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You could get a ride to Orrrison and begin from there. From there to Roncesvalles is very doable in a medium dayHi,
I am beginning my first Camino on July 1st, 2022. I am traveling with 3 other friends. My friends want to walk to Roncevalles via the Napoleon route in 1 day. Although I have trained, I don't want to walk that route in one day so I am taking Valcarlos route in one day and meeting them in Roncevalles. How might I keep in contact with my friends while on the alternative route? Are there buses or taxis from Valcarlos to Roncevalles if I am struggling? Thank you for your wise advice.
Thank you for a great idea. I hadn’t thought of that.You could get a ride to Orrrison and begin from there. From there to Roncesvalles is very doable in a medium day
You might also consider walking to Orison and spending the night there (if you can get reservations). Perhaps your friends would join you. This may seem slow but you will not regret it.Hi,
I am beginning my first Camino on July 1st, 2022. I am traveling with 3 other friends. My friends want to walk to Roncevalles via the Napoleon route in 1 day. Although I have trained, I don't want to walk that route in one day so I am taking Valcarlos route in one day and meeting them in Roncevalles. How might I keep in contact with my friends while on the alternative route? Are there buses or taxis from Valcarlos to Roncevalles if I am struggling? Thank you for your wise advice.
I think asking advice like this can be super tricky. Your age, true fitness level, weight and a variety of other factors all play into what you may or may not be able to reasonably walk. You are also walking your first camino which adds to your stress and uncertainty. As others have said you can walk part way to Orisson the day before if that is feasible. You could walk Valcarlos but as trecile says:Hi,
I am beginning my first Camino on July 1st, 2022. I am traveling with 3 other friends. My friends want to walk to Roncevalles via the Napoleon route in 1 day. Although I have trained, I don't want to walk that route in one day so I am taking Valcarlos route in one day and meeting them in Roncevalles. How might I keep in contact with my friends while on the alternative route? Are there buses or taxis from Valcarlos to Roncevalles if I am struggling? Thank you for your wise advice.
And you can use a luggage service to make your load alot lighter.If you think that taking the Valcarlos route will be easier, you might want to check out this thread that disputes that idea: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...int-jean-and-roncesvalles.74903/#post-1033822
They are not done to scare pilgrims. They are done to scale. If the size of the map and the distances between each kilometer were larger than the sloop would appear to be far less steep. These stage profiles of the type of terrain you will encounter, how steep uphills and downhills are and the distances between villages can be invaluable especially on far less traveled caminos with far less infrastructure. It is also difficult if not impossible to ascertain another person's age fitness level, and experience as a hiker or pilgrim. Your fitness and comfort level and definition of a good day's hike may be far different than he person walking next to you. There is also the question of how long someone has walked before they approach a very steep hill or pass. I walked my first camino after training for months with a friend who is a triathlete before my first camino and I thought I would die when I got to Orisson. I was 58. I walked from Le Puy 3 years later which is a far more difficult camino to walk and when I walked from SJPP it was an absolute breeze.no help on some of the questions, but maybe a little bit of inspiration for you. The Napoleon route is THE best IF the weather is pleasant (meaning not raining like crazy). The views in the Pyrenees are an incredible sight. I'd also say that the maps are drawn up in a "scale" that makes it look incredibly steep, but it's not really that way. We got a start at 9:30, got to Orrison in about 2 hours and had a pleasant stroll into Roncevalles at 5:30. (actually, it'll be the downhill that gets you more than the uphill) A couple of more ideas:
1. send your baggage via courier (there are a number of them and cost is minimal) to Roncevalles...that'll reduce weight, therefore burden
2. we were told to buy food/water in SJPP..."there's no food on the camino until Roncevalles" that's not true. You can get food/water in Orrison and there is a fountain at the French/Spanish border
3. I think you can do it...just take your time...take your breaks when appropriate for you...and hike your own hike. I like your idea of meeting in Roncevalles...if you're feeling good, then push it. If you need a break, take one...then have wine and sangria and a good meal at your destination.
Do me one big favor...DO NOT let the maps (and the scale) psych you out. I believe this is done intentionally to scare peregrinos...and don't understand it really. It is not as steep as they are drawn.
Buen Camino
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I walked my first Camino at age 56. I thought I had a reasonable fitness level. I read that if you can do SJPP to Roncevalles you can do the rest of the Camino. All I had was hope and determination. I didn't know I could have my pack couriered, that walking poles make life a lot easier, that there was an alternate route or that I could spend the night at Orrison.Hi,
I am beginning my first Camino on July 1st, 2022. I am traveling with 3 other friends. My friends want to walk to Roncevalles via the Napoleon route in 1 day. Although I have trained, I don't want to walk that route in one day so I am taking Valcarlos route in one day and meeting them in Roncevalles. How might I keep in contact with my friends while on the alternative route? Are there buses or taxis from Valcarlos to Roncevalles if I am struggling? Thank you for your wise advice.
Was interested to hear you say Via del la Plata is more mentally challenging. I plan to walk in September. My third Camino. I have been calling it "the old ladies Camino" because of my age and because it appears to be relatively flat.I think asking advice like this can be super tricky. Your age, true fitness level, weight and a variety of other factors all play into what you may or may not be able to reasonably walk. You are also walking your first camino which adds to your stress and uncertainty. As others have said you can walk part way to Orisson the day before if that is feasible. You could walk Valcarlos but as trecile says:
And you can use a luggage service to make your load alot lighter.
They are not done to scare pilgrims. They are done to scale. If the size of the map and the distances between each kilometer were larger than the sloop would appear to be far less steep. These stage profiles of the type of terrain you will encounter, how steep uphills and downhills are and the distances between villages can be invaluable especially on far less traveled caminos with far less infrastructure. It is also difficult if not impossible to ascertain another person's age fitness level, and experience as a hiker or pilgrim. Your fitness and comfort level and definition of a good day's hike may be far different than he person walking next to you. There is also the question of how long someone has walked before they approach a very steep hill or pass. I walked my first camino after training for months with a friend who is a triathlete before my first camino and I thought I would die when I got to Orisson. I was 58. I walked from Le Puy 3 years later which is a far more difficult camino to walk and when I walked from SJPP it was an absolute breeze.
I have walked many caminos over the years and I think the most important lesson a new pilgrim who is not sure of their fitness level or not sure of anything is to learn to listen to your body. Pushing yourself can be a recipe for disaster even on the first day. I have walked physically difficult caminos like the Norte and Le Puy and maybe even more difficult mental caminos like the VIa De La Plata. I have learned as have many others here that you walk when your body tells you, stop to rest when your body tells you, and eat when your body tells you. Pushing your body to its limit, especially if you have no real idea what your limit is can be dangerous. Like for all of us, what is easy and doable for one person may be really difficult and injurious for another. Buen Camino
I think your other advice is spot on that the poster should consider.
great post...I echo your sentiments on the first day...we had nice weather which made it great as well. My three favorite days (in order):I walked my first Camino at age 56. I thought I had a reasonable fitness level. I read that if you can do SJPP to Roncevalles you can do the rest of the Camino. All I had was hope and determination. I didn't know I could have my pack couriered, that walking poles make life a lot easier, that there was an alternate route or that I could spend the night at Orrison.
It turned out ignorance is bliss. It was the most challenging and most beautiful day of my Camino. That day still stands so clearly in my mind and heart.
You have great and sound practical advice in the other replies. I wanted to share my experience and say whatever you choose will be perfect for you. Have courage, have heart, and allow the love of the Camino be your guide.
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