Planning for next year.

[KiwiJohn]

Hello fellow pilgrims. I would like to wish everyone a happy New Year.
After completing an amazing Camino Frances during August/September of this past year, it appears that I have the Camino fever in wanting a repeat.
I along with my brother managed it in 30 days despite our creaking bones, fully enjoying the experience.
I would really appreciate any advice on next year's challenge, by asking a few questions.
1. Spring or Autumn?
2. Staying away from roads as much as possible, not worrying about the extra distance involved?
3. Accomodation (less choice?)
4. Gear?
5. Stage distances and elevation profiles etc?
Thanking you all in advance

 

[trecile]

For point #2 look no farther than this thread:

Coastal alternatives to the Norte's asphalt​

For #4 & 5 check Gronze

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

 

[Damien Reynolds]

1. Spring or Autumn?
2. Staying away from roads as much as possible, not worrying about the extra distance involved?
3. Accomodation (less choice?)
4. Gear?
5. Stage distances and elevation profiles etc?

1) Spring. The days get longer instead of shorter.
2) I've heard somewhere that the norte has the most road walking. I don't really notice. Always take the right turn when faced with alternative paths to choose.
3) oh the first few days for sure. like its touristy. I've seen hostels for like $35/night. later it gets easier.
4) Standard gear
5) I always seem to walk 27km / day on average. I only know this because I love spreadsheets. The first 5 days are the hardest.

 

[Betheymae]

Hello fellow pilgrims. I would like to wish everyone a happy New Year.
After completing an amazing Camino Frances during August/September of this past year, it appears that I have the Camino fever in wanting a repeat.
I along with my brother managed it in 30 days despite our creaking bones, fully enjoying the experience.
I would really appreciate any advice on next year's challenge, by asking a few questions.
1. Spring or Autumn?
2. Staying away from roads as much as possible, not worrying about the extra distance involved?
3. Accomodation (less choice?)
4. Gear?
5. Stage distances and elevation profiles etc?
Thanking you all in advance

I walked from Irun starting sept 14. Finished oct 25. Weather was beautiful. Last week there was a lot of rain. There are a lot of ascents/descents. The descents are killer on the shins. It got to where the ascents were easier than the descents. I used Topo ultra venture shoes, and they were awesome. Good for trails and asphalt with a lot of toe room. Stretch, stretch, stretch! on The Frances I just walked and always found a bed. sometimes I booked ahead if there was only a couple places, other times I just winged it. i Would advise to book ahead on weekends in popular cities. Only once did the albergue I planned on staying at not have a bed. Found one within minutes on booking.com. I was so nervous because before I left I kept reading that it was going to be difficult. The Camino always provides. one Of my biggest pieces of advice is plan your food! There were days where there was no place to stop for food for 10 miles. Definitely different than the Frances. It is so beautifu…my favorite route…so far.Buen camino