For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Thank you!I have walked this route in late Mar and early May. Once out of SJPP, it was not difficult to navigate. It was waymarked the whole distance to Roncesvalles.
Thank you! Very relieved to hear that.The Valcarlos route is quite well signposted. I walked it in January. There is a fair bit of walking on minor roads but little of the way need be on the main road itself. At Arneguy you can choose either the main road to Valcarlos or a much quieter parallel road south of the river. That point is clearly signposted. After Valcarlos there is a short section of main road before the path branches off on to minor road then forest paths which barely touch the main road until Roncesvalles.
Try using Google Earth. I still visit the route on days when I am Jonesing to be on the Camino. I have done it and on sections where the road is all there is, traffic is extremely low.Hi, I’m starting from SJPP on 28th March so have to take the Valcarlos route. Just wondered how easy it is to navigate without walking on the main road the whole time? Is the route signposted at all? I’m heading to Roncesvalles that day. Thanks!
Hi TanBrackHi, I’m starting from SJPP on 28th March so have to take the Valcarlos route. Just wondered how easy it is to navigate without walking on the main road the whole time? Is the route signposted at all? I’m heading to Roncesvalles that day. Thanks!
I'm not sure exactly what you mean. Both the Valcarlos and Napoleon routes are part of the Camino Francés, but the Napoleon route is closed to pilgrims until at least April 1st, so it is not an option in March.Please be careful deciding which route you decide on, if I was walking March I would still opt for Frances route,
Thank you! I love this route and have not been able to see it in motion in *years*.The forum's John Sikora has two time lapse videos of the route. As you "walk" the route you see your postion on Google Earth and a John Brierley map.
Saint Jean Pied de Port to Valcarlos
YouTube video id 4lhRW4SaU8E
Valcarlos to Roncesvalles
YouTube video id pLPrhls660k
And don't feel you'll be missing out by taking the Valcarlos route. While the views are not necessarily as dramatic, the scenery is still wonderful. Valcarlos is a pretty little town with all the facilities you'll need. There is the albergue, as others have said, although I stayed in a lovely old BnB. At the bar, many pilgrims arrived more or less at the same time and elected to have a spontaneous communal dinner, for about 20 people, it turned out. Spirits were high. There was lots of food, wine and laughter. It was one of the best nights on my Camino.Hi, I’m starting from SJPP on 28th March so have to take the Valcarlos route. Just wondered how easy it is to navigate without walking on the main road the whole time? Is the route signposted at all? I’m heading to Roncesvalles that day. Thanks!
Hi I walked this route in 2018, easy to follow, lots of sign posts. You will have a small amount of road walking. Otherwise the route is pretty, be prepared for a very steep climb at the end just prior to the slow easy descent into Roncesvailles. Buen CaminoHi, I’m starting from SJPP on 28th March so have to take the Valcarlos route. Just wondered how easy it is to navigate without walking on the main road the whole time? Is the route signposted at all? I’m heading to Roncesvalles that day. Thanks!
Truly, I feel the VC is a gift to those who take it.Thank you all for your very helpful replies. I was originally quite put out when I realised the Napoleon route would be closed until 1st April. I’m a lot less worried now and will watch the YouTube videos of the actual route to get my bearings
Hi, I’m starting from SJPP on 28th March so have to take the Valcarlos route. Just wondered how easy it is to navigate without walking on the main road the whole time? Is the route signposted at all? I’m heading to Roncesvalles that day. Thanks!
Thanks for this recommendation. I have decided to do this route by choice in April. Stopping in Valcarlos and Burguette.I departed last March 29 and took the Valcarlos route. It was quite nice and although there is some road walking, the forested alternative is really beautiful. You walk along a river bed for quite some time. I actually did get lost for a split second and found myself stopping in a tiny village trying to figure out where to turn. Quite amazingly, a police officer pulled up abreast of me, said some pleasantries and pointed the way once again. I had stopped in Roncesvalles for a bite and then proceeded onto Burguete for the evening - I would recommend this as an end point if possible.
There are grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores in the vicinity of Arneguy between SJPdP and Valcarlos, see Google Maps. You are correct about Valcarlos to Roncesvalles though. There is no water either and you will be climbing a lot so bring plenty of water with you.On my first Camino Frances, I took the Valcarlos route in late August 2019. Be prepared! There are no services from SJDP to Valcarlos, or Valcarlos to Roncevalles.
I walked at the end of May and I must say that there was a lot of water.There are grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores in the vicinity of Arneguy between SJPdP and Valcarlos, see Google Maps. You are correct about Valcarlos to Roncesvalles though. There is no water either and you will be climbing a lot so bring plenty of water with you.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?