CaminoKate0214
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June/July 2015 (CF, 100 miles), June/July 2018 (CP, ~40 miles, too hot!)
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) |
---|
Try to put this "standard" out of your mind. Your Camino will be a full Camino, with a start and finish, and lot of experiences in-between. Make it your own!the full Camino, start to finish, in a more traditional way.
I have just read @Kanga 's suggestion to walk to Valcarlos and then taxi onward to the top of the Ibaneta pass. That is an excellent idea if you really want to see the SJPP experience. You could even stay overnight in Roncesvalles and then continue with prebooked accommodation that I suggested for several more short days.walk the first day to Valcarlos, and then organise a taxi from Valcarlos to the top of the divide, the Ibenata pass. From there I would walk down into Roncesvalles, stop for a look around, then continue walking to pre-booked accommodation
Since no one has specifically commented on the second part of this option, I will humbly suggest that I don't think it's a great idea. Once you reach Santiago, the last thing you're going to want to do is travel all the way across the country just to walk three more stages and then finish in Pamplona - it's quite disjointed. If starting in SJPdP has some kind of pull or resonance for you, and it sounds like it does, then just go for it! You have mentioned Valcarlos but the Napoleon route with an overnight stop in Orisson is another option to break up the Pyrenees stage. ¡Buen camino!I have thought about starting in Pamplona because someone told me it's a lot flatter overall, and walking to SdC, then if I have time, coming back and walking the Valcarlos route and doubling back to Pamplona.
Hi @CaminoKate0214. I've walked both routes a few times. The Napoleon is tough for those of us who are not athletic.
My suggestions:
The walk from SJPDP to Valcarlos is really lovely. There is an excellent albergue in Valcarlos, and a good restaurant. That makes a beautiful first day of walking, about 12km long and not too onerous in terms of elevation.
The downside of the Valcarlos is the second day, which again is not too long (about 12km) but is uphill and very steep for the last section. See this elevation chart (the line at the top is the Napoleon, the bottom is the Valcarlos route).
I think what I would do is walk the first day to Valcarlos, and then organise a taxi from Valcarlos to the top of the divide, the Ibenata pass. From there I would walk down into Roncesvalles, stop for a look around, then continue walking to pre-booked accommodation in one of the small villages between Roncesvalles and Zubiri - here's a link on Gronze.
My reasoning is that the walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri is also a stretch, and testing for someone not Camino fit. Particularly the very difficult descent into Zubiri. By walking past Roncesvalles you make a slightly easier third day.
Buen Camino!
What she said.I think your idea is a good one.
In your shoes, I'd start in Roncesvalles - which is where Spanish pilgrims tend to start.
Between Roncesvalles and Pamplona there are a number of options of places to stop, so you can start conservatively. Then once you've finished and have well-seasoned camino legs, you can go back and walk the part from SJPP to Roncesvalles, via Valcarlos. There aren't many options along the way - but staying in Valcarlos is easy. Between there and a few kms before Roncesvalles, there's just you and the steep hill. But by then you'll be primed.
Check any of the guidebooks or Gronze for distance - they'll have the correct information.
Hi. With regard to the training aspect I've never trained but walked for a month 3.5 to 4km daily and never had any issues so I'm sure you'll be fine and have a great trip. DanielHi all,
I started training some in June, did more in July, and now aim to train nearly every day in August. I'm up to 10k steps a day which doesn't just drain me or make me ultra sore, but where I am, Louisiana, is super flat. I'm doing what I can, realizing I'll train every day as I walk, and I have time. So a few questions:
1) I leave 1 September, and have three months to walk. I'm slow because of weight and knee issues, but determined and persistent. I have thought about starting in Pamplona because someone told me it's a lot flatter overall, and walking to SdC, then if I have time, coming back and walking the Valcarlos route and doubling back to Pamplona. But then I think I'd love to begin at SJPdP, walk the Valcarlos, and do the full Camino, start to finish, in a more traditional way. I'm 54, have wonky knees, but have hiking poles, and have no issue at all going slow, getting passed, and listening to my body and taking my time. Any thoughts?
2) Are there places to stay along the Valcarlos route? How far between each albergue? I'd prefer not to sleep rough if I don't have to!
3) How far is it from Valcarlos to Roncevalles, and how much water should you bring? I'm type 2 diabetic, and I need to hydrate. If it's hot, I don't want to do what I did in 2015 on my first day out, and run into heat exhaustion.
4) Speaking of, how hot should it be in September? When does it get cold, later in September, into October? I have a down vest, merino long-sleeve shirt, regular long-sleeve shirt, undershirt, and a pair of leggings. Did anyone use gloves, or just put socks on their hands in the mornings?
Thanks, everyone. I look forward to reading all replies.
Im younger, Ill turn 34 on trail. It looks like youve done 2 Caminos before... congratulations! Itll be my first and have trepedation. Last August I walked half marathons every other day and walked my dog *whos coming on a marathon for his birthday to ensure stamina. My fear is I need to do halves everyday to complete the 820KM not every other day. I also have a fear of rough sleeping but see in the dog accomodation sheet in the forum it is going to happen indefinetly on Norte/Coastal and half the time on Frances. Ive many other fears... you are certainly not alone!Hi all,
I started training some in June, did more in July, and now aim to train nearly every day in August. I'm up to 10k steps a day which doesn't just drain me or make me ultra sore, but where I am, Louisiana, is super flat. I'm doing what I can, realizing I'll train every day as I walk, and I have time. So a few questions:
1) I leave 1 September, and have three months to walk. I'm slow because of weight and knee issues, but determined and persistent. I have thought about starting in Pamplona because someone told me it's a lot flatter overall, and walking to SdC, then if I have time, coming back and walking the Valcarlos route and doubling back to Pamplona. But then I think I'd love to begin at SJPdP, walk the Valcarlos, and do the full Camino, start to finish, in a more traditional way. I'm 54, have wonky knees, but have hiking poles, and have no issue at all going slow, getting passed, and listening to my body and taking my time. Any thoughts?
2) Are there places to stay along the Valcarlos route? How far between each albergue? I'd prefer not to sleep rough if I don't have to!
3) How far is it from Valcarlos to Roncevalles, and how much water should you bring? I'm type 2 diabetic, and I need to hydrate. If it's hot, I don't want to do what I did in 2015 on my first day out, and run into heat exhaustion.
4) Speaking of, how hot should it be in September? When does it get cold, later in September, into October? I have a down vest, merino long-sleeve shirt, regular long-sleeve shirt, undershirt, and a pair of leggings. Did anyone use gloves, or just put socks on their hands in the mornings?
Thanks, everyone. I look forward to reading all replies.
This is a really hopeful reply... thank you!You will be fine, go at your own pace. I started June 30th 2022 from Saint Jean. I had left IT band pain for a few weeks prior to starting so did not train. Walking the Camino cured my IT band within a few days and i became quite use to the distances. My biggest issue was the heatwave they were having, not the daytime but the night time temperatures were too much for me. Also I tried some gel metatarsal pads in my shoes, never again as one caused a horrendous blister. I hiked 296 miles before coming home. Temperatures will be much nicer I think in September, at least you will be able to sleep.
but have hiking poles, and have no issue at all going slow, getting passed, and listening to my body and taking my time. Any thoughts?
I agree with C CLearly about being free from the pressure of walking with a group. I have heard about but no nothing about a facebook group called something like slow walkers. I think I have read that this group is made up of people who really take their time and have the time to walk shorter distances and go for a longer period of time, I enjoy walking alone most of the day and at my own pace which I think is important for a person both spiritually and physically. But I do like the companionship of other pilgrims in the evening and hoping to see some often in the evening. This group may be something you may want to explore.However, given your slow pace and planned 2-3 month Camino, you will not find yourself in such a group, although you may be surprised to re-encounter a few people. So, take advantage of being freed from that pressure or expectation to find a group on your first day or two
I'm a solo traveler, an introvert, so the idea of a Camino family doesn't appeal although re-meeting people along the way sounds great. The whole purpose of this walk is to have time finally to think and feel about a lot that's happened to me over the past 2-3 years: early slightly unplanned retirement due to Covid, moving, pandemic, loss of my dad (at 91, so a good long life), loss of my uncle (older at 93, again a good long life), contemplating starting my own catering business, and all the changes I've undergone through menopause, that changed me "tectonically" so to speak.I think I agree with VN that Roncesvalles would be a good starting point for you.
Part of the fabled excitement of walking from SJPP comes from the formation of groups of friends (aka "Camino family") who walk somewhat together for 4-6 weeks. In Santiago, they exuberantly remember their first day together from SJPP.
However, given your slow pace and planned 2-3 month Camino, you will not find yourself in such a group, although you may be surprised to re-encounter a few people. So, take advantage of being freed from that pressure or expectation to find a group on your first day or two. Start wherever is convenient to you, and do not consider it incomplete in any way. Instead, embrace it! Many of us prefer not to be caught up in groups, and instead we value the solitude and ephemeral friendships that we form for only a day or two.
September will be very busy with people starting from SJPP. Let them pass you. Make reservations as necessary, so that you can continue at your pace. By mid-September, the crowds will lessen. As you build confidence and strength, you will be able to enjoy detours and rest days that other will regret missing.
I recommend that you be determinedly slow and deliberate in your pace. Make that your Camino hallmark!
That is why I suggest starting at a point that will most help you succeed. Roncesvalles is a good choice. Take 3 days to get to Pamplona. Take a rest day there, maybe the next day start late from Pamplona and walk only to Cizur Menor. Then the walk up Alto de Perdon and to Uterga will be about 13-14 km.
I wouldn't always recommend this, but in your case, I suggest booking all those days (to Uterga) in advance. By the time you get to Uterga, you will have had 6 days on the Camino and you can judge the state of affairs and can book just a day or two ahead.
Try to put this "standard" out of your mind. Your Camino will be a full Camino, with a start and finish, and lot of experiences in-between. Make it your own!
I am not sure if my comments will make sense, or resonate with you, but I hope that they help.
I have just read @Kanga 's suggestion to walk to Valcarlos and then taxi onward to the top of the Ibaneta pass. That is an excellent idea if you really want to see the SJPP experience. You could even stay overnight in Roncesvalles and then continue with prebooked accommodation that I suggested for several more short days.
Temperatures were too much how? too hot? too cold? I can deal with cold way better than heat!You will be fine, go at your own pace. I started June 30th 2022 from Saint Jean. I had left IT band pain for a few weeks prior to starting so did not train. Walking the Camino cured my IT band within a few days and i became quite use to the distances. My biggest issue was the heatwave they were having, not the daytime but the night time temperatures were too much for me. Also I tried some gel metatarsal pads in my shoes, never again as one caused a horrendous blister. I hiked 296 miles before coming home. Temperatures will be much nicer I think in September, at least you will be able to sleep.
Not climbing Everest?? Actually it is. If you add up all of the Vertical parts of the Frances, you will find that walking from SJPDP to santiago is actually walking a higher vertical distance than walking up Everest.Lots of questions, so here we go!
- If you walk YOUR pace and YOUR distance, you can do it - this is not climbing Everest, but the Camino does not suffer those who over-exert themselves to keep up with friends or hotel reservations! If you have three months, give yourself plenty of rest days and limit your daily mileage.
- September will generally be warm, but not the muggy type like at your home. However, if you are still walking in November, it will definitely turn cooler by then. Of course, you can pick up whatever extra clothing you need as the weather changes, so your current layers sound appropriate. The few times it was cold enough to need gloves in October, my wife repurposed a pair of socks - she’d rather do that than carry an item she didn’t plan to use that often.
- Walking from SJPdP is nice, but hardly required or that exciting compared to views elsewhere on the Camino (on our passage, everything was obscured by clouds anyways). It CAN be rigorous, though, and both routes actually involve a fair amount of climbing and descent, just at different angles. You can break up the day by staying in Valcarlos - check Gronze.com for specifics. In your case, taking on that type of challenge (elevation changes and distances longer than you are used to) may not be the best idea for Day 1 and 2. I’ve known several pilgrims who had to return home early after suffering injuries on their initial days due to overexertion.
I‘m sure others will have different advice and only you know your limitations. Just appreciate that it’s a very long road to walk with sights and challenges all along the way, no matter where you start. Walk in a way that works for you.
At any point in time the Camino is populated by several thousand introverts all trying to avoid each other. I’m one. It’s fine.I'm a solo traveler, an introvert, so the idea of a Camino family doesn't appeal although re-meeting people along the way sounds great. The whole purpose of this walk is to have time finally to think and feel about a lot that's happened to me over the past 2-3 years: early slightly unplanned retirement due to Covid, moving, pandemic, loss of my dad (at 91, so a good long life), loss of my uncle (older at 93, again a good long life), contemplating starting my own catering business, and all the changes I've undergone through menopause, that changed me "tectonically" so to speak.
And we manage to bond over it, surprisingly often!At any point in time the Camino is populated by several thousand introverts all trying to avoid each other. I’m one. It’s fine.
Kate: what they were, or indeed what anyone else’s prior experience was in the past is pretty much irrelevant to you in the future. From your description of your current capability; you’ll be fine - just don’t over pack; have decent footwear and take it easy. Detailed enquiry can easily go beyond the factual and start irrationally fuelling anxiety.Temperatures were too much how? too hot? too cold? I can deal with cold way better than heat!
Welcome to the forum! If you are planning to walk the Frances with a dog, yes it is possible to find accommodation the whole way! Options are limited but yes it’s possibleIm younger, Ill turn 34 on trail. It looks like youve done 2 Caminos before... congratulations! Itll be my first and have trepedation. Last August I walked half marathons every other day and walked my dog *whos coming on a marathon for his birthday to ensure stamina. My fear is I need to do halves everyday to complete the 820KM not every other day. I also have a fear of rough sleeping but see in the dog accomodation sheet in the forum it is going to happen indefinetly on Norte/Coastal and half the time on Frances. Ive many other fears... you are certainly not alone!
I can understand European temperatures seeming cold from Lousiana but I dont glove/scarf myself until November and this is in Berlin on Polish border not Spain, Spain should be mild. I run a hiking group here in Berlin and we get beginners come on 6 hour 30KM hikes in doc martens and make it! Stark blieben!
Ill be ahead of you leaving August 18th.
There's a municiple albergue in Valcarlos. I don't know if there are anything before and after. We found that, even though you train for it(we didn't have a lot of hills), it doesn't prepare you for the hills over the pyrenees. Getting the taxi to the top is an excellent idea. Good thing though is you get fitter as you go on. We took it easy and didn't try to keep up with anyone else. Walk to your own pace. Good luck and enjoy every breathe. Oh and the scenery is awesome as well and going slow you will be able to take it all inHi all,
I started training some in June, did more in July, and now aim to train nearly every day in August. I'm up to 10k steps a day which doesn't just drain me or make me ultra sore, but where I am, Louisiana, is super flat. I'm doing what I can, realizing I'll train every day as I walk, and I have time. So a few questions:
1) I leave 1 September, and have three months to walk. I'm slow because of weight and knee issues, but determined and persistent. I have thought about starting in Pamplona because someone told me it's a lot flatter overall, and walking to SdC, then if I have time, coming back and walking the Valcarlos route and doubling back to Pamplona. But then I think I'd love to begin at SJPdP, walk the Valcarlos, and do the full Camino, start to finish, in a more traditional way. I'm 54, have wonky knees, but have hiking poles, and have no issue at all going slow, getting passed, and listening to my body and taking my time. Any thoughts?
2) Are there places to stay along the Valcarlos route? How far between each albergue? I'd prefer not to sleep rough if I don't have to!
3) How far is it from Valcarlos to Roncevalles, and how much water should you bring? I'm type 2 diabetic, and I need to hydrate. If it's hot, I don't want to do what I did in 2015 on my first day out, and run into heat exhaustion.
4) Speaking of, how hot should it be in September? When does it get cold, later in September, into October? I have a down vest, merino long-sleeve shirt, regular long-sleeve shirt, undershirt, and a pair of leggings. Did anyone use gloves, or just put socks on their hands in the mornings?
Thanks, everyone. I look forward to reading all replies.
Theoretical question - would it be possible to call a taxi if the walk up to the Ibanez’s Pass turned out to be too strenuous, or would that need to be decided before one set out from Valcarlos?@CaminoKate0214 I've just re-read my post and realise I did not make it clear I was suggesting that you stay in the albergue in Valcarlos, and take the taxi to the Ibeneta Pass and walk down and through Roncesvalles the next day. Although it also makes sense to get to Roncesvalles all in that first day, using the taxi for the last part of the route.
Theoretical question - would it be possible to call a taxi if the walk up to the Ibanez’s Pass turned out to be too strenuous, or would that need to be decided before one set out from Valcarlos?
A person can also book BORDA which is just 1 k past Orisson and a wonderful place to stay!I haven't walked the Valcarlos route myself, but from what I've read, it's not necessarily easier than the Napoleon route, and unlike the Napoleon, which has its steepest part at the beginning, the Valcarlos route's steepest part is at the end. See this thread for a discussion of the two routes. Also, although it doesn´t sound like you are looking to walk with others all the time, there can be comfort in having other pilgrims around, and I don´t know how many other pilgrims there are on the Valcarlos route.
Therefore, I propose another idea for starting from St Jean Pied de Port.
Book two nights in St Jean. On your first day you can walk as far as you can, then take a taxi back to St Jean. You would want to identify a taxi company and program their number into your phone. The following day have the taxi drop you off where you left off.
Or you can prearrange this type of service with Express Bouricott.
If the very steep walk from St Jean to Orisson seems too daunting for your first day you can taxi up there, then walk up to Virgen of Orisson, and take Express Bouricott shuttle back to St Jean, then return to that point the next day to continue on to Roncesvalles.
View attachment 130589
This is a nice option.Here's another thought @CaminoKate0214 . There are so many options
If you wanted to experience the Pyrenees ....... Use express bouricott (this is their map)
View attachment 130593
But on day 1 get them to take you right up to Croix Thibault.
That way you can start on the top of the Napoleon route!
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?