The Norte gets very quiet after Avilés

[Happyinharrogate]

Have noticed in the last few days how much quieter the Norte is now than the first half of the route. In the last few days I am seeing no more than 1-2 walkers during the day, and in hostels sometimes it has been no more than 3-4 people in 30 bed hostels. Is this people heading off to Primativo or just not completing this stage? It certainly is a little quiet for my liking and I prefer to meet more people along the way so swaying my preference towards the Frances as a more communal experience.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Have noticed in the last few days how much quieter the Norte is now than the first half of the route. In the last few days I am seeing no more than 1-2 walkers during the day, and in hostels sometimes it has been no more than 3-4 people in 30 bed hostels. Is this people heading off to Primativo or just not completing this stage? It certainly is a little quiet for my liking and I prefer to meet more people along the way so swaying my preference towards the Frances as a more communal experience.

Greetings from Ribadeo. It chilled out a bit for me too after Gijon this time around. I personally like the ratio of perigrinos to beautiful landscapes on the Norte. The weather has been FANTASTIC IMO on this walk too. I find that the communal aspect of most of my caminos really depends on the luck of the draw; like minded people with similar walking distances and agendas. I've had it on the Norte before, but not this time. Buen camino!

 

[krause]

@Happyinharrogate I just reached Muros de Nalón and as of this moment, I am the only person in the general room. There are a few people in private rooms. The host asked if I’ve seen more people and said until Avilés, there had been many.

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Yeh I think that’s the way it is now, I’m surprised. As a solo traveller I Have spent a few days walking on my own, though in evening have normally found people to hang out with.

 

[TallSimon]

Sounds wonderful. I will bear this in mind for next year. Thanks.

 

[El Cascayal]

I am on the Norte as well in Vilanova de Lourenza tonight. It is unbearably hot. Steep climbs today from Ribadeo in the blazing sun.
The Albergue Reguera in Soto de Luiña was full and very nice. They close this Friday for the season.
WARNING: Do NOT take the Palancas route overgrown and much vandalism of the mojones. Will make a separate post when I am able.

 

[Texas Walker]

Which is the Palancas route? I'm unfamiliar with this nickname.
Thx
BC

 

[El Cascayal]

Which is the Palancas route? I'm unfamiliar with this nickname.
Thx
BC

Palancas is the official Camino after Soto de Luiña. It goes up the mountain instead of through the coast. Carlos Mency Buen Camino app editor has a beautiful YouTube video of it.

Picture of the decision point.

 

[FootlooseAgain]

Have noticed in the last few days how much quieter the Norte is now than the first half of the route. In the last few days I am seeing no more than 1-2 walkers during the day, and in hostels sometimes it has been no more than 3-4 people in 30 bed hostels. Is this people heading off to Primativo or just not completing this stage? It certainly is a little quiet for my liking and I prefer to meet more people along the way so swaying my preference towards the Frances as a more communal experience.

Yes indeed. Started in Bilbao Thursday 12 and in Guemes tonight, having met barely a handful of Caminoers so far.

 

[Trish K]

I am deliberating between the second half of the Norte or the Primitivo. I've walked the Primitivo before but not the rest of the Norte, which is why it tempts me. I start next Thurs 26th from Aviles if I decide on the Norte - but from some of the posts I've read it seems a lot of the Albergues will no longer be open on the Norte? I did the Invierno last Dec and didn't meet a single other pilgrim the whole way and it did get a bit lonely at times...

 

[Happyinharrogate]

I am deliberating between the second half of the Norte or the Primitivo. I've walked the Primitivo before but not the rest of the Norte, which is why it tempts me. I start next Thurs 26th from Aviles if I decide on the Norte - but from some of the posts I've read it seems a lot of the Albergues will no longer be open on the Norte? I did the Invierno last Dec and didn't meet a single other pilgrim the whole way and it did get a bit lonely at times...

Well as I reported I found it a little lonely also on the Norte, and can’t imagine it will get any busier now. CAnt comment what it will be like on the Primitivo. As regards to Albergues I think of the ones that are still open are likely to remain open through to end October, but your choices may become more limited from your second week, but am sure still some will stay open.

 

[Trish K]

Well as I reported I found it a little lonely also on the Norte, and can’t imagine it will get any busier now. CAnt comment what it will be like on the Primitivo. As regards to Albergues I think of the ones that are still open are likely to remain open through to end October, but your choices may become more limited from your second week, but am sure still some will stay open.

Mmm - just been looking through Gronze and it looks like there would be accommodated options available (just need to phone ahead). The Primitivo threads sounds like its still quite busy. So I guess I now just have to decide if I want new route, but solitude or a route I've previously done but with company....decisions decisions....
How did you find the trail from Aviles - is there a lot of road or mostly off-road?

 

[trecile]

but from some of the posts I've read it seems a lot of the Albergues will no longer be open on the Norte?

I would encourage you to walk the Norte. Just check Gronze for albergues. Whichever route you choose you will find albergues beginning to close at this time of year. On the Norte there is an issue of lack of pilgrim albergues between Irun and Bilbao, but I don't remember that being an issue after Avilés.

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Mmm - just been looking through Gronze and it looks like there would be accommodated options available (just need to phone ahead). The Primitivo threads sounds like its still quite busy. So I guess I now just have to decide if I want new route, but solitude or a route I've previously done but with company....decisions decisions....
How did you find the trail from Aviles - is there a lot of road or mostly off-road?

There is a significant amount of road walking after Aviles probably 50/50 some days

 

[Trish K]

Has anyone stayed in the albergue in Aviles recently? It gets a couple of bad reviews on Wise Pilgrim but I don’t think they’re recent…

 

[trecile]

I stayed there in 2018 and 2019. It's fine, the layout is a little weird, but I didn't have any problems there.