For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
The most difficult part, in fact, is the 400 meter descent down to Ronscesvalles. Just burns the quads!
Fabulous day walking but towards the end it was a little tough on the legs especially the downhill section in the afternoon towards the end of this section.
Ger
Even though fit and used to walking long distances I am far too realistic to think that I can walk to Roncesvalles in one day without risking injury or strain . Jumping off an international flight and starting to walk the next day just screams eagerness induced injury to me . An overnight at Orisson is the obvious answer but my travel plans may fluctuate and flying from Australia allows for far too many variables to be able to make and use a firm booking .
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
Even though fit and used to walking long distances I am far too realistic to think that I can walk to Roncesvalles in one day without risking injury or strain . Jumping off an international flight and starting to walk the next day just screams eagerness induced injury to me . An overnight at Orisson is the obvious answer but my travel plans may fluctuate and flying from Australia allows for far too many variables to be able to make and use a firm booking .
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
It may be clearly signposted but the first time when I came down the hill, I couldn't see the arrow that points to the right. After I passed the signpost and stopped again, I looked back up at the signpost and realized there was an arrow to the right. It took me a while to figure it out. The second time, three years later, I stood by the sign directing people to the right for over a half hour (I was waiting for someone to catch up to me.) Even with me pointing out the arrow, people still weren't sure that they were headed in the correct direction. Some people still went straight and on a rainy, foggy day, they had a rough trip down the mountain. I think that area could use better signage.Currently the Pilgrim`s Office at SJPP emphatically does not recommend this descent. It is marked after Lepoeder pass with a big "X" in its map. Instead, it send us by the paved road to Ibañeta chapel, and a final, easy stroll by the forest. This paved road has almost no traffic. It is clearly signposted (see here in Google maps); you turn to your right. It adds a couple of km to the stage, but it is a easy walk, with pleasant views. It has some shortcuts cutting the loops, marked with the white and red stripes of the French GR paths.
Many pilgrims go anyway by the steep descent afer Lepoeder, either because of the tradition, the views, or because Roncesvalles seems around the corner.
It may be clearly signposted but the first time when I came down the hill, I couldn't see the arrow that points to the right. After I passed the signpost and stopped again, I looked back up at the signpost and realized there was an arrow to the right. It took me a while to figure it out. The second time, three years later, I stood by the sign directing people to the right for over a half hour (I was waiting for someone to catch up to me.) Even with me pointing out the arrow, people still weren't sure that they were headed in the correct direction. Some people still went straight and on a rainy, foggy day, they had a rough trip down the mountain. I think that area could use better signage.
That was my experience too. It simply was not obvious which was the preferred route. If I remember correctly, the path down (to the left) looked more well trodden and appeared to be the "main" route. I have done both, and the steep one is not so terrible, either, at least on a nice day.It may be clearly signposted but the first time when I came down the hill, I couldn't see the arrow that points to the right. After I passed the signpost and stopped again, I looked back up at the signpost and realized there was an arrow to the right. It took me a while to figure it out. The second time, three years later, I stood by the sign directing people to the right for over a half hour (I was waiting for someone to catch up to me.) Even with me pointing out the arrow, people still weren't sure that they were headed in the correct direction. Some people still went straight and on a rainy, foggy day, they had a rough trip down the mountain. I think that area could use better signage.
@Felipe - your picture appears to be taken from below the signpost - looking back at it. That's the problem with the sign. You have to walk past it and then turn around and read it. But the trail goes past the signpost and there is another camino stone marker straight ahead, showing the steep route down.
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
For me, the Ibaneta route was not clearly signposted in 2015. I was looking but never saw a definitive sign. I found the route because there were some Spanish pilgrims sitting at the intersection, who knew the way. As others have said, the steep route is the one that goes straight and appears to be the main route because it is so well trodden. It is beautiful, but "this paved route has almost no traffic" because it is difficult to recognize!Currently the Pilgrim`s Office at SJPP emphatically does not recommend this descent. It is marked after Lepoeder pass with a big "X" in its map. Instead, it send us by the paved road to Ibañeta chapel, and a final, easy stroll by the forest. This paved road has almost no traffic. It is clearly signposted (see here in Google maps); you turn to your right. It adds a couple of km to the stage, but it is a easy walk, with pleasant views. It has some shortcuts cutting the loops, marked with the white and red stripes of the French GR paths.
Many pilgrims go anyway by the steep descent afer Lepoeder, either because of the tradition, the views, or because Roncesvalles seems around the corner.
So many suggestions and good advice .
I turned sixty this May and I suspect that this and the shiny new ' Senior's card ' that arrived in the mail is playing havoc with my confidence .
I suspect I will do as I have done most of my life , jump in and do it .
Thanks for the replies .
3 pilgrims celebrated their 80th birthdays on my camino last year...it was incredibleI turn 60 on Camino .... Jumping in and just doing it sounds good to me ..... That or die in a nursing home .... Fairly easy decision
Anne
3 pilgrims celebrated their 80th birthdays on my camino last year...it was incredible
I will add a prayer for your return.I just cancelled my Camino after 3 days. I developed a pinched erve in my left leg.
My first day saw all I could accomplish, taking 9 hours to make it to Orrison. I pleaded my case, unable to walk another step and advise that I would wait for a cancellation or a no show, or sleep outside the window beside me. I was booked in immediately. This was great news as some of my new friends were passing me, going downhill to the Orrison overflow dorm.
Next day, I was recommended to forward my pack to Roncesvalles, take a sandwich and take a cab the first 8 km from Orrison to the Cross, where the path leaves the road. That would mean reaching Spain in 10 km. This is what I did.
With a light day pack, I made it to Cize Pass fairly easily but then I made a mistake, one that most made that day. DO NOT TAKE THE LEFT PATH to Roncesvalles. Take the right path. It is in the papers that you receive at the Pilgrim Office in SJPP. Problem with me is I did not see it till suppertime in Roncesvales. The pitch downhill was like a doul=ble black diamond ski slope.
But for me, my nemesis came about 7 km from Zubiri on that third day. The shooting, immediate shreaking pain in my leg froze me to s single spot. I was on a downhill piece, just before a creek. I stopped for a half hour. When it felt I could move, I rose above the creek to the road and an interpretive map / sign. I could see the Camino path started off road again about 30 m away. But I was still quite hot and took shelter behind the sign, leaning against the post.
With my head down and feeling slightly better, I heard a woman's voice in Spanish. It repeated. Looking up, it was a supervisor of the road crew working in the creek structure. She was asking if I wanted a ride to Zubiri. She said, what I could understand, my face es roja (red). It concerned her quite a lot. It was when I accepted that ride that I knoew my Camino was over, for now.
What did I learn?
No amount of conditioning will prepare you unless you are a marathon runner. The best pack weight is no pack weight. hen I return, no tent, no sleeping bag, just a bag liner. Nothing mre than needed. Nothing. My bag objective is now 8 lb not including what I am wearing.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Angels I met in that short time. Michael and Jan from Germany, Bessie, Margaret, Heiki and Doder from Denmark, Eric from Australia, Andy, Noel from Toronto, Sven from Denmark, the Spanish fellow who got me back on my feet just before Huunto. There are more whose names I never received, especially the lady who took me to Zubiri, pointed out the hospital and dropped me off at the Albergue Municipale.
Even though fit and used to walking long distances I am far too realistic to think that I can walk to Roncesvalles in one day without risking injury or strain . Jumping off an international flight and starting to walk the next day just screams eagerness induced injury to me . An overnight at Orisson is the obvious answer but my travel plans may fluctuate and flying from Australia allows for far too many variables to be able to make and use a firm booking .
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
HiEven though fit and used to walking long distances I am far too realistic to think that I can walk to Roncesvalles in one day without risking injury or strain . Jumping off an international flight and starting to walk the next day just screams eagerness induced injury to me . An overnight at Orisson is the obvious answer but my travel plans may fluctuate and flying from Australia allows for far too many variables to be able to make and use a firm booking .
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
Hi,I've done the Napoleon twice (2013 & 2015) and Valcarlos once (2014). Both times, overnight at Orisson, and did both descents. (don't forget Kayola) The steep one to the left that is not recommended, is doable IF you have trekking poles and use them, it is GOOD weather and not muddy, and you are not fatigued, ill, or hurting! But it IS beautiful and quiet thru the old beech forest!! I found the descent by the road long and tiresome - but with beautiful views.
If going by Valcarlos, the first day is beautiful! And Arneguy is a fine place to stop for food, beverage and/or rest. In Valcarlos, the next morning, I failed to have a decent breakfast and found the second climb almost impossible due to insufficient energy. On reflection, however, that 2nd day route was also beautiful - up thru the beech forest, and not all that difficult. It seemed to me that coming down from Ibañeta to Roncesvalles was almost as hard on my knees as coming down from Lepoeder to Roncesvalles. Next time, I'll go by Valcarlos and take the road from Ibañeta - and make sure I have a good breakfast & carry sufficient food and water for the whole day. We may run into each other - I'll be starting from SJPP about the same time you will.
But, Charles, I'm 10 years older than you. You will have no problems walking either way in one or two days - but don't hurry - it's all too wonderful to hurry!
Buen Camino!
To be honest, I can't really recommend one over the other! The Napoleon, in good weather, is fabulous! As The pilgrim Office will advise, DO NOT GO THAT WAY IF THE WEATHER IS BAD! The first day to Orisson can be tough - up hill for 5 mi/8 km. The 2nd day is more gradual up AFTER the initial km or 2. The Valcarlos route is very nice from SJPP to Valcarlos. This year I did not continue on foot after Valcarlos - there were no other pilgrims the day I walked, none at the albergue, and I didn't want to be alone on the highway nor on the two trails that went up thru the forests! I took a taxi to Roncesvalles.Hi,
Which way do you recommand for a starter to Roncevalle? Walk from SJPP tot Valcarlos and then how further?
I have done both; by Valcarlos in two stages (not difficult); and Napoleon all the way from SJPP (tough, but doable for almost everybody).Hi,
Which way do you recommand for a starter to Roncevalle? Walk from SJPP tot Valcarlos and then how further?
Thank you! I consider to walk begin may.I have done both; by Valcarlos in two stages (not difficult); and Napoleon all the way from SJPP (tough, but doable for almost everybody).
Both ways are good. Valcarlos was pleasant and quiet, even lonely (which I liked).
The Napoleon has magnificent views and yes, there is "something" special about it. It is also really crowded, you walk with people before and behind you, all the time.
You don' t mention when are you intending to walk. It is an important factor to consider, too.
Buen camino!
another urban myth debunked! I've only done the trail route but it was not fun in snow. I don't know how much fun the other way would be in snow, either. I was just sad to miss the chapel.I didn't walk the Napoleon Route but from map data there does not seem to be much difference between the average steepness between the two routes down from Col Lepoeder. The road route through Puerto de Ibañeta is is blue below and the trail route is in blue. I've been told that the trail route can be slippery though.
View attachment 29555
yes, it is, and I did it in a snow storm. I recall being warned it was steep in the Pilgrims Office, and it was never my intention to be on it (if for no other reason, I wanted to see the chapel on the road) BUT numbers generally don't lie, and see the graph by @Rick of Rick and Peg above...it appears the way to the right is just as steep a descent. Perhaps the surface changes the feel.Is the 'trail' you mention the descent through the forest? If it is, then the other way is much less steep!
I've done the forest path twice, in good weather (the first time by mistake) . This time (last June), there was no visibility, it had been raining and there was no way I wanted to go down that path! I found the 'road' much easier and very pleasant actually
Actually... The pilgrim's office don't "want" anything, they inform, suggest and warn. It's a branch of a French association working with volunteers, which main purpose is to welcome and advise pilgrims on their first steps on the Camino.If the pilgrim office really wants to close the steep route, it would help if they changed the trail markers in that area.
I think if you look closely you can still see the marks made by my bottom when I slipped at that first cut back on the forest trailI did mention that the AVERAGE slope of both ways was about the same but the trail through the woods does have more variability. The link below shows Open Street Map's interactive map of the area around Col Lepoeder. The road to Puerto de Ibañeta is NA-2033 going west. The trail/piste through the woods heads south.
http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/43.0250/-1.2973
I think the forest trail to Roncesvalles is shorter, so steeper.I didn't walk the Napoleon Route but from map data there does not seem to be much difference between the average steepness between the two routes down from Col Lepoeder. The road route through Puerto de Ibañeta is is blue below and the trail route is in blue. I've been told that the trail route can be slippery though.
View attachment 29555
Even though fit and used to walking long distances I am far too realistic to think that I can walk to Roncesvalles in one day without risking injury or strain . Jumping off an international flight and starting to walk the next day just screams eagerness induced injury to me . An overnight at Orisson is the obvious answer but my travel plans may fluctuate and flying from Australia allows for far too many variables to be able to make and use a firm booking .
The shuttle from Orisson back to SJdP sounds as if it is the most flexible of options . Am I right in believing that I could walk to Orisson then shuttle back to Sj and then return to Orisson the next morning ?
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ? If it is a casual hop on hop off service I would be very pleased . At the moment the plan is to walk starting in the second or third week of May 2017 .
Any advice and alternative suggestions would be most welcome ,
Oefffff good luck!I think if you look closely you can still see the marks made by my bottom when I slipped at that first cut back on the forest trail
Hi William,This July I walked from Sj to Orisson, spent the night there, very enjoyable, then walked on to Roncesvalles for night #2. My fitness is medium level and it was a great start to my Camino.
I went from St Jean to Roncesvalles in one day last May and I am 62 with Parkinsons disease - if I can do it, so can you! Just tack it easy, it's not a race, and enjoy the view! Buen CaminoI would question your fear of injury by walking from St Jean to Roncesvalles in one day. It is eminently achievable and is not at all difficult. You are used to walking long distances, are fit, and so unless you suffer badly from jet lag I would have no hesitation at all in doing it.
If so, is this something that must be booked in advance also ?
To answer your question, yes. You must book ahead for the shuttle service. They only have a certain number of seats, their office is almost next door to the pilgrims office.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?