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I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I think so, having done it in both one day and two. I walked both times through Valcarlos, so I cannot compare the two routes from personal experience, but can recommend the municipal albergue at Valcarlos.is it better to split the first day
Valcarlos is on my bucket list. I have walked the Napoleon many times, but hoping to do the Valcarlos next season.Like Dougfitz above I too cannot compare the two routes but have always walked via Valcarlos. The municipal albergue is great and you can reserve a bed
However on the Valcarlos route there are no shops after Valcarlos. Thus buy before leaving town. If you are stopping overnight in Valcarlos buy your supplies before you go to sleep so that you can leave at dawn.
Hola, I’m leading a group of 8 Pelegrinos,leaving St Jean P de P on 10 th June - We are all 70 +.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I did this stage over two days. I'm 59 years old and not a regular walker, so the first stage to Orisson was tough and the rest at Orisson overnight was appreciated. Also, I was able to enjoy the relatively easier stage from Orisson to Roncesvalles the next day even more, especially as you walk above cloud level early in the morning.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I just finished in early September. I had planned to stop at Orisson but left at 7 and was there by 9:30....so I decided to keep going. I am 72 also, and had no trouble making it (not that it was easy). In retrospect, I would leave St Jean a bit later and stop if I were to go again.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
The walk from St. Jean to Roncesvalles can be done in a day. Plenty of pilgrims have done just that. If you are pressed for time or money, you many have no choice. However, if you have the time and money a stop at Orisson is quite refreshing. The downhilll walk off the mountain can be treacherous. If you are coming down the mountain the same day you went up, you will be tired, maybe even exhausted. Fatigue on the downhill side can quickly lead to injuries. You will come to a point where you can continue downhill on a natural path or walk down a paved road. While the road is the safer choice, it is also the longer option. You can control the speed of your descent. You cannot shorten the distance of the paved road. If you choose the natural path, your trekking poles will be appreciated and beneficial.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Hi, the answer really lies in your age, level of fitness, and available time. I am your age, and have done that walk twice, both times in one day. It is a slog for sure, and splitting it is certainly an option worth considering. I thought about making it a two day walk, but the only available stopping point is about 1/3rd of the way to Roncevalles, so when I got there, it was mid morning, and after a coffee and roll, I still felt energetic, and could not see sitting around wasting the rest of the day. Its a personal decision, my idea of wasting day might be viewed as an opportunity by others. However, best advice is to do what feels right for you, walk your own Camino....its not a race, and at our age, no need to do anything other than go at a pace that works.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Hi.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
There's no reason to rush out of St Jean if you are planning to stop at Orisson or Borda. Relax, walk around the town, have a leisurely breakfast, then get started around 11:00.However starting Napoleon route early in a beautiful morning one may reach Orison in two hours or so.
I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Although I've not done the Camio yet (will do in May/June 2022), I've done similar local training hikes. It pretty much comes down to 2 factors: 1) Your physical condition, and 2) How much time you have.Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located?
Right, actually there is an option to go for a nice pre-Camino trekking, for instance the circular trail of crestsThere's no reason to rush out of St Jean if you are planning to stop at Orisson or Borda. Relax, walk around the town, have a leisurely breakfast, then get started around 11:00.
You'll enjoy the rest of your Camino more if you don't overdo that first day. My husband and I (both in our 70s) stayed in Orisson the first night. I think if you do some research there are options for staying no matter which route you take to Roncesvalles, but the trip through Orisson over the Pyrenees is beautiful. Hope this helps.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I see camaraderie is on your list. Hold that thought! I read through all of the responses and I think only one of them mentioned meeting pilgrims at the evening meal in Orisson. I could hardly believe it. For me personally the Camino is about meeting the pilgrims from all over the world. Everyone has a story! Everyone has a special reason for being there even if they don’t know what it is.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I walked over in one day in 2009 when I was 64. I found it very tough in places but I did have a great sense of achievement. My pack was too heavy and I did get rid of some things during my Camino. My advice is train well, pack well, wear in your boots and then decide nearer the time which option to take.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
EasyI plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I totally agree with this. I stayed the night in Orisson and it was a jumping off point for getting to know so many other pilgrims and hearing their stories. Over the course of the remainder of my walk to Santiago, I continuously met up with many of them along the way. I know that if I had walked all the way to Roncesvalles the first day I wouldn't have had that experience since Roncesvalles is so much bigger.I see camaraderie is on your list. Hold that thought! I read through all of the responses and I think only one of them mentioned meeting pilgrims at the evening meal in Orisson. I could hardly believe it. For me personally the Camino is about meeting the pilgrims from all over the world. Everyone has a story! Everyone has a special reason for being there even if they don’t know what it is.
Orison offers in the evening meal. They serve about 50 people. Guess what? These are the people you’ll be walking with for the next 30 days. If you want to get a jumpstart on camaraderie, don’t miss that meal.
This is exactly what we're doing end of May!I split my day last year and must say it was the best decision I made I was able to take my time and soak up the views a leisurely lunch at Orrison and a chance to enjoy the company of fellow pilgrims and then the short walk on to Auberge Borda which I cannot recommend enough. Laurent the host is a warm and friendly young man the beds and facilities were perfect and the communal meal set me up for my experience, sharing stories making friends it will always be one of my favourite memories on the Camino. Buen camino mi amigo
72 myself. Would not dream of doing it all in one day. Apart from the fact it is tough, just to sit with a cold drink and the company of other pilgrims on the Orisson view point and to enjoy the communal meal makes staying here almost essential. I believe there is a new refuge a few kilometres past Orisson that is getting good reviews and comparable with itI plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Hi, we walked the Napolean way in 2019. Because I wanted to stay at Orrison we started walking at 3.30pm from SJPdeP the same day we travelled from Ireland and arrived at Orrison before 6pm. Perfect timing for us to enjoy dinner and the company of other pilgrims for the night. If I was starting from SJPP early in the morning then I would continue on to Roncesvalles. The first 8km to Orrison are the hardest.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Having walked the Camino twice the last at age 70, we did it one day but I was exhausted by the time I reached Roncesvalles. I would recommend you have a later start from St. Jean and spend the night in Orisson. I believe their communal evening meal is wonderful, and a chance to meet Camino friends. Booking at Orisson is essential.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Delicious veggie soup and bread too.Orisson is one of the highlights of the Camino. Take it easy from sjpdp - you won't have to leave too early 2.5 - 3 hr walk ( its a hard climb!) Then spend the afternoon in the beer "garden" making new friends and looking at the spectacular view. Its fabulous!!
Agree great place tp stay.I think so, having done it in both one day and two. I walked both times through Valcarlos, so I cannot compare the two routes from personal experience, but can recommend the municipal albergue at Valcarlos.
walk halfway ,ring taxi and travel back to st Jean and taxi up in morning and continue walk from last stopI plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
...or just book Orisson, have a great night and save two taxi fares !walk halfway ,ring taxi and travel back to st Jean and taxi up in morning and continue walk from last stop
This is not the only stopping point.but the only available stopping point is about 1/3rd of the way to Roncevalles, so when I got there, it was mid morning,
It can be difficult to reserve.I booked us in to Orisson a couple of months back and would advise you to do the same .
This is worth noting.The municipal albergue in Valcarlos is nice, with a tienda and farmacia nearby. Orisson is by its lonesome.
Great advice.For splitting though, there is another option - especially if Orisson and Borda Albergues have no free space for your date. Express Bourricot has a mountain shuttle. You can walk part way over the Pyrennes and then the shuttle picks you up and takes you back to SJPdP for the night. In the morning, you hop back on the shuttle and it takes you right back to where you left off, to continue your walk into Roncesvalles. This has the double benefit of allowing you to walk without your pack for the first (and steepest) day
This is also relevant advice. I met my trail buddies in Roncesvalles and beyond.Many people credit Orisson with having been where they made friends for life. You do not need to feel that you will be deprived of such friendships if you choose to walk further on Day 1. You will just meet different people en route to Roncesvalles, in Roncesvalles, or wherever
Similar age! We walked to the snow virgin on day 1 and then did the shuttle back there on day 2. We stopped for soup and bread at Orrison and met people we then bumped into along the way, so happy with the camaraderie encountered. Day 1 was driving rain and fog, so hot soup appreciated. The joy on day 2 of seeing sheep (rather than just hearing their bells) and being blown away by the views on a then sunny sunny daybreak as we were transported back to the top was a tremendous bonus.All personal preference and somewhat dependent on health, fitness etc.
'Most' people seem well able to do it in one day.
I don't think I could. Legs/knees are not that good.
Both times on that route I split it over 2 days.
But I used another strategy.
The mountain shuttle.
Gives you a bit more flexibility on how far you want to walk on Day 1.
As they can pick you up at different locations.
And drop you back the next day to the same spot.
View attachment 116521
An added advantage is that on your first day you only need a light pack (day pack)
Passengers tranport on the way of Saint James | Trip from Biarritz to St Jean pied de port
Transporting people around the Way of Saint James. Trips from Biarritz to St Jean Pied De Port to Roncesvalles, and the whole pilgrimage regionwww.expressbourricot.com
Afternote: Apologies, it was already mentioned above!
I did check but missed it.
..
ONE!I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I've done it both ways and you're right it's a tough day especially the first 9k or so. There is a new auberge just a bit further on than Orisson called auberge Boda I think, I stayed there in October, it was excellent, the young French guy that runs it is really welcoming and the food was great,it made the next days walk even more enjoyable .I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean
h ah aha my strategy exactly and am also known as the fast one.@bkkboy, I am also a bit older. In fact in May 2016 I was 74. From my training I had learnt three things:
1) To get the most enjoyment start early, it allows you to take options later in the day. I started from S-Jean just before sunrise, and I was about the middle of the pack. I go to bed wearing just about everything I will start with and my pack just needing a final closing.
2) I have found it best for me, to dress for mid morning. Usually this will mean a short sleeve (merino) top and gloves. Most people starting out that morning were dressed for the morning chill and most had to stop a a few kilometres to take stuff off, open their pack, swap and close the pack: ?and getting a chill in the process?
3) Walk at a constant pace: shorten or lengthen your stride for steep or flat sections. On the steepest section my stride would be 100mm to 150 mm (4" to 6") - in other words, for the moving foot, the toes would be 100mm to 150 mm in front and the heel some where w=between the heel and toes of the static foot. And I would breathe in on one footfall and out on the other - my breathing acted as a metronome.
Using those techniques, just like the tortoise, I passed so many people and was passed by one. I had three stops:
I was at the albergue before it opened for bookings, along with two or three other early birds.
- about 2 minutes at Orisson to ask about the weather;
- less than 1 minute at "last sello caravan" as the throng meant a delay and the wind was chilling;
- "comfort stop" in the now sunny forest a few km before Roncevalles.
Two days later I was in the albergue at Zalbadika. Several Sacred Heart sisters offer a pastoral and late evening service. At that the "youngsters" wanted to know how I was so fast - I told them about techniques three. Early afternoon the next day I was the other side of Pamplona looking at the windmills stretching along Alto del Perdon when another callow you approached saying he had heard I was the "fast one", was this correct?
If you don't have hills that you can train on, try getting regular access to high rise buildings. First without gear: just getting the muscles in the upper leg (knee to thigh/groin) used to the extra work. When you can do, say, 10 floors with ease then start over with all your gear on your back and aim for 10 floors with ease again - 10 floors is at least 30 metres and nearer 40 metres of elevation gain, but the effort of lifting you foot to the next step is quite high, especially when fully laden.
All I can counsel for you is "do it your way". But be match fit for the many days ahead
Kia kaha, kia māia kia manawanui (take care, be strong, confident and patient)
If I were starting from SJPP and hadn't walked the route before, I would split the day. There are now two hostels to choose from on the Napoleon route. A new hostel, of which there are good reports, has opened a bit further on the path beyond Orisson.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
Huntto heb je de eerste albergue , en dit is 5 km vanuit SJPDP . En dan heb je meteen al een redelijk steil stuk achter de rug . Wij zijn daar verbleven in 2018 en zeer goed verblijf en lekker eten.Ik ben van plan om in juni de Camino te lopen vanaf St Jean Pied de Port. Van wat ik heb gelezen, is de eerste dag van St. Jean naar Roncesvalles erg moeilijk. Als een beetje ouder, 72, en willen genieten van de wandeling, is het dan beter om de eerste dag te splitsen en de nacht door te brengen ongeveer 10 km buiten St. Jean, waar volgens mij het enige hostel is gevestigd? De Pyreneeën zelf zijn de moeite waard om de tijd te nemen om van te genieten.
Afgelopen juli fietste ik van Pamplona naar Lissabon, via Santiago. Hoewel het een goede ervaring was, had ik destijds het gevoel dat fietsers, die alleen reizen, veel onderweg missen, zoals de kameraadschap, en ook de neiging hebben om langs bezienswaardigheden te razen, waarbij ze wegen volgen in plaats van voetpaden.
Bij voorbaat bedankt.
I have done it both ways,in July 2016 we did it in one day then in late October last year we decided to split the trip as we arrived in St Jean at lunchtime so we had lunch and walked the 9k or so to auberge Borda, a great decision as it made the next days walk a bit easier. We had a great communal meal in the auberge with great food and company, we had breakfast next morning and Laurent our host gave us the option of a packed lunch for our walk. If I do this route again I'll opt to split the day as it was much more enjoyable.I plan to walk the Camino starting from St Jean Pied de Port, next June. From what I have read, the first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is very difficult. Being a bit older, 72, and wanting to enjoy the walk, is it better to split the first day and spend the night about 10km outside St. Jean, where I believe the only hostel is located? The Pyrenees, themselves, are worth taking time to enjoy.
Last July I cycled from Pamplona to Lisbon, via Santiago. Although a good experience, my feeling at the time was that cyclists, traveling alone, miss a lot en route, such as the camaraderie, and also tend to speed past places of interest, following roads rather than foot paths.
Thanks in advance.
I loved stopping in Orisson. I was tired from the flight from florida USA and honestly needed to adjust to the altitude (Florida sits at sea level) The place was perfectly lovely and this stop helped me to begin my journey from a good internal spot.Split the stage and spend more time in the beautiful Pyrenees!
There are now two places to stay, and you will probably need a reservation.
Refuge Orisson is the one that you have probably heard of. It's about 8 km from SJPDP.
The new place is Auberge Borda, and it's about one km past Orisson.
Try this company.Thanks for the advice. Is it possible to arrange to get my backpack shipped from SJPP to Roncesvalles, spending two days to get there with a day pack?
How many weeks in advance should I book? Still working out the exact dates for May 2022.Split the stage and spend more time in the beautiful Pyrenees!
There are now two places to stay, and you will probably need a reservation.
Refuge Orisson is the one that you have probably heard of. It's about 8 km from SJPDP.
The new place is Auberge Borda, and it's about one km past Orisson.
As soon as you have your exact dates.How many weeks in advance should I book? Still working out the exact dates for May 2022.
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