Valcarlos

[Tony Maguire]

I am planning on starting from SJPP 1st week in January. On my last winter camino I walked onto Roncesvalles. This time I plan on stopping overnight in Valcarlos. Does anyone know if there is an albergue in Valcarlos that takes reservations.

 

[Tincatinker]

Yes, and yes it does. Gronze will provide contact details, as will Wisepilgrim, Brierley and the nice people who run the first bar on your right as you walk into town. They in particular will give you the door code. You’ll not need to book first week in January

 

[mspath]

Here is the Valcarlos albergue own info page
Do be aware that from Valcarlos up to Roncesvalles monastery on the route there are no shops/food trucks nor potabile water. Be prepared.

In winter weather when sleet or snow covers the camino path it is much safer/ easier to walk on the verges of route N 135.

To help with your winter plans check out this Winter Camino Frances Thread and all the included links within it.

 

[Thornley]

Please walk on the road after you leave Valcarlos .
If the weather has been kind you can enter the forest at the water fountain however because that distance is not great to Ronsc. I would stay on the road.

 

[Anniesantiago]

When we were taxiing to SJPP this year, I saw people walking on the highway.
Is the Valcarlos Route if you take the highway any longer than the Napoleon?
In all my years walking, I've never taken the Valcarlos route... maybe next season.

 

[Tony Maguire]

Here is the Valcarlos albergue own info page
Do be aware that from Valcarlos up to Roncesvalles monastery on the route there are no shops/food trucks nor potabile water. Be prepared.

In winter weather when sleet or snow covers the camino path it is much safer/ easier to walk on the verges of route N 135.

To help with your winter plans check out this Winter Camino Frances Thread and all the included links within it.

Ive done the route before in wintet

 

[Tony Maguire]

Please walk on the road after you leave Valcarlos .
If the weather has been kind you can enter the forest at the water fountain however because that distance is not great to Ronsc. I would stay on the road.

Yes ive done the route in winter previously

 

[Thornley]

When we were taxiing to SJPP this year, I saw people walking on the highway.
Is the Valcarlos Route if you take the highway any longer than the Napoleon?
In all my years walking, I've never taken the Valcarlos route... maybe next season.

Take the quiet country lanes and a bit of forrest out of StJPP and arrive @ Valcarlos.
Your follow river La Live d' Arneguy
Stay in any kind of accommodation you wish , the choices are yours .
Enjoy the ambiance in the local bars.
Next day road if wet , if dry the forrest floor.
Distance the same in my opinion [ 21-23 km ]
This is the way we go when commencing on the GR 65 from Le Puy.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

The Valcarlos Municipal was newly renovated in 2018 when I was last there. Very nice place and Camas (beds) were better than at home. I doubt anyone has lost sleep due to the beds.

 

[JR9162]

Take the quiet country lanes and a bit of forrest out of StJPP and arrive @ Valcarlos.
Your follow river La Live d' Arneguy
Stay in any kind of accommodation you wish , the choices are yours .
Enjoy the ambiance in the local bars.
Next day road if wet , if dry the forrest floor.
Distance the same in my opinion [ 21-23 km ]
This is the way we go when commencing on the GR 65 from Le Puy.

I walked the Valcarlos route beginning 8th April 2021 due to weather in the mountains. The trail over the mountain pass is rigorous after walking from SJPP to Valcarlos. If you decide on the forest versus the paved road after exiting Valcarlos, I definitely recommend spending the night in that locale. You be less fatigued climbing up the forested mountain pass.

 

[brendano]

I am planning on starting from SJPP 1st week in January. On my last winter camino I walked onto Roncesvalles. This time I plan on stopping overnight in Valcarlos. Does anyone know if there is an albergue in Valcarlos that takes reservations.

Hi , I stayed in Valcarlos in January 2019. Excelent municapal alpergue. One cannot make a reservation. No problem ! in January you'll more than likely have the whole place to yourself.
Fabulous walk over from SJPdP! You get the'' key code '' from the local Restaurant / Bar. The albergue has everything; pots, pans, stove , fridge, etc. Lot's of blankets; that time I didn't bring a sleeping bag. I was coming from Canada, and plus 8c to 12 c seemed warm to me; eh! Ontario
-9c to -15c , sometimes colder! Cheers; a lovely walk, Brendano.

 

[Tincatinker]

The Valcarlos Albergue accepts reservations: https://www.gronze.com/navarra/valcarlos/albergue-municipal-valcarlos

 

[Thornley]

I walked the Valcarlos route beginning 8th April 2021 due to weather in the mountains. The trail over the mountain pass is rigorous after walking from SJPP to Valcarlos. If you decide on the forest versus the paved road after exiting Valcarlos, I definitely recommend spending the night in that locale. You be less fatigued climbing up the forested mountain pass.

Well said
Yes a stop in Valcarlos is a must in the early months of the year ,
April is early spring .
Consider Australia's rain at this current time .....we are in Spring and the forests will be wet for a considerable time .
It does get a bit wet on the forested path.