WalkingDutchman
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francés August 2023
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No, nay, no, thrice nay!
Give yourself a break.
Getting to SJPP no doubt involves all kinds of stresses. Give your body, and especially your mind, the chance to settle, and to absorb where you are and about to do.
SJPP is a pretty place on its own and deserves a bit of time.
One of the truly great experiences of my life - not just the Camino - was witnessing the pretty unique atmosphere early in the morning in SJPP as a rag tag bunch of people headed off and up.
You'll miss that magical "first day" moment and miss a lot of the camraderie and fun along the way.
You only get one chance to start your first Camino. Why in the name of whatever would you want to rush that?
Besides, you're putting a lot of faith in the French public transport system to be punctual - if it's not on strike
On a side note, while I understand the importance of time in logistics and planning I can't stress enough how a focus on time and progress will work against many of the benefits that a Camino can offer. I've met so many people in so many places that hadn't a clue where they were because they were rushing to somewhere else.
Slow down.
Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
I suggest you arrive in SJPP, if necessary-take care of any last minute preparations-(luggage transfer, purchase forgotton gear, snacks, etc.) and enjoy the little town. Start fresh early next morning and enjoy the cool crisp air and quiet countryside. Buen camino.Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
First of all thank you all for your quick and helpful replies!
I know that I shouldn't rush it. I'm trying not to overplan and just let things happen, but still time is a factor to take into consideration. This is why I'm trying to gain some extra time, otherwise I'd agree with you completely.
I guess that my doubts stem from the fear that I won't be able to get to Santiago in 31 days. Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
It may be.but still time is a factor to take into consideration.
To be absolutely brutal, no. Sorry. I know that seems unkind.I guess that my doubts stem from the fear that I won't be able to get to Santiago in 31 days. Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
Serious question. Why are you asking about a late first day then?I know that I shouldn't rush it.
I see no basis for that assumptionas I suspect might you
and I couldn't disagree more strongly.there is no particular virtue in starting at SJPdP,
I have 31 full days to walk, 32 should I start as soon as I get to SJPdP, but that doesn't sound like a good option anymore.OK, so how many times do you intend to walk the camino? If you check out the signatures of people who have already answered you´ll notice that most of them have walked several caminos, as I suspect might you. To be brief, there is no particular virtue in starting at SJPdP, especially if it means doing so might jeopardise your arrival in Santiago. If you only have 30 days available perhaps you should adjust the distance, not the speed. You will have many opportunities to come back and walk sections you missed or (even better) a different route entirely. If I were in your position, I´d start at Pamplona and give yourself time to really appreciate the experience.
You've summed it up perfectly..."This is what I fear, but maybe I'm just stressing too much."I have 31 full days to walk, 32 should I start as soon as I get to SJPdP, but that doesn't sound like a good option anymore.
I'm not afraid of not making it in 31 days because of getting tired or injured. As far as I understand you'd need to walk an average of 25km a day to get to Santiago in 31 days from SJPdP. That's a distance I've already walked in the past without feeling tired or getting injured.
The problem is that it's not always possible to follow that average everyday, for many reasons, and you eventually end up piling up too many extra km. And walking 40km instead of 25km is totally different thing. This is what I fear, but maybe I'm just stressing too much.
The flat equivalent distance to walk Route Napoleon is a bit more than 38 km, while Route Valcarlos is a little less at just under 36 km, broadly based on Naismith's Rule. If you maintain a walking speed of 5 km/hr, the Napoleon route will take you 7 1/2 hours plus any breaks you will need. If this is what you mean by saying you have walked comparable distances, that will stand you in good stead. It could still be a fairly late arrival at Roncesvalles if you do start from SJPP later in the day with the attendant risks of not finding a bed or a meal.Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern.
No problem, brutal honesty is the best kind of honesty!It may be.
Ask yourself the question......
if time is to be "made up" on a 31 day walk is saving time on the very first day the best way to go about it?
Alternatively, do you want to "do" a Camino or do you want to "experience" a Camino?
To be absolutely brutal, no. Sorry. I know that seems unkind.
How can anyone do that? We know nothing of you or your abilities.
However, the good news is that lots of people have done it. If you're reasonably fit and healthy and remain so, there's no reason that you shouldn't.
If you can't walk all the way, or decide to explore a few places along the way, you can always grab a bus. Do you have a problem with that?
Serious question. Why are you asking about a late first day then?
If you are not going to be able to relax in SJPP and be fretting about "lost time" then by all means head off.
Personally, I'd be wary of setting a precedent and I'd be looking at exploring how I can cool my mind in the meantime. Or researching an alternative.
@dick bird has a sensible solution,
however
I see no basis for that assumption
and I couldn't disagree more strongly.
It's quite easy for people who have done one or more Caminos to opine on what you should do, but at the end of the day it's your Camino. Walk as you want to walk. There is no-one to satisfy but yourself.
The only thing I'd urge anyone is not to make decisions at home that the "Camino you" may not appreciate.
It's quite common to feel a rising sense of anxiety before something like a 31 day hike across a country. I came across a nice analogy recently that suggested the mind is filled with experience and anxiety. Lacking experience, anxiety is predominant. As the experience is acquired the anxiety diminishes and eventually disappears or at least is so small as to be insignificant.
What you're feeling is perfectly normal. How you deal with it is up to you.
That way lies madness!reading many contrasting opinions online
It really is not a difficult walk most of it is on tarmac just steep but If you’re young fit you’ll have no problems. I would advise reserving Roncesvalles and this can be done on line. When I did it in April it was fully booked.Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
Good afternoon. I am due to start my first Camino in September and my latest thinking was to do exactly as you describe in your post. I'm reassured that you still support this. How long was the walk from SJPDP to Orisson? thanksI arrived late in SjpdP. I walked to the nice Albergue Borda, one km after Orisson. Next day I walked to Espinal
I'm not so sure about that. I still remember, although I suspect there is a vague and faint reddish haze and some selective memory loss!IMO I think a lot of the frequent commentators on the forum have forgotten what it's like to be young.
Yes! I'm of the take it slow at the beginning school. Although I (just me) didn't really see what was so desirable about spending time in SJPP except perhaps the energy from the other pilgrims.I guess the only way to find out is to just start walking and see how things go.
It's about 8 km and pretty steep for a good portion. How long it takes is up to your level of fitness.How long was the walk from SJPDP to Orisson? t
This is why I'm trying to gain some extra time, otherwise I'd agree with you completely.Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
If you think you could be capable to get to Roncesvaless on your first day after a late start then you should be fine doing a few long stages later in your camino and 31 days will be enough.First of all thank you all for your quick and helpful replies!
I know that I shouldn't rush it. I'm trying not to overplan and just let things happen, but still time is a factor to take into consideration. This is why I'm trying to gain some extra time, otherwise I'd agree with you completely.
I guess that my doubts stem from the fear that I won't be able to get to Santiago in 31 days. Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
I came from Camino just 3 weeks ago- my first, but not the last time. The concept and “attraction “ of it- is not to plan too much. Go with the flow. It wasn’t my daily routine- leave house 7 am, traffic jam on my way to the office, clients, lunch time, phone calls, emails.etc. CAMINO MAGIC! You walk, then you stop-see something beautiful, interesting, talk to someone. Have lunch in the middle of nowhere- open can of sardines, have some yesterday bread, peal the orange - see and smell it. If you don’t finish this time ( time restriction), come back next season. ElizabethHi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
If you are in good enough shape to get to Roncessvalles in 6 hours, you can complete the CF in under 30 days and probably also get to Fisterre assuming no injuries.First of all thank you all for your quick and helpful replies!
I know that I shouldn't rush it. I'm trying not to overplan and just let things happen, but still time is a factor to take into consideration. This is why I'm trying to gain some extra time, otherwise I'd agree with you completely.
I guess that my doubts stem from the fear that I won't be able to get to Santiago in 31 days. Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
I've had a 11AM walk out (not start) from SJPP only once -- on my 1994 from Paris.I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
You say you're young and strong ? 31 days should be no problem. Fastest I've walked from SJPP (though I have never started there) was 24 days (I could have managed 21, but I decided to slow down after O Cebreiro), and my "normal" fast one in 2005 was 28 days ("slowed down" by the people I ended up walking with, whose daily averages were just 2-3 K/day lower than my "norm" that year).I guess that my doubts stem from the fear that I won't be able to get to Santiago in 31 days. Maybe you could give me some comfort in this regard?
Yes and no -- I think much would depend on whether one has walked a Camino whilst still young and strong or not, and so knows what it's like to do that or not. Good point about the time constraints -- I had hard University registration ones on my 1994, so I just had to be fast !!Hi WalkingDutchman, IMO I think a lot of the frequent commentators on the forum have forgotten what it's like to be young. They now go slow and have few time constraints.
That precious day includes walking over the pyranees. My advice is leave a whole day to do it. There can be queues in SJPDP pilgrims office too, so can take time. Enjoy the time before you set off, I had a meal with 3 new best friends that first day before setting off and am still friends with them now. I was one of those in late April who was turned away from the monastery when I arrived. Not even floor space. I arrived at 4.45, it took me 10.5 hours to walk, it was sweltering hot and I found I was really crap at walking up hill. ( I thought I was fitish). My advice is don’t try and rush. You’ll be surprised as to what become “ special “ days. Buen Camino whatever you decide.Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
Helloooo. If you are strong and young you can do it, but thats one of the most demanding parts of the whole camino frances and in busy times Roncesvalles could be full and in the evening you wont want to go another 10 kms to the next accommodation. Also, some people recommend to go via Valcarlos. THe classical route is the Napeloeon one, Valcarlos is said to be also nice, but I wouldnt miss the beautiful, classical way. So, if I were you I d either stay in SJPP or try to book a night on your arrival day in Orisson or Borda, which are on the Napoleon way- (but only 8-9 kms from SJPP). Try to phone Borda, its less posh and more flexible with availability. I also liked the host there and the atmosphere was just incredible. I made some all life friends there...Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
Or try Borda. It is 2 hours from SJPP, you ll have the time to look around get registered and walk up easily.Thank you all for your wonderful advice!
You have convinced me to spend the night in SJPdP and then leave the next day for Roncesvalles. I can alway walk more later on if necessary, when my legs are ready to take on the extra effort. Just taking it easy is the right thing to do.
Hi TC,I like your word (shake-down) as we’re doing the whole Camino Francés. And we want to avoid leg strain etc. Also I want to break the walk to Roncesvalles into two parts as I’m 74 and there’s no need to hurry. I’d really appreciate your breakdown on the Valcarlos route, I’ve seen the elevation profile and the last section seems steep as. Can you please comment on this? Also is there a mid route transport option, like a car or bus to do the second part to Roncesvalles. Fare price? Weve done 3x300km Caminos stretches so we’re Camino savvy I’d say. Thank you.It would be worth considering the alternative route via Valcarlos. A good shake-down walk and an excellent Albergue. Your second days walking will then get you well beyond Roncesvalles so you’ll have gained some ground.
Keith, one way or another you have to get over that hill. The Ibaneta is a little lower than the Lepoeder but yes, it is still a climb. Follow the road, with care, and it’s just a long steady uphill slog followed by a shorter, steepish descent. After a good nights sleep in Valcarlos it should be a doddle. Carry water and snacks there’s no charming bars or generous restaurants.Hi TC,I like your word (shake-down) as we’re doing the whole Camino Francés. And we want to avoid leg strain etc. Also I want to break the walk to Roncesvalles into two parts as I’m 74 and there’s no need to hurry. I’d really appreciate your breakdown on the Valcarlos route, I’ve seen the elevation profile and the last section seems steep as. Can you please comment on this? Also is there a mid route transport option, like a car or bus to do the second part to Roncesvalles. Fare price? Weve done 3x300km Caminos stretches so we’re Camino savvy I’d say. Thank you.
I’m not sure if I would “ rush” that first day it is a long day with a climb , plus the town of St Jean is just beautiful! If you have the time , take it to look around and enjoy the small town , also i’ve seen a lot of posts of the sunrise over the Pyrenees that are just beautiful so you could always get up early.Hi everyone!
This August I'll be walking my first Camino, for a total of 31 walking days to Santiago! I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while now, gathering all the valuable info that I can get, but I still have a doubt which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
I'm arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 10 am from Bordeaux on August 2nd. Initially, I planned to spend the night there and leave early the next day to get to Roncesvalles in time to get a bed at the public albergue. But lately I've been thinking I could gain a precious extra day by leaving on the same day of my arrival, right after I get my credencial and buy something to eat.
This would mean I'd start walking at around 11 am. Now, I know that the path to Roncesvalles is quite difficult to walk, but I have already done some hikes of comparable distance without trouble in the past, and since I am young and fairly used to physical effort I believe (or hope) that fatigue will not be a concern. Assuming it takes me 6-7 hours to reach Roncesvalles, I would arrive at around 5-6pm. Do you think that's too late to get a bed at the public albergue?
Please tell me what you think and thank you already for your help!
Much obliged TincaKeith, one way or another you have to get over that hill. The Ibaneta is a little lower than the Lepoeder but yes, it is still a climb. Follow the road, with care, and it’s just a long steady uphill slog followed by a shorter, steepish descent. After a good nights sleep in Valcarlos it should be a doddle. Carry water and snacks there’s no charming bars or generous restaurants.
I’ve no doubt, though no experience, that you could persuade a taxi driver to get you over that hill if you wanted to try that option. You may even be able to catch the daily Pamplona to St Jean bus on its return journey but I wouldn’t rely on that. Local licensing rules might render that impossible. I’ve hitchhiked it once in the kind of rain that would make a fish look for shelter. The driver just kept on chuckling as I drained into his car’s upholstery.
I usually walk well past Roncesvalles on my second day. If Roncesvalles is your target I’d reckon you’ll hit it comfortably.
Buen Camino
Keith, one way or another you have to get over that hill. The Ibaneta is a little lower than the Lepoeder but yes, it is still a climb. Follow the road, with care, and it’s just a long steady uphill slog followed by a shorter, steepish descent. After a good nights sleep in Valcarlos it should be a doddle. Carry water and snacks there’s no charming bars or generous restaurants.
I’ve no doubt, though no experience, that you could persuade a taxi driver to get you over that hill if you wanted to try that option. You may even be able to catch the daily Pamplona to St Jean bus on its return journey but I wouldn’t rely on that. Local licensing rules might render that impossible. I’ve hitchhiked it once in the kind of rain that would make a fish look for shelter. The driver just kept on chuckling as I drained into his car’s upholstery.
I usually walk well past Roncesvalles on my second day. If Roncesvalles is your target I’d reckon you’ll hit it comfortably.
Buen Camino
Much obliged for your up beat, hilarious and informative reply. Pleasure to read, Thank you so much. You’re in trouble now as I may need moe hilarity and info from you Tincatinker! Cheers, Keith from NZMuch obliged Tinca
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