My Camino del Norte

[Jikoaite]

Hi, I am from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Finally I've got my plane ticket to Biarritz, and since I'm arriving late, I reserved a room near the airport. It's the 3rd of April 2018 and I plan doing my first Camino from Irun to SdC starting on the 5th. I've got my Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino, most of my gear and a strong will. See you on the Camino!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi, I am from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Finally I've got my plane ticket to Biarritz, and since I'm arriving late, I reserved a room near the airport. It's the 3rd of April 2018 and I plan doing my first Camino from Irun to SdC starting on the 5th. I've got my Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino, most of my gear and a strong will. See you on the Camino!

I walked the Norte starting April 20, 2016. Loved it! I chose to turn on to the Primivito at Oviedo and that was wonderful, as well. Happy planning and Buen Camino!

 

[Magwood]

Welcome to the forum @Jikoaite. You will find an abundance of information here. I walked the Norte last year and really enjoyed it, even though there was more asphalt than I liked. If you have any questions, be sure to ask here...you will find lots of support.
Buen camino!

 

[Jikoaite]

Thank you. I have been following the forum for some time now. It helped me with choosing my "way". I am a bit apprehensive about the weather in april, but I'll be happy with whatever comes down: sunshine or rain.

 

[shefollowsshells]

I LOVE the Norte!

 

[gloria lowe]

Are there luggage transport companies on the Norte. We are planning to start May 13 and someday seem long and I do not go uphill well. Just wondering how it is ? Also, can you easily find a cab if days get too long?

 

[Kanga]

The Spanish postal service, Correos, offer luggage transport. http://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/?_ga=2.183375397.2076798075.1508644877-709700633.1508644877

Availability of taxis depends on where you are. As long as you are on a part of the route that is accessible to cars, you can probably summon a taxi. Keep a note of the telephone numbers for taxis as you walk along the route - you will find them posted in bars and on signs along the way.

 

[gloria lowe]

I’ve been in contact with CORREOS and there is some part they don’t do b

 

[Kanga]

@gloria lowe assume you will be carrying your own pack seems to be the best option. Take only the stuff that is essential - one set of walking clothes, something to wear when they are being washed, a rain shell, a warm top. Even if you do finish up by getting your pack carried sometimes, it is sooooo nice not to be burdened with "stuff" when on camino. Not to face making decisions about what to wear each day. Only having underwear and socks to wash. One small bar of soap for body, clothes, hair. Toothbrush. Do not pack your fears. Enjoy finding out how easy life can be. We lighten our load and we lighten our hearts.

 

[gloria lowe]

@gloria lowe assume you will be carrying your own pack seems to be the best option. Take only the stuff that is essential - one set of walking clothes, something to wear when they are being washed, a rain shell, a warm top. Even if you do finish up by getting your pack carried sometimes, it is sooooo nice not to be burdened with "stuff" when on camino. Not to face making decisions about what to wear each day. Only having underwear and socks to wash. One small bar of soap for body, clothes, hair. Toothbrush. Do not pack your fears. Enjoy finding out how easy life can be. We lighten our load and we lighten our hearts.

I will not be carrying my pack. I have already walked twice and I know my limits. 70 y/o, overweight, bad knees and I don't go uphill well. The Norte seems to be the most challenging so I know someone else will be taking my pack if I want to do this. I took nothing extra and it was still too heavy.

 

[kaixo]

Get your practice hikes in.
The first part of the Camino del Norte (from Irun to Bilbao) has some good climbing, especially if you follow the coastal route.

 

[Kanga]

@gloria lowe OK - that makes it clearer.

If Correos are not the answer, perhaps other members who have walked recently could provide information about other luggage transfer options. There is usually someone locally who will take packs (and passengers). I found the local tourist information services good, if there is one.

 

[gloria lowe]

Get your practice hikes in.
The first part of the Camino del Norte (from Irun to Bilbao) has some good climbing, especially if you follow the coastal route.

I’ve been practicing for 3 years and I will never be able to walk uphill without stopping all the time. I couldn’t walk up hill as a child and after 2 heart attacks I still cant and my cardiologist says not to worry just walk and stop because immediately my heart rate goes back to normal. He says some people are just short winded. I’ve already done from Pamplona to Santiago and survived. So I know I won’t carry a pack. I just would like the name of a transport company and be able to find a good map.

 

[gloria lowe]

@gloria lowe OK - that makes it clearer.

If Correos are not the answer, perhaps other members who have walked recently could provide information about other luggage transfer options. There is usually someone locally who will take packs (and passengers). I found the local tourist information services good, if there is one.

@gloria lowe OK - that makes it clearer.

If Correos are not the answer, perhaps other members who have walked recently could provide information about other luggage transfer options. There is usually someone locally who will take packs (and passengers). I found the local tourist information services good, if there is one.

Do you know what Pais Vasco is? Correos say they only do this area during the week . They also say they don't do Cantabria.

 

[kaixo]

Pais Vasco is literally the Basque Country (Euskadi). If Correos says they only serve this area then that only covers the first part of the Camino del Norte (the part in Euskadi - roughly Irun to Bilbao).
Sorry, I can't help you with any info about a pack transport company.

Glad to hear you have your pace figured out. Just walk and rest and know that you will get to the top. Buen camino.

 

[Gypsyqueen]

Hi, I am from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Finally I've got my plane ticket to Biarritz, and since I'm arriving late, I reserved a room near the airport. It's the 3rd of April 2018 and I plan doing my first Camino from Irun to SdC starting on the 5th. I've got my Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino, most of my gear and a strong will. See you on the Camino!

Hi Jikoaite,
I'm also doing my first Camino starting from Saint Sebastian to SdC, arriving from Paris somehow-not sure how yet, and plan to walk most of the way but as I only have 5 or so weeks( & I want to spend the odd two nights here & there) I may catch the odd train to SdC. I arrive in Paris,via Abu Dhabi from Australia, on the 7th April so I would say I'd start walking around the 13th, depending where I want to have my birthday and as it's a BIG one ! Maybe catch you walking !

 

[Petra7]

Hi, I am from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Finally I've got my plane ticket to Biarritz, and since I'm arriving late, I reserved a room near the airport. It's the 3rd of April 2018 and I plan doing my first Camino from Irun to SdC starting on the 5th. I've got my Wise Pilgrim Guide to the Northern Camino, most of my gear and a strong will. See you on the Camino!

Hi, I am from Kranj and I'm doing my first Camino (Frances) in April - starting on April 24th from SJPDP.