Route de Napoelon or the Road Less Traveled?

[lrisvold]

So I'm trying to decide which route I should take from SJPP to Roncesvalles. I've never hiked before and have been training some but am still concerned about the 1st day's walk. I know there's a price difference between Orisson and Valcarlos. I've read that the road through Valcarlos is less marked, but am not as concerned about that as I'm making my camino during the busy season of June/July this year. Looking for recommendations about which route I should take and why based on people's experiences.

Buen camino all,
Lisa
Iowa, USA

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hy , you can split the first day and stay in the albergue Orisson . Hope this answer helps , I wish you a Buen Camino , Peter .

 

[SYates]

It really is up to you, there are so many options of doing that first stage! You can:

Walk from SJPDP to Roncesvalles in one day. If you start with first light, you have plenty of time.
Walk from SJPDP to Orrison and then the next day to Roncesvalles. You will need to reserve a bed in Orisson for that.
Walk from SJPDP to Roncesvalles via the 'low road'.
Walk from SJPD to Valcarlos and the next day to Roncesvalles.
Combine any of the above with luggage transport bearing in mind that you still have to carry the essentials (water, food, sun / rain protection) in a day bag.

It is really up to you! Buen Camino! SY

 

[Mark Lee]

I did the Valcarlos route July 2013 and the Napoleon route June 2014. Walked all the way to Orisson both times. There was not nearly as many pilgrims on the Valcarlos, so if you're wanting to walk with fellow pilgrims that may not be the route for you. Not that difficult to reach the albergues at Orisson or Valcarlos, and if you decide to stay at either will make for a short day of walking.
Both routes are beautiful.

 

[jsalt]

So I'm trying to decide which route I should take from SJPP to Roncesvalles. I've never hiked before and have been training some but am still concerned about the 1st day's walk. I know there's a price difference between Orisson and Valcarlos. I've read that the road through Valcarlos is less marked, but am not as concerned about that as I'm making my camino during the busy season of June/July this year. Looking for recommendations about which route I should take and why based on people's experiences.

Buen camino all,
Lisa
Iowa, USA

Hi Lisa, the Valcarlos route is very well marked. On a good weather day there are very few pilgrims. There were 6 pilgrims in the albergue when I stayed on 16 June 2014 (a beautiful weather day). It is an easier route than walking via Orisson. Jill

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There is no doubt going over rather than around is demanding, but doable, as long as: the weather permits it - if in doubt, go around, you take your time - it's not a race, you are allowed to be slow and to rest often, and finally if you are just as careful going down than you were slow going up. It is a trek, you may wonder what possesed you (I did!) but it is not only beautiful, but quite an accomplishment, one you will never forget.