LIVE from the Camino Valcarlos route! Days 1 & 2

[kellok]

Buen camino a todos!

I just wanted to hop on and remind any distraught travellers who cannot make the 25 km climb to Roncesvalles and also cannot find reservations in Orisson/Hunto/Borda that the Valcarlos route exists!

The Pilgrims office was suggesting to us that we power straight through to Roncesvalles until I specifically asked about it. I called ahead and Carlos (the albergue lead) said no problem—my friend and I ended up being 2 of 4 pilgrims there that day. Hot water, good water pressure, free washing machine, and a restaurant and small store in town resulted in a wonderful stay.

I am not sure why the Pilgrims office in St. JPP does not recommend it…there are definitely some rough hills at the end and about 30% of the walking is along the road which could detract from the experience. I know the views are probably not as good as the napoleónico/Leopoldo but for pilgrims who don’t want to or cannot plan months in advance to reserve at Borda or Orisson this is a good option. There is still a great view at col/church at Ibañeta!

Carlos is a great host at a great facility! I highly recommend! Anyone have thoughts as to why Valcarlos isn’t recommended in the summer?

 

[Angus Strongbear]

I just wanted to hop on and remind any distraught travellers who cannot make the 25 km climb to Roncesvalles and also cannot find reservations in Orisson/Hunto/Borda that the Valcarlos route exists!

I stayed at the municipal albergue in Valcarlos mid-September of 2019,
because I had done Refuge Orrisson on the Napoleon route the previous year, and wanted to see something new. I loved the rural walk to Valcarlos, and loved the albergue. I was the only walker staying overnight, and was alone there until 6:00 PM, when a Spanish couple arrived on bikes. We were the only 3. Yes, from there to Ibaneta there was a lot of road walking, and the views were not as spectacular, but I never felt unsafe on the road.

 

[roving_rufus]

The Valcarlos albergue was a great stop when I did it a few years ago. I didn't mind the road walking as there was enough off road or views to make it interesting. The second day I had heavy rain which was why I changed my original plans to walk Napoleonin one go, and couldn't see too far in that weather but meant the woods were a lovely backdrop. I also reached Roncesvalles early to explore and then carried on, which got me out of bubble of pilgrims.

 

[gerardcarey]

Although I have never walked the Valcarlos route, I have for several years heard of its many, usually season oriented benefits, extolled here on the forum and on other sites.
But so far, the magnificence of the Napoleon route has ensured that for me no variant is worthy of consideration.
Here's a toast to all who think, or are forced to act otherwise.
Regards Gerard

 

[Saint Mike II]

I walked the Frances starting from St Jean in May 2017. I had planned to walk the Napoleon but the weather was totally unsuitable. So I switched to the Valcarlos. It was an easy day 1 - early lunch at the Franco/Espano border truck stop and arrived at the municipal around 1.00 pm. Day 2 with the wind and rain was a tough climb but I arrived at Roncesvalles just after 1.00 pm. Not wishing to wait two or three hours before being admitted I pushed on to Espinal. Buen Camino.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

Buen camino a todos!

I just wanted to hop on and remind any distraught travellers who cannot make the 25 km climb to Roncesvalles and also cannot find reservations in Orisson/Hunto/Borda that the Valcarlos route exists!

The Pilgrims office was suggesting to us that we power straight through to Roncesvalles until I specifically asked about it. I called ahead and Carlos (the albergue lead) said no problem—my friend and I ended up being 2 of 4 pilgrims there that day. Hot water, good water pressure, free washing machine, and a restaurant and small store in town resulted in a wonderful stay.

I am not sure why the Pilgrims office in St. JPP does not recommend it…there are definitely some rough hills at the end and about 30% of the walking is along the road which could detract from the experience. I know the views are probably not as good as the napoleónico/Leopoldo but for pilgrims who don’t want to or cannot plan months in advance to reserve at Borda or Orisson this is a good option. There is still a great view at col/church at Ibañeta!

Carlos is a great host at a great facility! I highly recommend! Anyone have thoughts as to why Valcarlos isn’t recommended in the summer?

Did the Valcarlos last June. The road walking was not as bad or as long as I anticipated. The second day climb is steep but wonderful through an enchanted forest. Some rain and quite farm roads. On 06/23 when I walked the Valcarlos, the napoleon route was completely fogged in.