Alert Steep inclines / declines..... Advice

[Carron]

Hello all!!!! I start my first solo Camino Frances journey on the 24the May. After reading many posts and looking at maps in one of the guidebooks, I've noticed and realised there is quite a few very steep sections, I'm kind of okay walking up steep inclines as long as i get my footing, but I have some balance issues and im quite concerned about the declines, especially where there is dry loose rock. How steep is steep and how easy is it to circumnavigate if needed? Would there be alternative routes not shown in the guide books?

Thank you in advance.

 

[fourroads]

Hi Carron,
The declines aren't really technically challenging but they can be long . Coming into Roncevalles was (from what I remember) an hour or two downhill and coming down from Cruz de Ferro was the same, a couple hours. I found the lengthy declines harder than the short steeper declines, your knees start to feel it.

There are sections with loose rocks (Alto de Perdon, this was tricky), some sections with concrete (steeper), and some forested sections that can be slippery if the leaves on the ground are wet (Roncevalles).

A pair of walking poles will really help and on the really steep sections going down in an S (kind of the motion you make when skiing downhill) rather than straight down make it easier and your footing surer. Just go slowly.

Not sure about alternative routes.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have Parkinson's and the associated balance problems. I ALWAYS use trekking poles (Pace Poles, actually). The footing can be quite nasty, either from rain, cobblestones, loose rocks, mud, or angle.

 

[koilife]

I mostly agree with @fourroads except with a caution that what might not be technically challenging for one could be difficult for another, especially when balance issues are present. I would strongly suggest that, if you are going over the Route Napoleon, to descend into Roncesvalles using the road rather than the forest trail. Likewise, the descents from Ero into Zubiri, from the the Alto de Perdon, and from the Cruz de Ferro into Molinaseca.

As always, road safety is key. Be sure to walk on the left side of the road facing into oncoming traffic, be sure to have reflective/bright clothing (and possibly a blinking safety light), and be sure to be attentive, especially going around blind curves.

 

[nellpilgrim]

….and if going on to Finisterre I found the the descent into Cee to be real knee jerker. God knows what it would have been like without my poles! On the upside this section presents the opportunity for a therapeutic paddle/swim a few kilometres on-which proved to be a life saver for me

 

[movinmaggie]

Try zig zagging, both ascent and descent...

 

[naplesdon]

Zig zagging, poles for balance and weight distribution, slow and easy climbs and descent are all very good advice. It's not a race and there is nothing wrong with taking breathers when you are doing hills.

 

[HeidiL]

My best tip: let all the people with good knees and hips walk as fast as they want - we don't have to keep up with them. There is no prize for getting first up the hill, and NOTHING is worth wrecking your joints.

 

[koilife]

There is no prize for getting first up the hill

Those of us who are already over the hill aren't likely to be first up or down the hill.

 

[aliwalks]

Hello all!!!! I start my first solo Camino Frances journey on the 24the May. After reading many posts and looking at maps in one of the guidebooks, I've noticed and realised there is quite a few very steep sections, I'm kind of okay walking up steep inclines as long as i get my footing, but I have some balance issues and im quite concerned about the declines, especially where there is dry loose rock. How steep is steep and how easy is it to circumnavigate if needed? Would there be alternative routes not shown in the guide books?

Thank you in advance.

Zig zag walking poles and you will be fine! buen Camino!

 

[Silvester]

In addition to my Pacer Poles and carefully zigzagging, I made sure to stop before a steep descent and tighten my laces to keep my ankle firmly in place and take the pressure off my toes - which avoided blisters.

 

[Devon Mike]

In addition to my Pacer Poles and carefully zigzagging, I made sure to stop before a steep descent and tighten my laces to keep my ankle firmly in place and take the pressure off my toes - which avoided blisters.

Good advice Silvester. I have met several pilgrims who have lost toenails because their footwear was too loose on downhill sections and their toes were ramming into the fronts of their shoes.

 

[Stenis49]

Hello!
Lots of good pieces of advice are given! I agree on following

1. Walking poles for balance is a must
2. Lot of space for your toes
3. Walk slowly.

The absolute worst stage is the first day when you walk down thorough the forest into Roncevalles, If you manage that you will fix it all!
Good Luck

 

[saiprem]

I am on the Camino now. If you're on a hill and it gets pretty steep you can always zigzag. It's more distance but a lot easier. One thing I sometimes do that most people don't do, and mostly only on roads, is I walk backwards when I am going downhill and it is pretty steep. It's much much easier on my legs and knees that way. Also I learned a new trick to help go downhill and that is to stoop a little bit so that the legs are always bent. Also use your poles! Use them to push yourself forward when you are going uphill and use them as brakes when you're going downhill.

 

[Carron]

Thank you all!! All this advice will be really really helpful!!!! Will definitely be buying poles this week!!!

Im more than happy to take my time, and im in no need to rush either.

Buen Camino xx

 

[Angie94]

@saiprem
LOVE your avatar!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

2. Lot of space for your toes
...
The absolute worst stage is the first day when you walk down thorough the forest into Roncevalles, If you manage that you will fix it all!

A salesman showed me the best way of determining if you have enough space for your toes when wearing leather boots and you can't feel your toes. With a the boot loose, jam you foot as far up the boot as you can so your toes have no space. Then, if you can put a finger in the boot between your heel and the back of the boot you should be OK.

@Stenis49 is talking about the descent from the Route Napoleon. There isn't a problem with the Valcarlos route. The Pilgrims' Office in SJPdP will give you a map showing a recommended detour for the steep descent into the woods. It takes you down a road to Puerto de Ibaneta where it joins the Valcarlos route. See the Danger symbol at the top of this copy of the Pilgrims' Office's handout: http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/local/cache-vignettes/L600xH850/img-a2aaf.jpg