried down mountain.
I agree on Zubiri , the only one I have walked yet. Was tough and was happy to have walking sticks as support.Just reading all three of these places listed together gave me a mild case of anxious deja-vuI was fortunate enough to walk all three stretches in good weather and still found them extremely challenging. I can't imagine what they'd be like in the rain.
On the flip side, having three wonderful and very restful evenings in Ponferrada, Zubiri, and Puente la Reina at the end of each day were among my favorite parts of my walk.
On dry days it’s rocky and uneven, but with reasonable care and attention it should be fine for anyone with steady legs.Thanks for this comment. Wonder if there are comments about this path on dry days. I have put a note on my map as I leave from Burgos next week for part 2 of my camino
I walked this beautiful section on a dry sunny day and loved it. I was fascinated by the embedded bluestone in certain areas of the path. I'm sure it would be rather "dicey" if walking it in rain and wet.On dry days it’s rocky and uneven, but with reasonable care and attention it should be fine for anyone with steady legs.
Tho’ it may soften the blow when you fall…until it doesn’t...one too many vino tintos...?
I absolutely agree, all the more reasons to have walking poles. A Camino hack: When flying Ryanair from Dublin to Biarritz ( I assume this applies to most airlines) I never like the idea of putting my backpack and walking poles in the hold--"never let your backpack out of sight". Most airlines will not permit you to bring walking pols as hand luggage. So it is cheaper to buy pols in SJPdP and keep your pack as hand luggage.I agree. Second place probably the descent to Zubiri. And bronze medal goes to the descent from the Alto del Perdon.
Once again I have carried poles for many years from Dublin folded and in my backpac, leave them each time in Santiago. I know you can put in hold in Santiago but you have to wait on return to Dublin.I absolutely agree, all the more reasons to have walking poles. A Camino hack: When flying Ryanair from Dublin to Biarritz ( I assume this applies to most airlines) I never like the idea of putting my backpack and walking poles in the hold--"never let your backpack out of sight". Most airlines will not permit you to bring walking pols as hand luggage. So it is cheaper to buy pols in SJPdP and keep your pack as hand luggage.
Same here. My poles saved me more than a few times on my camino, and I was 49 when I did it. I highly recommend them to all regardless of age or level of fitness.For me, the above spots on the Camino and on other walks, my hiking poles have added two more points of contact with the ground and prevented many falls.
Fell once above the Magnesium factory coming out of Zubiri the ground was like marbles poles saved me , but one was bent at right angles always, carry a pole it makes sence.Same here. My poles saved me more than a few times on my camino, and I was 49 when I did it. I highly recommend them to all regardless of age or level of fitness.
I agree. To call it dangerous is a little dramatic. It's no different than walking down a flight of steps, you just need to watch your step in a few short sections.I would not want to do the section from Riego de Ambros to Molinaseca in snow or rain. It was challenging enough in good weather, but not what I would call dangerous if you watch your step.
There are real dangers on the Camino Frances (and other routes). Dangers that have led to fatalities or the need for professional rescue again and again. They aren't related to steep hills and poor footing (or cyclists).The only danger on the Camino is spending too long in the bar at night, and waking up regretting it the next morning. Apparently.
Oh, and those crazy cyclists who insist on riding on the trail when there is a road alternative for them.
The only danger on the Camino is spending too long in the bar at night, and waking up regretting it the next morning. Apparently.
Oh, and those crazy cyclists who insist on riding on the trail when there is a road alternative for them.
While the professional trekker like yourself may not have a problem with the Camino many ordinary walkers, pilgrims, would find footing difficult ie.. dangerous to their wellbeing.The only danger on the Camino is spending too long in the bar at night, and waking up regretting it the next morning. Apparently.
Oh, and those crazy cyclists who insist on riding on the trail when there is a road alternative for them.
This is the correct answer.Can I turn this? I’ll turn this. The most dangerous place on the Camino Frances, or any other Camino, is the gap between expectation and reality. Many have fallen there. Yes there are places where the footing is a bit challenging and there are places where very big lorries share the path with very fragile pilgrims. That’s no different to wherever we live. The discovery that Camino can be just like home. That’s a terminal gut punch for some
While the professional trekker like yourself may not have a problem with the Camino many ordinary walkers, pilgrims, would find footing difficult ie.. dangerous to their wellbeing.
This is not a simple hike but a journey of discovery and capabilities for some.
Most pilgrims do not get boozed up at night maybe that was your experience but certainly not mine.
I assume you said it as a "Joke" ?
The individuals that walk any Camino can be categorised into different groups I will not try to set them down here as their motivations are complicated.
Anyway enjoy your journeys and
Buen Camino.
I assume you are talking about crossing the Pyrenees in poor weather?There are real dangers on the Camino Frances (and other routes). Dangers that have led to fatalities or the need for professional rescue again and again. They aren't related to steep hills and poor footing (or cyclists).
And getting hit by a car by the highway. Those have accounted for most of the fatalities and serious injuries on the Frances.I assume you are talking about crossing the Pyrenees in poor weather?
And getting hit by a car by the highway. Those have accounted for most of the fatalities and serious injuries on the Frances.
On other routes, it is different, like the long stages with less water in the summer on the VDLP.
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