Scared of heights

[Long Hiker]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

 

[domigee]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

I haven’t walked it myself but my husband has and I am sure he would have told me if there were such scary parts! He came back safe and sound, btw

 

[DragonShadow]

Between Santoña and Noja there is a ridge that is narrow and can be slippery/somewhat treacherous especially when wet. The day we were too walk out of Santoña, there was a light rain falling. We decided to skip it and took a taxi around that section. I have since learned there is an alternate walk which you might want to look into. I have a fear of heights as well and there were a few bridges that we crossed, all with pedestrian walkways, that for whatever reason left me feeling uneasy. Otherwise you will be fine.

 

[trecile]

On the alternative routes maybe, but not on the official Camino.

 

[Long Hiker]

Between Santoña and Noja there is a ridge that is narrow and can be slippery/somewhat treacherous especially when wet. The day we were too walk out of Santoña, there was a light rain falling. We decided to skip it and took a taxi around that section. I have since learned there is an alternate walk which you might want to look into. I have a fear of heights as well and there were a few bridges that we crossed, all with pedestrian walkways, that for whatever reason left me feeling uneasy. Otherwise you will be fine.

Thank you for your responses on this. I don’t think I would have a problem on the bridge but I do get nervous on narrow paths that are along a treacherous falling area with no guard rail. I hope I am explaining that correctly. Bridges are high up but would typically have guard rails which is why I don’t think I would worry about them too much.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have a fear of heights if there are no guard rails and am near the edge. I recall just one or two spots on the Norte that had me "shaking in my trailrunners", but only for a few minutes. I loved the Norte and you will too! It's worth the wee bit of fear you may or may not experience!...Just go!

 

[DragonShadow]

Thank you for your responses on this. I don’t think I would have a problem on the bridge but I do get nervous on narrow paths that are along a treacherous falling area with no guard rail. I hope I am explaining that correctly. Bridges are high up but would typically have guard rails which is why I don’t think I would worry about them too much.

I had no idea the bridges were going to bother me until I walked to Camino. It was an irrational fear since there were pedestrian walkways and guardrails on all the bridges I crossed.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I had no idea the bridges were going to bother me until I walked to Camino. It was an irrational fear since there were pedestrian walkways and guardrails on all the bridges I crossed.

Yep, those long, high bridges leave a woozy feeling in the tummy and wobbly legs for sure, even with the guardrails!

 

[jpflavin1]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

Long Hiker:

There are no dangerous, ie: risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself on the Norte, areas on this route. The area mentioned, in another post, along the coast before Noja is a large sand dune. It is a short steep climb but imo, not dangerous and provides a beautiful vista.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[jpflavin1]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

Long Hiker:

There is at least one Long bridge as you get to Galacia. It get a bit breezy on it but no danger of falling and again spectacular views.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[oursonpolaire]

Long Hiker:

There are no dangerous, ie: risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself on the Norte, areas on this route. The area mentioned, in another post, along the coast before Noja is a large sand dune. It is a short steep climb but imo, not dangerous and provides a beautiful vista.

Ultreya,
Joe

Joe- You and I will differ on this until the end of time. I have twice tried to do this stretch into Noja as I really wanted to: a) enjoy the view, b) walk on the beach, and c) avoid 3km through a very boring suburb. Not a chance. Even with two very helpful German pilgrims, I could not do it. If there had been a railing, or if the path had been gravelled, I might have managed with them. In rain or damp weather....

There are one or two coastal variants I might avoid in future, but none of them were at all dangerous. The bridge before Ribadeo over the Eo is quite safe, but unnerving, as it shakes with passing transports. I opted to hitch, but others seemed to do just fine. The view is excellent.

That having been said, the del Norte is a wonderful route and these bits are short and easily avoidable.

 

[Pilger99]

Yes, Ribadeo bridge is a challenge for some people. It's 600m long, 25m wide, though nobody mentions the height. While I passed I saw one who came backwards almost crawling, hands on the fence towards the driving lanes and straight look to the lanes as well. Must have been a torture for him. I felt save walking in the middle of the footpath.

Puente de los Santos | Puentemania

www.puentemania.com

I don't remember other places on the oficial tarmac trails that had been a similar challenge, but I can't judge the detours.

 

[jpflavin1]

Joe- You and I will differ on this until the end of time. I have twice tried to do this stretch into Noja as I really wanted to: a) enjoy the view, b) walk on the beach, and c) avoid 3km through a very boring suburb. Not a chance. Even with two very helpful German pilgrims, I could not do it. If there had been a railing, or if the path had been gravelled, I might have managed with them. In rain or damp weather....

There are one or two coastal variants I might avoid in future, but none of them were at all dangerous. The bridge before Ribadeo over the Eo is quite safe, but unnerving, as it shakes with passing transports. I opted to hitch, but others seemed to do just fine. The view is excellent.

That having been said, the del Norte is a wonderful route and these bits are short and easily avoidable.

Oursonpolaire:

I am not saying this relatively short climb does not have a level of difficulty. Climbing any sand dune does. I am saying I do not believe it is dangerous.

That said, we all have different comfort levels.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Lunchmeat337]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

Not many.

 

[sp01326]

I walked the Norte the last year and I share the opinion of DragonShadow.
Buen camino

 

[cbacino]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

I walked Norte-Primitivo in 2018 and don't remember any precipitous places, even on Los Hospitales.

 

[WayWalker]

Stay off the alternative route out of Castro Uridales and into Laredo. Not for the faint of heart. If you are in good physical condition and don't mind heights with sheer cliffside drop offs, it's absolutely gorgeous.

 

[MLB]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

I also thought of the sand dune between 2 beaches. Two of our group were not nervous but the third one was. I do remember thinking that if it was wet it would be slippery. I think if you feel strong and trust your leg muscles, you will feel fine. But I think there is a way around without the climb.

 

[Canche]

I just did a hike which had no handrail and there were parts that were narrow and high in the air. There were parts where I was concerned about slipping or stepping wrong and falling to my death. Are there parts of the Norte like this? I am interested in the Norte but I don’t want to do it if there are dangerous or very scary parts. Thanks in advance.

I am always afraid of slopping and falling and the only time on the Norte that looked iffy was. Bridge of rock over a huge ravine. There was an alternate safe route. No problem

 

[Jbirk]

We went over the Alto de brusco today. It was sunny and not that bad.

Alto de Brusco. Larado to Noja Camino Norte

• Jbirk
• Aug 27, 2019

Alto de Brusco. Larado to Noja Camino Norte

• Jbirk
• Aug 27, 2019
• 2

Alto de Brusco. Larado to Noja Camino Norte

• Jbirk
• Aug 27, 2019
• 1