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Yeah, it’s doable, if you really want to do it. I was sitting on the terrace at Orisson one sunny afternoon, when I saw a girl, who I’d met on the way up, walking away towards Roncesvalles. I was surprised, as, looking at the time, it was 3pm. She made it to Roncesvalles, but she told me, when I bumped into her later, that she received a very severe scolding at the albergue for walking so late, and arriving in the dark. I assume you are an experienced hiker, and fit? Getting a bed for the night may be less doable. I have heard that it’s quite busy at this time of the year . . . . . may be a good idea to pack a poncho, paracord, tent pegs and space blanket (as per another thread) in case you have to sleep out . . . .
Hi, thanks for your reply. I believe I can make it to Ronccesvalles, but I don't bring any equipment for camping outside :/ Moreover, I just read a post says that SJPDP and Ronccesvalles have too many pilgrims at this moment. All I am worrying about is that if I can get any place to sleep in Roncessvalles even if I arrive late.
... All I am worrying about is that if I can get any place to sleep in Roncessvalles even if I arrive late.
The post about too many pilgrims is an unsubstantiated rumour. We are not getting any accurate information to verify it.
It takes people about 9 hours to go from SJPdP to Roncesvalles. Sunset should be around 22h00. The last 2 or 3 km is on steep downhill under trees ... its a place where you could get disoriented in the dark. I would suggest 10h00 is sufficiently early departure time to make it.
Thanks! I didn't know that Roncesvalles albergue offers reservation to pilgrims. I will definitely book the bed before leaving SJPDPThen the solution is easy - reserve a bed ;-) http://www.alberguederoncesvalles.com/reservas.php Buen Camino, SY
It gets darker around 8:30-9pm during that time in May, so you have that going for you. Friday weather looks pretty decent, but it appears there will be some rain the day before. Consequently, expect some slower pace to maneuver puddles, muddy terrain, slippery hill, and overall extra caution on roads.
I am going to give you a heads-up so please read this carefully: when you get to the Collado Loepeder, the highest point in the route SJPDP-Roncesvalles, you will find a wooden post indicating that you can go either left or right descending on to Roncesvalles. The left trail is steep and very slippery. MANY Caminos have finished on that trail with broken legs, injured knees, etc...etc.... The trail to the right is 400 meters longer, but it is much less steeper and much less easier on knees and hips. Go right, specially if it has rain. It also goes by the medieval chapel where locals used to ring a bell to guide the pilgrims who were crossing late in the dark.
Also, agree with planning ahead and mitigate risk: reserve a bed at a Posada, Hotel in Roncesvalles. Walk smart.
Buen Camino!!!
Thank you so much for the valuable tips! It is my first Camino and I definitely don't want to get injured in the beginning of the trip. I will also try booking the place in advance as well
I sent the booking request to Roncesvalles albergue just few hours ago. Meanwhile, I did some research, but isn't the one in Roncesvalles municipal? I heard public albergues dont accept booking requests.Be sure to book the albergue in Roncesvalles by email at least 5 days in advance of your arrival.
I sent the booking request to Roncesvalles albergue just few hours ago. Meanwhile, I did some research, but isn't the one in Roncesvalles municipal? I heard public albergues dont accept booking requests.
Roncesvalles monastery has received pilgrims for the last 1000 years. With the recent expansion of the interest in pilgrimage the monastery albergue( is not municipal ) has evolved to accept email reservations.
Read the monastery multilingual web to discover more re the long history, on site treasures, and various accommodation possibilities.
Thanks for the information! I hope that it is not too late to book in online. Have you had any experience booking the albergue in Roncesvalles? I was trying to find the information whether they require pilgrims to pay for booking in advance or not.
Then the solution is easy - reserve a bed ;-) http://www.alberguederoncesvalles.com/reservas.php Buen Camino, SY
Thank you for the information. I emailed the reservation request, but found that I had to do a bank transfer or give a credit card number by email or phone. The bank transfer is not like electronic banking we have here in the US and I do not feel comfortable sending credit card info in an unencrypted email. Without knowing whether someone who speaks English is available I am hesitant to make a phone contact as well. We will have to take our chances since we are only three days out from leaving the US and will not be able to meet the 5 day in advance deadline set by the organization. If I had a few more days to work on it I would certainly reserve based on reports of difficulty finding beds. In the meantime we will just pray that God will give us the ingenuity to find a place to rest when our day is finished.
I suggest you stay in St. Jean overnight or make a reservation in Horizonte (near half way) because crossing the Pyrinees is a beatiful but challenging endeavor, bring plenty of water because there is none after Horizonte until you get to the border with Spain, make sure you drink 1 full litter and have at least 2 litters on you when you depart Horizon, by the time you get to Roncesvalle the Albergue (which was excellent) may be full and you will have to stay in the hotel, not a problem if you have the $$$. Take your time, your legs will thank you.Hi all! I am starting the camino on this friday, and I will be arriving SJPP by taking the earliest train of the day from Bayonne.
It departs SJPDP at 7:30 and arrives Bayonne at 8:45. I think the time would be around 10 - 10:30 after I receive credential and information from the pilgrim office.
I am planning to get to Roncessvalles on the first day by taking Pyrenees route, but I am not sure weather it is a good idea. I think it will take me up to 8 - 10 hours to get there, which means that I will arrive 7-8 in the evening. I know pilgrims usually start their journey early in the morning, so I am concerning that the albergue does not have any bed for me.
Does anyone had similar experience?
I would like to hear if it is doable.
Thanks!
Few weeks ago I left St. Jean at around 7:30 and got to Roncesvalles at around 4:30 with resting stops because I was in good shape and still felt the "pain of the uphill way" no complaints just sharing my experienceI suggest you stay in St. Jean overnight or make a reservation in Horizonte (near half way) because crossing the Pyrinees is a beatiful but challenging endeavor, bring plenty of water because there is none after Horizonte until you get to the border with Spain, make sure you drink 1 full litter and have at least 2 litters on you when you depart Horizon, by the time you get to Roncesvalle the Albergue (which was excellent) may be full and you will have to stay in the hotel, not a problem if you have the $$$.
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