Taswegian Traveller
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino del Norte (Aug/Sept 2020) - postponed to ?
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Thank you Don, I had been wondering about this option. Must say the Primitivo draws me, but thought it might be more challenging physically and also fewer pilgrims along the way to meet. While I’m very happy not to be walking with hordes of people, think the social side of the Camino will appeal to my 18 yo son. I need to start poring over a few maps and improve my Spanish too!For what it is worth. You have 30 days from San Sebastian. Have you considered walking the Norte along the coast and then heading inland along the Primitivo ? I have looked at my diary for when I did this. I took 28 days from Irun with only a couple of 30 klm day's. If you are starting from San Sebastian that will leave you at least a couple of days spare.
The Way split's at Pola de Siero about 5klm past Villavicosia and heads up into the hill's. I took the "Hospital" route just after Tineo and there is certainly some height to be gained with great far reaching views. You also get to visit Oviedo and Lugo which is a plus. At the time I found that there was a forum consensus that by doing half of the Norte and then the Primitivo the best of coastal and mountain scenery could be combined. I felt the balance was right but of course there is the unfinished business of going back and completing the Norte that I missed.
Whatever you decide, Buen Camino.
Don
If you just carry on with El Note where this goes inland is also very rewarding. I didn't keep any notes about time frame but it's a lovely walk but less rugged and challenging than the Primitivo option I believe
Thank you Don, I had been wondering about this option. Must say the Primitivo draws me, but thought it might be more challenging physically and also fewer pilgrims along the way to meet. While I’m very happy not to be walking with hordes of people, think the social side of the Camino will appeal to my 18 yo son. I need to start poring over a few maps and improve my Spanish too!
I always think it’s difficult to skip parts of a walk because I feel cheated. I loved Norte and would be happy to meet and discuss options I also live in Tassie.Thank you Don, I had been wondering about this option. Must say the Primitivo draws me, but thought it might be more challenging physically and also fewer pilgrims along the way to meet. While I’m very happy not to be walking with hordes of people, think the social side of the Camino will appeal to my 18 yo son. I need to start poring over a few maps and improve my Spanish too!
I walked the first half of the Norte in 2016 before turning on to the Primitivo, and loved the variety. I finally head back to Oviedo this coming April to complete the Norte and will add walking on to Muxia and Finesterre... Can't wait!For what it is worth. You have 30 days from San Sebastian. Have you considered walking the Norte along the coast and then heading inland along the Primitivo ? I have looked at my diary for when I did this. I took 28 days from Irun with only a couple of 30 klm day's. If you are starting from San Sebastian that will leave you at least a couple of days spare.
The Way split's at Pola de Siero about 5klm past Villavicosia and heads up into the hill's. I took the "Hospital" route just after Tineo and there is certainly some height to be gained with great far reaching views. You also get to visit Oviedo and Lugo which is a plus. At the time I found that there was a forum consensus that by doing half of the Norte and then the Primitivo the best of coastal and mountain scenery could be combined. I felt the balance was right but of course there is the unfinished business of going back and completing the Norte that I missed.
Whatever you decide, Buen Camino.
Don
Thank you Don, I had been wondering about this option. Must say the Primitivo draws me, but thought it might be more challenging physically and also fewer pilgrims along the way to meet. While I’m very happy not to be walking with hordes of people, think the social side of the Camino will appeal to my 18 yo son. I need to start poring over a few maps and improve my Spanish too!
I agree. I haven't done the Primitivo yet, but when I did the Norte, lots of pilgrims took the Primitivo rather than continue on the Norte. Add those who start the Primitivo in Oviedo, and I can imagine that it was busier than continuing on the Norte.The Primitivo in August will likely have more pilgrims than the second half of the Norte in August. The Primitivo is by no means empty. It never feels crowded when you are walking, but there are bottlenecks, and the Grado albergue reports being full soon after opening much of the time.
Yes please Sandra, we live south of Hobart in the Huon, so mebbe we can catch up over January sometime when things quieten down. I just love to look at OP’s travel photos too, it certainly fuels the anticipation!I always think it’s difficult to skip parts of a walk because I feel cheated. I loved Norte and would be happy to meet and discuss options I also live in Tassie.
I loved the Norte and Ribadesella does have a very nice slbergueJust remember that by the time you reach the Primitivo you will have walked hundreds of kms already, and you will definitely be fit enough for the challenge! You will love the Norte, and the Primitivo. Although I really disagree with the idea that it's "less of a bed race" on the Norte. Yes, there are fewer pilgrims, but there is also also far less pilgrim accommodation. There's frequently only one pilgrim albergue per stage, and they're not always the biggest albergues either. The north coast of Spain is very popular with tourists and surfers, so the economy doesn't 'need' pilgrims in the same way as on some of the other caminos, hence options are more limited. In fact, some 'major' stops like San Sebastian and Ribadesella don't have pilgrim albergues at all! I remember this summer quite a few people were posting on the forum that they were having trouble finding beds on the Norte and Primitivo. I really don't mean to put you off - I personally go back to walk stretches of the Norte whenever I can as I am completely in love with this path - but you need to know that accommodation can be an issue on this route, especially in August when all the tourists flock to the coast.
When were you in Ribadesella? There was no pilgrim Albergue there in 2018. What had been the albergue was a hostel with a surf school, and fully booked in the summer months.I loved the Norte and Ribadesella does have a very nice slbergue
I just reviewed my notes and it was Ribadesella and I had a pilgrim's dinner at the albergue on the beach. Perhaps it was a private one but it was definately an albergue and very nice. I wish I had stayed there but the taxi that took my backpack didn't go there and I was stuck in a lousy hotelWhen were you in Ribadesella? There was no pilgrim Albergue there in 2018. What had been the albergue was a hostel with a surf school, and fully booked in the summer months.
Was this the place?I just reviewed my notes and it was Ribadesella and I had a pilgrim's dinner at the albergue on the beach. Perhaps it was a private one but it was definately an albergue and very nice. I wish I had stayed there but the taxi that took my backpack didn't go there and I was stuck in a lousy hotel
Yes that's itWas this the place?
It was in a lovely location right on the boardwalk.
Perhaps the surf school books certain weeks in the summer and fills it up. According to Gronze.com they don't take reservations in July and August, and they don't accept backpack deliveries.
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