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Using the terms lower route and higher route adds to the myth of the Napoleon.
I think you may be reading more into the expressions than is actually there. One reaches a higher altitude than the other. That is all the words mean. Any value judgements attached to that are in the mind of the reader.
ps: Roland....Do you think either one is a "hike" or a "pilgrimage walk"
WAlked it last March 19th. Beautiful, demanding, forest, running water about 15km. Nice municipal albergue. I would walk it again. I think too much is made of climbing the Napoleon route. Buen camino.In all the years I've walked the Camino, I have never walked the Valcarlos Route.
Tell me about it.
Is it shorter? Longer? Steeper?
Have you done both routes?
Compare and contrast?
Thanks Peregrinos!
I'm just curious and wondering if maybe I'll go that way this year...
Actually, I am not reading anything into the expressions as I know the actual facts of the two routes.
My expressed concern was the judgement that will be made by those who have not yet experienced either route. The "higher" route gives an impression to many that it is a superior accomplishment. The term "lower" will lead many to conclude it is a lessor route.
Simply my opinion...but I feel that the ValCarlos route is very often wrongly demeaned by those who chose the Napoleon route.
ps: Roland....Do you think either one is a "hike" or a "pilgrimage walk"
I walked it two years ago when the weather was foggy on the high route. I loved it. On a cold foggy day there were many opportunities for hot cocoa and it was a better introduction to the many miles through towns that lay ahead. I come from Washington State in the USA and am used to beautiful mountains and found the roads and hills of the high pass disappointing but the views are stunning. As for difficulty, it is a more gradual climb except for the last mile.In all the years I've walked the Camino, I have never walked the Valcarlos Route.
Tell me about it.
Is it shorter? Longer? Steeper?
Have you done both routes?
Compare and contrast?
Thanks Peregrinos!
I'm just curious and wondering if maybe I'll go that way this year...
I did Valcarlos on April 26. It has a total elevation gain of about 3000' as opposed to about 4500' for Napolean. With Napolean, the agony comes at the beginning. With Valcarlos, the agony comes at the end. About two-thirds of the way with Valcarlos, there is a steep elevation gain of about 2000' over about one and a half miles. Pick your poison. Both are about 15 miles in length. On April 26 visibility was like pea soup, so there were no "stunning views" to be appreciated on the Napolean route.In all the years I've walked the Camino, I have never walked the Valcarlos Route.
Tell me about it.
Is it shorter? Longer? Steeper?
Have you done both routes?
Compare and contrast?
Thanks Peregrinos!
I'm just curious and wondering if maybe I'll go that way this year...
I have walked the Valcarlos route twice and really enjoyed it.Hey. Thanks for this older thread. I am headed to SJPdP in mid October 2022 and just checked the weather for my day of walking to Burquete... like usual (for me) it looks like it is gonna be cloudy/rainy on that first day. This time I'm gonna do Valcarlos for the first time. A different route is exciting for me.
I agree 100%. I walked Valcarlos in mid March, through mostly forest, challenging for constant ups and downs, over/under/ around big uprooted trees, across big spring streams, very little road walk given the day before I started a Korean pilgrim was killed walking the road. I too feel that the Napoleon mystic is not totally warranted AND leads far too many to attempt it in inclement weather, when physically Unfit or when it is officially closed resulting in rescue teams having to risk their own safety. The Valcarlos albergue was perfect!I have done both more than once.
In my opinion the Napoleon route is over hyped. Those who walk it continue the myth of danger and steep climbs OVER the mountain. It makes their accomplishment more meaningful when describing to others.
I do not take away from the difficulty or accomplishment...but again it is over hyped. Using the terms lower route and higher route adds to the myth of the Napoleon.
The Napoleon route is steep (but easily doable for anyone fit) for 7km to Orisson. After that it is a pretty gentle climb on mostly paved path and then a descent into Roncesvalles.
The ValCarlos route does not have the initial steep climb and has some level areas....but it has considerable up and down fluctuations that more than make up for the elevation on the Napoleon.
Both are challenging for the first day and both are worthwhile to walk.
The views on the Napoleon are not always there to enjoy.
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