SJPP to Roncesvalles in March, Orisson is still closed, other mid point rest stop?

[Geralbc]

I'm starting my camino late march, ans was looking forward to stoping at Orisson, but i was just informed that it wont open until march 31.

I want to be in Leon for holy Thursday, so I cant start that late... (And i dont want to take buses along the way)

Its been a while since i've done any uphill hiking, so I'm concerned about not being able to have a mid way stop over! Are there any other alternatives to Orisson?

I guess i need to beef up my training over the next two months!

Thank you for your comments/recommendations!

 

[Leaningforward]

Here is the reply I received from Orrison yesterday:

Vous avez le gite Huntto à 3km avant le Refuge mais faites attention à la météo et à l’enneigement sur le chemin en cette période.

For a rough translation if your French is not good (that is, like me), you can use an App like Translate, which provides text to voice and voice to text translations.

Please note the warning concerning weather.

 

[Geralbc]

Thank you! I rudimentary french allows me to understand the message! Good to know! I hope snow wont be much if a problem late march!

 

[Tincatinker]

Unless your heart is set on the Route de Napoleon and the high level crossing of the Pyrenees consider following the Valcarlos. The route is well-marked, safer in poor weather and the Albergue at Valcarlos is comfortable and well-equipped.

Buen camino

 

[Geralbc]

Thanks! Will keep that in mind! The weather will also have a say in my decision! Take care!

 

[Luise]

I'm starting my camino late march, ans was looking forward to stoping at Orisson, but i was just informed that it wont open until march 31.

I want to be in Leon for holy Thursday, so I cant start that late... (And i dont want to take buses along the way)

Its been a while since i've done any uphill hiking, so I'm concerned about not being able to have a mid way stop over! Are there any other alternatives to Orisson?

I guess i need to beef up my training over the next two months!

Thank you for your comments/recommendations!

In Hunto, 5 km from SJPP is a very good Hostel. I stayed there my 1st night on my camino - but this was in 2005. So you'll have to check.

 

[T-Rex]

In Hunto, 5 km from SJPP is a very good Hostel. I stayed there my 1st night on my camino - but this was in 2005. So you'll have to check.

I have also heard that Hunto is wonderful.. and a good place to stop on the first night after SJPdP.

 

[Thornley]

Thanks! Will keep that in mind! The weather will also have a say in my decision! Take care!

Be very, very careful in late March.
There is no point in going over the top UNLESS you can see, none whatsoever.
Valcarlos is a lovely way if you have to start in France.

 

[naplesdon]

If by late in March you mean from 22 to 27 you will encounter rain and temperatures between 3 and 12 at the lower elevations.

 

[mspath]

I have also heard that Hunto is wonderful.. and a good place to stop on the first night after SJPdP.

According to their web page the Ferme Ithurburia Gite Etape at Huntto opens for the 2014 season starting today March 22.

Bon Chemin,

Margaret Meredith