I’m thinking of walking the Norte from Irun in August of 2019. Does anyone here have anything to share about conditions, beds or food along the way in August?
Hello, Walking Geo. I am planning to to Norte from end of July - first days of September.
This is my second try on the Norte. I started my previous Norte 04. July and was in Santander 21. July. Problem was my knee, I twisted and had torn ligaments just 1,5 months before start of my Camino. It slowed me down but was OK up to point, when the wether got wet and chilly. So I did Frances from Burgos to Santiago de Compostella.
So I know little bit, what do expect, at least up to Santander.
My guess is, the conditions in August are nearly the same, as in July. Some rain, some sunny days, some warm days (up to 27 degrees Celsius), some chilly days (about 15 degrees Celsius).
I was following the official road. If there were different options, I took nearly all the time the easiest option. The food and water where nether the problem. I newer prepared food by myself. I don't like cooking so much. I always found some place to have the breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes the breakfast and dinner where in the Albergue.
I tried to stay in public Albergues as much as possible and never had reservation. But I got the place in the Albergue, there I was planning to stay, nearly every time. Once, then I didn't get, was in Pobena, then man in Albergue told the folk, who was able to carry little bit on, to go to Onton. I did this day from Portugalete, but man in Albergue was expecting lot of pilgrims from Bilbao. In Onton was very nice Albergue, so I was happy! Sometimes you have to race for get the place, for example Castro-Urdales.
In my opinion, the prices for food and Albergues are the same as on the Frances. Some places are Donativo as well.
I was using the app, called Norte, I purchased from App Store. It is worth every penny.
My backup app was MapsMe, there I downloaded Maps and Routes from Internet, so no Internet connection was in use while walking.
Buen Camiono!
