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Hello not going until AugustYou could also take the Valcarlos route; essentially going around rather than over, if you have any concerns or the weather forecast is unfavourable (you didn't mention time of year except to say 'months').
Happy planning
I was 49 as I walked my first Camino, beeing in fair shape for my age.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
@MicheleL ,Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
In 2016 on my 72nd birthday and after spending the night at Bellari (highly recommended) in Saint Jean Pied de Port I took the Roman way. I had trained but there are no mountains or even hills in Florida so it was difficult. Go slow and listen to your body. I fell on the descent, fortunately no damage, and was one of the last to reach Roncevalles. I went back in 2018 and stopped at Orrison. Both Caminos were difficult but I wouldn't say one was better than the other. My advice for your first Camino is to start in St Jean, stay at the Albergue Bellari, start early and fresh and go the whole way to Roncevalles, up and over!Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
We've found crossing those mountain on the CF or Argones at times challenging. Our biggest issue was always been the elevation. We live at roughly 52' above sea level. The easier hikes over the mountain was when we gave ourselves a day to acclimate In St Jean Pied de Port or Oloron-Sainte-Marie or Burguete to France. Remember that first day isn't the only Mountain you'll climb.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
While it is true that the Valcarlos route crosses at a slightly lower altitude, it is more undulating, and I think you would find there isn't much different in the total climb that you need to do.You could also take the Valcarlos route; essentially going around rather than over, if you have any concerns or the weather forecast is unfavourable (you didn't mention time of year except to say 'months').
Happy planning
I did my first Camino (at 59 going on 60) in May-June, Francés from SJPP to Santiago. If you’re in good shape it is definitely doable to walk through to Roncesvalles and I know I could have gone beyond, especially with the nervous energy of the new experience. But I was glad I had heeded the recommendation to stay (and book ahead!) at Orisson for two reasons. First, I ended my first, arduous day with a feeling of accomplishment—but also with energy to spare that allowed me to take in the spectacular views and fully enjoy the evening at an albergue with fellow pilgrims. Secondly, it was absolutely fantastic to wake up in the Pyrenees. If you’re lucky, you’ll also have a clear day and get to see the sun rising through the mist in the valley below and the many layers of hills in the distance. Spectacular. The walk the next day is gorgeous and you’ll be fresh to enjoy it as well, with the wild horses and amazing vistas. If you’re so inclined, you could opt to walk beyond Roncesvalles to the next town.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
It’s not that difficult but it should not be missed. It was one of the highlights, as it was for most people I spoke with, of my Camino from SJPDP in September. You can get your bag, if you intended backpacking, taken over to your accommodation by Express Bourricot.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
It’s honestly the best part. Just go slow!Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
Hi, I am more concerned about the descent. Is it very steep?I set off from sjpp last April with a guy who was 73 at the time. He found it steep and arduous, mostly because it's a steady climb for the first 2-3 hours. The climb is much less steep after orisson. He made it. Anyone can do it, not just Olympic athletes. Start walking hills now, with your pack. Take it slow. You'll be tired, but you'll be fine.
Yes, or no, depending on which route you choose. The road route, though longer, is less steep and offers surer footingHi, I am more concerned about the descent. Is it very steep?
As @Tincatinker said - if you take the gentler path to the right, which is suggested by the Pilgrims Office, it's much easier.Hi, I am more concerned about the descent. Is it very steep?
It is difficult! We did it in October and we had hurricane winds in our face the whole way ! It was absolute torture for me !Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
@MicheleL ,
my personal experience, at 72 I walked the Pyrenees from SJPP seven months ago, I stayed one night at about 9 kms away at Alebergue BORDA ,
you are younger, but I highly recommend stay a night at either Orrison or Borda , (1 km apart from each other ) it took a toll on me climbing , you can stay in SJPP , depends on the weather and enjoy the pretty city, walk slowly , you can do it, Look back and savour the glimpse at SJPP below in the valley , the beauty you have passed /walked over , it is all awesome.
you still have to climb more next day but the climb is over longer distance.
Slow and steady , have snack and water , take rest when and if you need it.
Please , despite you being tired and fatigue etc.. Don`t forget to enjoy the moment , you will forget it the hardship very soon,…
But all that you passing through , Pyrenees are beautiful on a sunny days but most beautiful is your Camino Walk.
Wishing you the best of luck .
Cheers and Buen Camino !
Canada
That's why I suggest that those staying at Orisson or Borda don't get an early start.But it is only 3 hours to Orisson for most people - so that would be a short walking day.
Yes, agreed! Don't start too early. You wouldn't be able to go into the room until "check in time" anyway. Not that I minded hanging out on the terraceThat's why I suggest that those staying at Orisson or Borda don't get an early start.
Take your time in the morning in SJPDP - have a leisurely breakfast, look in the shops, etc. Then start walking after 11 am to arrive in the early afternoon.
It's a kick in the teeth, but slow and steady, you'll be fine. Consider this:Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
I’m 70 in generally good health except for asthma and a knee issue that requires a full time support brace. You can do it! Take it slow. Stop is Orisson. Even if you don’t “need” to stop, It’s worth the opportunity to meet people you may see again in Santiago. Just listen to your body. Stop now and then To soak in the beauty and take photos. Put one foot in front of the other and remember why you’re there. If I could do it…truly anyone can. Not a question of can you do it!! But who is going to stop you!Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
How did you manage the descent with your knee. Because that is my worry. Like you in descent shape and 12 years younger and hardly an opportunity to do regular mountain/hill walking as I am from the Netherlands.I’m 70 in generally good health except for asthma and a knee issue that requires a full time support brace. You can do it! Take it slow. Stop is Orisson. Even if you don’t “need” to stop, It’s worth the opportunity to meet people you may see again in Santiago. Just listen to your body. Stop now and then To soak in the beauty and take photos. Put one foot in front of the other and remember why you’re there. If I could do it…truly anyone can. Not a question of can you do it!! But who is going to stop you!
I’ve lived in Florida the past 7 years. Highest elevation 156 feet! No opportunity to see what limits I had. Can’t sugar coat it. Descents were hard. Especially going into Zubiri. I went slow. People past me so fast I felt the wind whoosh by. Use poles. Did I mention go slow? Many many times I went down sideways. Always bad leg first. Look where you are stepping!! Be stable before the next step. Go slow! Some people said to zig zag. My knee couldn’t take the pivot that required. You will find what works for you. Seriously there’s no magic bullet. I know what my struggles were. And I know without knowing anything about you, you’ve got this.How did you manage the descent with your knee. Because that is my worry. Like you in descent shape and 12 years younger and hardly an opportunity to do regular mountain/hill walking as I am from the Netherlands.
The descent into Roncesvalles is not bad if you take the gentler path to the right as mentioned previously.How did you manage the descent with your knee. Because that is my worry
As @Tincatinker said - if you take the gentler path to the right, which is suggested by the Pilgrims Office, it's much easier.
You can see it on this map - the dotted line at Col. de Lepoeder
View attachment 137406
I will say, if you already know you have a risky knee. Get as much medical help before you go. Injections, brace, acupuncture. Talk to a sports medicine doctor. Use everything available before you go.How did you manage the descent with your knee. Because that is my worry. Like you in descent shape and 12 years younger and hardly an opportunity to do regular mountain/hill walking as I am from the Netherlands.
one last thing that truly helped as much as anything—I was able to get physical therapy for my knee that helped strengthen it. I also was able to bring my full backpack to therapy and got some help in lifting etc the right way as to not injure my knee (or back). IMHO—There is no shame in sending some of the weight (or all) ahead over particularly difficult sections.How did you manage the descent with your knee. Because that is my worry. Like you in descent shape and 12 years younger and hardly an opportunity to do regular mountain/hill walking as I am from the Netherlands.
I walked it without prior training. And I am not athletic. It is worth it, do it.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
Hi, my husband and I walked the entire Camino Francés when we were 59 and 63. He did fine throughout this stage and the whole Camino. I found the climb to Orisson steep and staying there a great decision. Waking up the next morning was truly heaven. The second day through the Pyrenees is much easier and so beautiful! However, I found the downhill through the forest from el Collado de Lepoeder to Roncesvalles the most difficult part of my whole Camino. It's quite steep and can be slippery. My knees suffered a lot (and, yes, I had trekking poles). If I do it again, I'll definitely take the alternative route down. Again, my husband had no trouble at all. The Camino is a beautiful, very individual, experience. Buen Camino!Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
Hi I first did the Camino in 2010 at the young age of 65 from SJDP to Roncervalls at times was hard going and sometimes easy, just stop for a rest now and then, but i can be done i also did the same trip in 2015,have faith in your self and you will make itHello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean too Roncesvalles ?
Something with a decent grip. Look at the weather forecast. Or get the bus. Some go over the top, others through the tunnel (vehicles only tunnel, no walkers or bikes)I am intent of avoiding Roncevalles because I need the calm before setting out on the Camino frances. I do wish to walk to the Col de Somport in mid April and would like to know if I need mountain shoes or trekking shoes will be okay given that Somport is approximately 1600 meters and there may have snow up there. I could call the tourist office in Oloron Sainte-Marie....
Thanks…something to think about..the bus…first time through the tunnel was 4 months after it was opened when traveling from Madrid to Geneva.Something with a decent grip. Look at the weather forecast. Or get the bus. Some go over the top, others through the tunnel (vehicles only tunnel, no walkers or bikes)
The 'Valcarlos' is an interesting route. The actual walk to Valcarlos town is magnificent, and I'd say the first day (if you decide to break the walk to Roncesvalles into two days) is a great opener for the Frances. However, day two presents a fairly intense walk...gaining almost a 1000 metres in 12 kilometres. Certainly not the constant climb that the Napoleon presents, but no walk in the park either.You could also take the Valcarlos route; essentially going around rather than over, if you have any concerns or the weather forecast is unfavourable (you didn't mention time of year except to say 'months').
Happy planning
The first 5 miles are the steepest on the Camino Francés, but most of the Camino between St Jean and Roncesvalles is on a road or nice path - it's not mountaineering!
Check out this time lapse video to see the complete stage:
Staying in Orisson is a wonderful experience. I've done it twice and wouldn't miss it!I would suggest stopping at Orisson or Auberge Borda to split up the first stage.
There is also a bus. Not very "pyrenees" but more a illustration of foothills rather than mountains.
It's a wonderful experience as is staying over at Orisson to have a good meal and start to the pilgrim experience. I hope you don't have to miss it!Staying in Orisson is a wonderful experience. I've done it twice and wouldn't miss it!
Hi Michele- I finished my first camino from SJPP to Santiago in Sept/Oct of this year. I am 63. I think that it all depends....on the weather and on your level of fitness. It's a tought ascent and quite rocky in parts. If I were to do it again, I would reserve a bed in either Orisson or Borda vs walking all the way to Roncesvalles. Mostly because it was 97F / 36C on the day I walked that portion of the route and the heat and incline were not fun. I was dangerously dehydrated when I arrived at Roncesvalles- when it's that hot, one just sweats water out almost as fast as it goes in.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
No. At least not the free-ranging ones; some in pastures, though.Are there sheep and horses on the Varcarlos route like what I see on alot of videos of the Napolean route? I'm more interested in that than the mountains. Even if the Varcarlos route doesn't have that to offer, do other parts of the CF give a similar experience? Walking with a herd of sheep and horses...
You will encounter flocks of sheep along the way but the real fun with farm animals starts about a day away from Galicia.Even if the Varcarlos route doesn't have that to offer, do other parts of the CF give a similar experience?
A day away from galicia? Where would that be?You will encounter flocks of sheep along the way but the real fun with farm animals starts about a day away from Galicia.
I saw a woman a few times who chose to walk backwards down hills.Many many times I went down sideways.
I think this is one of the most important bits of advice about walking uphill that I have read. Actually, it is good advice for ANY kind of walking, in my opinion. No two people walk at the exact same pace, and the uphills put that into stark relief. If you’re walking with someone, your body will thank you if you agree ahead of time that you will see each other at the top.1. As you head uphill, adjust your pace to a comfortable level which you are able to maintain without needing to frequently stop and start. Frequent stops and starts adds to exhaustion. It doesn't matter if your pace is 4 miles per hour or 0.5 miles per hour. What matters is continuously walking between planned breaks.
I first did SJPP to Roncesvalles on a single day as a "reasonably" fit 64-year-old. It was hard work - the first part up to Orisson and then the last part down to Roncesvalles - but entirely do-able. I had some of my backpack contents transported that day.I am 61 in reasonably good shape
I agree with the slow and steady advice, but think it is fine to stop and rest regularly. I set my eyes on a goal up ahead, or decide on a number of steps before I can stop. Then I go slowly and steadily, maybe counting step by step - 50 more steps before stopping, 40 more steps..., etc.If a person has some level of cardio fitness, making it up a long uphill grade is a matter of pace
I agree with the slow and steady advice, but think it is fine to stop and rest regularly. I set my eyes on a goal up ahead, or decide on a number of steps before I can stop. Then I go slowly and steadily, maybe counting step by step - 50 more steps before stopping, 40 more steps..., etc.
Dave can you expand a bit here on what you mean? I'm a bit confused since what I need while walking uphill is determined in large part by what I feel in the moment - once I get going, that is.Please set your pace based on what you need, not on how you feel.
Sorry, somehow I missed your question earlier.A day away from galicia? Where would that be?
Fortunately, @MicheleL isn't planning on crossing the Pyrenees until August, and no one should be planning to walk the route Napoleon this week since it's closed for the season.More snow on the way for the Pyrénées and rainy days until Friday for the plains.
This is a kind offer, but running a routine weather report in a general thread such as this was doesn't make sense to me. You might find there are other ways to provide this information in a way that allows forum members who are just about to leave SJPP to get some idea of the conditions.I live in France, area when hiking I see the Pyrénées and I often wonder if pilgrims going to Santiago would benefit from input from here.
Perhaps volunteering with the Pilgrim Office in St Jean Pied de Port would be useful for you. That office already provides service to assist with up to the minute weather reports and route conditions, as well as assist with lodgings, eateries, etc. You might be of help with that effort quite nicely.If you will, I am on location and could help pilgrims not familiar with the way things are done here..including weather reports. LOL.
You could start your own "weather in the Pyrenees updates" thread, and post to it periodically to keep pilgrims updated.If you will, I am on location and could help pilgrims not familiar with the way things are done here..including weather reports. LOL.
In years past @estorildon was living in Barritz and would sometimes post here about local conditions up in the mountains (he'd go up in the car). If severe weather was happening or on the way it was quite useful.I am on location and could help pilgrims not familiar with the way things are done here..including weather reports
This is just our experience Aug/sept 2022….we both are in our mid 50’s and had been training for a year. But nothing in our area could prepare us for SJPP to Roncesvalles.Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
From where I live, I am located approximately 150 km from the bottom of the Pyrenees. The weather here is very much like that of New England in the US with changes on quick basis. It used to be that we could count on the various French and Spanish weather predictions. I started to use US forecasts and for this area they are unfortunately often wrong.In years past @estorildon was living in Barritz and would sometimes post here about local conditions up in the mountains (he'd go up in the car). If severe weather was happening or on the way it was quite useful.
Uh-huh.US forecasts and for this area they are unfortunately often wrong.
Thank you.Uh-huh.
Just a three word reply:
Meteoblue. Or Windy.
That was nine words!!Uh-huh.
Just a three word reply:
Meteoblue. Or Windy.
That was nine words
Late reply hah but this is my plan as well. Later start in SJPDP and then stop in Orisson (or Borda if I don't get a reply)Yes, agreed! Don't start too early. You wouldn't be able to go into the room until "check in time" anyway. Not that I minded hanging out on the terrace
But also - don't start too late as you must be checked in before dinner time (6pm) - at least - that was the case for Refuge Orisson when I went.
Hi Michele. I had the same concerns and am 60, but the stretch over the P from SJPP to R was incredible! Actually, one if not my top favorite segment along the Frances! You can do it! I suggest staying the night in Orisson and then finishing to R the next day. My sister and I posted a very detailed video on our YouTube channel (Sisters 2 Santiago) that you can watch to see what it's like. Good luck and happy trails!Hello I am going to walk camino from Roncevalles to Navarette . Can't do the whole thing and this is my 1st time. I have months to prep still and I am 61 in reasonably good shape .
I am considering starting in St Jean de Port
How difficult is the stretch from St Jean to Roncesvalles ?
acclimate to the altitude
Dedicated Sherpa carrying the spare oxygen...
Hi all,, not being able to log in any ideasI set off from sjpp last April with a guy who was 73 at the time. He found it steep and arduous, mostly because it's a steady climb for the first 2-3 hours. The climb is much less steep after orisson. He made it. Anyone can do it, not just Olympic athletes. Start walking hills now, with your pack. Take it slow. You'll be tired, but you'll be fine.
Can't log into the forum? You must have to be able to post.Hi all,, not being able to log in any ideas
The suppliers of the forum software introduced a bug where user names are now case sensitive. You may have been trying to login with an uppercase F. I don't think this bug is consistent across browsers. Also, I've been told a fix is on the way.Hi all,, not being able to log in any ideas
Totally agree. I was 64 when I did it and it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I had had heard. Do some long, uphill training walks with your backpack and you’ll be able to better judge whether to break the day up or not. And IT IS BEAUTIFUL!I am a 68 yo woman and in decent shape but no athlete! If you’ve done any hiking at all with hills, you will find most of the Camino more of a walk, rather than a real hike. I started the last time woefully out of shape and with no practice prep. That first day is long but can be broken up at Orison. Take it slow, listen to your body, and IMHO you will be fine. Far more pilgrims fall to blisters than terrain! The standard book makes the daily walks look steep. But if you look at the actual elevation gain or loss, it’s not much. Very doable.
First,if you decide to stay in Orisson or Borda, make reservations ASAP for August. You just can’t show up spontaneously, normally, and get a bunk.That's why I suggest that those staying at Orisson or Borda don't get an early start.
Take your time in the morning in SJPDP - have a leisurely breakfast, look in the shops, etc. Then start walking after 11 am to arrive in the early afternoon.
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