St Jean to Burgos

[scubajunky]

St Jean to Burgos.
March 23 rd to April 6
What would the weather be like in this section typically at this time of year ?
Where would I fly into to start from St Jean Pied De Port ?
Many thanks

 

[tyrrek]

Hi scubajunky.

It depends where you're flying from. If from London or Paris the ideal place is Biarritz/Bayonne, from where you get a local bus to the train station in Bayonne and the train to St Jean PP. If coming from elsewhere especially outside Europe you'll probably find yourself in Paris or Madrid, from which you can get trains or buses. There's plenty of info elsewhere on this forum.

The weather this year seems to be untypical, and worse than usual. Usually at the end of March it might be turning into spring but at the moment it's very much winter judging by reliable reports from other pilgrims. Be prepared!

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It has been a record setting year for snow, so even if it warms up by March 23, there will be standing snow in the Pyrenees. It should not be much of a barrier, and quite scenic. Further down the path it has rained a lot, so it will be muddy unless it stops raining. You should expect rain at the end of March and beginning of April, but you may be between storm systems. Your allotted time is adequate for the walk. Flying into Biarritz and taking the train from Bayonne to SJPdP is the easiest way to get there. A flight to Pamplona also works, but you may need to take a taxi to SJPdP.

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks guys. I may fly into Biarittz. I'm coming from the UK. I have tried to get info on trains from Bayonne to ST Jean P DP but not having much luck. Are you guys saying it could basically be raining the whole time ? I'm not sure I fancy that. Which is the best section to do over two weeks ?
Thanks

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Bayonne to SJPdP

Sam 23 Mar.
Départ 10h48 14h55 18h07
9.60 € 9.60 € 9.60 €
Durée 01h18 Direct 01h18 Direct 01h25 Direct

 

[tyrrek]

No. Not saying it will rain all the time, but at the best of times it's unpredictable and this year seems colder than usual. I walked the Frances in March last year and some days we were reaching for sunscreen and wearing t-shirts, the next few days we were cold in a bitter wind. There's no way to predict, especially when you take into account walking over hills etc, so be prepared and take advice.

Coming from the UK the Ryanair flight from Stansted is definitely the way to get there. The onward journey to the station and on to SJPP is quite simple. Buen Camino!

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks. So you did not spend days in rain then ? was it a great trip ? did you meet lots of cool people ? is it one of the best things you have done ? If I start in ST Jean, how many days of mountainous walking will I have ?
many thanks

 

[tyrrek]

Thanks. So you did not spend days in rain then ? was it a great trip ? did you meet lots of cool people ? is it one of the best things you have done ? If I start in ST Jean, how many days of mountainous walking will I have ?
many thanks

Great trip, people, experience etc, but that's always been the case. Not much rain on that section if I remember correctly. I did wear my rain jacket, but I think that was more as a wind break than anything else.

Over the last few years there has been a lack of rain in parts of Spain, and even when it does come it can be misty rain (refreshing) or at night (not a problem).

There's always rain in Galicia near Santiago, but you'd almost be disappointed if you didn't get wet there. Buen Camino!

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks for your input. So is it defo worth two weeks starting from ST JEAN PDP as opposed to starting from anywhere else ? I will be experiencing the best scenery.

 

[tyrrek]

Thanks for your input. So is it defo worth two weeks starting from ST JEAN PDP as opposed to starting from anywhere else ? I will be experiencing the best scenery.

Not certainly, and the 'best' scenery is a matter of opinion anyway. It also depends upon the weather. I went out for a cigarette somewhere in Galicia on my first Camino and got the most beautiful view of the sunrise and the clouds lying in the valley. The following year at the same time it was so misty I could barely see the hand in front of my face!

What you do get in the first couple of weeks are very diverse landscapes, moving from mountains, hills, vineyards, vast wheat fields, exciting cities... You'll love it! Buen Camino!

 

[scubajunky]

Thanks again