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If you are pushing a double chariot, the mountainous terrain of the Primitivo might be a bit much.
As for a guide- we currently have "The Northern Ways to Santiago" handbook, which I wouldn't really call a guide. We have used Gronze and other sites as well. We plan to purchase the new Northern Caminos (Perazzoli, Whitson) book for the IPAD-- we live in Qatar and it is hard to obtain hard copy books without paying outrageous shipping costs.
Thanks Jan. Is the quiet road running parallel to the path the "original" camino or does it run parallel to the original camino? Appreciate the info!
Hi Joe, composed and attempted to send a reply to you 5 times, and every time it wiped everything I wrote for you. Since then busily travelling South Pacific and England. Will be starting out on 16th April at Irun and will keep you posted about anything helpful to you. As this is a new route for us I am sure we will be learning heaps along the way. Now to walk off all the extra weight gained in England.......
It's the N632/ N632a which you can see clearly on Google Maps. Since they built the A-8 highway next to it, it's become a bit of a ghost road. It zigzags a bit to avoid the steep declines/ inclines, so it's slightly longer, but it'll get you to Cadavedo more 'smoothly' for want of a better word. In any case the off-road path usually coincides with the N632 in the villages so there are many opportunities to make a choice.
As for the 'original' camino for this stage - in fact this only 'opened' a couple of years ago, based on evidence that this might have been the way medieval pilgrims went. It's basically through the hills slightly more inland and as far as I understand there's NOTHING along the way - no villages, services, nada. The shells and arrows actually all point you towards the Ballota route, and this is the way most Norte pilgrims tend to go.
[p.s. the road, the coastal path, and the mountain path, all take you from Soto de Luina to Cadavedo. The idea of an 'original' camino is difficult to defend (although the municipalities try their best to discover/ maintain the very old routes) as the fact is, millions pilgrims have simply been making their way to Santiago from wherever they started, for over a millennium. They would usually have taken the path of least resistance, and usually the path of greatest safety. The shells/ arrows are guides, and even though they sometimes coincide with very old routes, often they're the only routes the current local municipalities could negotiate with landowners, or routes that manage to avoid dangerous geographical features or highways!]
So, to be clear...you are recommending I take the N/632(A) route, which is the most popular route at this time? And, this is the route that the shells/arrows point to? Reading other posts, it sounds like people recommend the coastal route rather than the road. Nonetheless, it looks like they all have great views and are on quiet roads.
Hi Joe, just a quick comment about your day 19 - when they say "more difficult" they're not kidding - I was there a couple of weeks ago, see attached pic of the path via Ballota. Not trying to deter you, just wanted to give you a head's up. There are also a lot of steep declines and inclines in this section, and lots of mud if it's been raining. I'd recommend taking the quiet road that runs parallel to the path. (By the way, the 'original' camino route was closed when we walked this stage, as it was impassable due to weather-related damage. But even if it's open when you walk, I doubt it would be easier on the chariot).
Jan, it sounds like you are saying there are three options -- the "original" Camino route up high (and yes you are right there are no services up there but it is gorgeous); the Ballota road route and the Ballota off-road route?
Hello,
My family has 28 days from June 1-29 to complete the Norte and I doubt we'll be able to squeeze it all in. We plan to skip the stage before and after Bilbao (Lezama to Bilbao and Bilbao to Portugalete). We will take a rest day in Castro Urdiales. Can anyone suggest other stages that are not super appealing? We would like to stay out of the big cities. Would you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Thanks!
Joe
Big question no answer
How do you skip cities?
28 days can get you to Santiago on foot
oughHi Joe, I think that if you're walking for close to a month with your family, it would be a shame not to get all the way to Santiago. It would be great to have the Compostela, if only to serve as a momento of the amazing adventure you have experienced and accomplished together as a family.
Are you booking all of your accommodation in advance? If not, I would recommend seeing how you feel as you go along. From San Vicente onwards the lovely narrow-gauge Feve train runs very close to the camino (all the way to Ribadeo), and it's very cheap and easy to use if for any reason you're having an "off" day and want to skip a stage. Speaking for myself: I find that if I wake up with a lot of energy, I am likely to enjoy even the "worst" bits of the camino - for example, I remember really enjoying the alternative path along the river from Bilbao to Portugalete, passing the Guggenheim and then the shipyards as you follow the river to the sea, even though many others recommended skipping that part. (That said, I didn't enjoy the last few kms into Aviles: very industrial and polluted, felt a bit like Mordor...)
If you're planning on booking accommodation ahead, then of course the logistics will be more complicated. Sorry I can't recommend particular stages to avoid off the top of my head. The ones that would stick out for me are the days of walking hard surfaces (lots of road and asphalt) which can be very tough on the feet and joints. I know it's recommended to take the GR E9 hiking route (which takes the local or "fisherman's" paths often as possible), but on some stages you just can't avoid taking the road, and this can be very tedious.
A final point: you might also consider taking the Primitivo from Oviedo. I haven't done it personally as a pilgrim, but I know the area, and it's meant to be a very special and beautiful walk.
I have looked briefly at the Primitivo. It is a bit appealing due to the remoteness. Does it shorten the route? I'm wondering if the kids would enjoy it as much as being near a beach and being able to swim.
ould you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Hi JoeHello,
My family has 28 days from June 1-29 to complete the Norte and I doubt we'll be able to squeeze it all in. We plan to skip the stage before and after Bilbao (Lezama to Bilbao and Bilbao to Portugalete). We will take a rest day in Castro Urdiales. Can anyone suggest other stages that are not super appealing? We would like to stay out of the big cities. Would you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Thanks!
Joe
PortugaleteHi Joe
I have been doing El Camino del Norte in stages since 2014. Currently I have got as far as Ribadeo and hope to complete the last 200 km approx in September I can't recommend you forgo getting the Compostela. I haven't got mine yet? If you want to miss cities you could miss Aviles/ Gijon I have done this . As I haven't been there don't know what I missed. Very challenging walking into Bilbao from Lezama. Enjoyed walking out of Bilbao to Portugal eye. The fantastic bridge. Maggie
Can't imagine skipping Bilbao and missing the Guggenheim.Thank you for the responses. We plan to book in advance since we will have our 2 young kids with us. Our first week is booked/ San Sebastián to Castro urdiales(skipping Bilbao). I think we will reassess after a few days to see if the family can keep with our planned pace. We will be pushing a double Chariot, which might determine our route on some days.
I have looked briefly at the Primitivo. It is a bit appealing due to the remoteness. Does it shorten the route? I'm wondering if the kids would enjoy it as much as being near a beach and being able to swim.
Thanks for the info on the train. This is the first I've heard of it.
We will most definitely skip the Gijon to Aviles stage!
Thanks!
Having driven this road last year heading east towards Soto de Luiña we would be concerned about being able to walk it safely with a pushchair/chariot. There are a number of blind bends, as shown in @Jan_D 's screenshot, and we were constantly on the look-out for pilgrims either road walking or crossing it. We drove slowly not knowing what might be round the next bend, locals who know the road might not drive as slow and there is no space to jump out of the way.Hi, well I wouldn't necessarily recommend the N632 as a route for most pilgrims but with a chariot it's probably the best option.
I did the Norte for the coastal views, so once the route turns inland at Ribadeo I skipped ahead by bus to Vialalba saving 3 - 4 days but still walking in 100K+ to Santiago to get my Compostella.
At the end of our trip, we will be heading back to San Sebastian and staying there for 9 days with friends. We'll definitely head into Bilbao to see the sights there.Can't imagine skipping Bilbao and missing the Guggenheim.
When my daughter and I turned the corner and had the first sight of the Museum it was breath taking!
Is Mesa on the Norte?I skipped 3 or 4 days on Mesa.
THank you for the advice. We will indeed skip Aviles/Gijon stage and Lezama all the way to Castro Urdiales. We are thinking about walking on a 4-5 days on, 2 days off schedule. The toughest part for us is the accommodations. With young kids, we just don't want to be spending our time and energy thinking about where we're going to stay at the end of the day. Do you think we could get away with finding accommodations just one or two days in advance? Albergues are out of the question, but we'd still like to keep the cost down around 80Euro for the four of us. We also don't know just how much ground we'll be able to cover each day. In training, we've done 2 days of four hours each, 8 miles one day, 11 miles the next. This is on very flat terrain since we live in Qatar. We're getting some time on 15% incline on the treadmill.Hi Joe
I have been doing El Camino del Norte in stages since 2014. Currently I have got as far as Ribadeo and hope to complete the last 200 km approx in September I can't recommend you forgo getting the Compostela. I haven't got mine yet? If you want to miss cities you could miss Aviles/ Gijon I have done this . As I haven't been there don't know what I missed. Very challenging walking into Bilbao from Lezama. Enjoyed walking out of Bilbao to Portugal eye. The fantastic bridge. Maggie
Where would you say this section begins? Don't you take the 632-A route rather than the main highway? Is this route dangerous as well?Having driven this road last year heading east towards Soto de Luiña we would be concerned about being able to walk it safely with a pushchair/chariot. There are a number of blind bends, as shown in @Jan_D 's screenshot, and we were constantly on the look-out for pilgrims either road walking or crossing it. We drove slowly not knowing what might be round the next bend, locals who know the road might not drive as slow and there is no space to jump out of the way.
It is not particularly scenic along the road so it might be best to skip this section and walk where the road is both wider and more direct.
Don't think of this route with the kids
I would firstly find the best places for the kids to enjoy the beach and the culture [ think associated tapas bars] Whilst you are on the water for most of the way many beaches are surfers only and are rocky.
We stayed an extra day in San Sebastian and also Deba for their beaches because of the hard days prior.
I would visit Oviedo and would leave by bus/train or plane @ Villaviciosa or if you are not interested in Oviedo then skip from Ribadesella to Cadavedo and from that moment on you can take your time.
Hi thereTHank you for the advice. We will indeed skip Aviles/Gijon stage and Lezama all the way to Castro Urdiales. We are thinking about walking on a 4-5 days on, 2 days off schedule. The toughest part for us is the accommodations. With young kids, we just don't want to be spending our time and energy thinking about where we're going to stay at the end of the day. Do you think we could get away with finding accommodations just one or two days in advance? Albergues are out of the question, but we'd still like to keep the cost down around 80Euro for the four of us. We also don't know just how much ground we'll be able to cover each day. In training, we've done 2 days of four hours each, 8 miles one day, 11 miles the next. This is on very flat terrain since we live in Qatar. We're getting some time on 15% incline on the treadmill.
We are traveling with a 2 and 4 year old. I just don't see them getting the best night sleep in the Albergue. Plus, it won't be fair to everyone else to have our family rising at 5AM every morning! We will be on the trail from June 3-30. I would like to shorten at least day 21 (Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes) and day 23 (Arzua to Santiago). Can I split these into two stages? If I did this, I would still have an additional 3 days for rest days or shortening other stages. Any thoughts? Thanks!Hi there
It's a shame you can't stay in albergues. All part of the adventure. What time of year are you travelling ? Some of your stages look quite long . Getting into Llanes is challenging . Best of luck x
Hola JoeWhere would you say this section begins? Don't you take the 632-A route rather than the main highway? Is this route dangerous as well?
On my guide Baamonde to Sobrado de Monxes can be broken at Miraz which is the half way stage. After Arzua the next stop is Arca or O Pedrouzo. Does this help? I am concerned about mention of large roads below. It is a good suggestion to use El feve to avoid walking along highways . Buen CaminoWe are traveling with a 2 and 4 year old. I just don't see them getting the best night sleep in the Albergue. Plus, it won't be fair to everyone else to have our family rising at 5AM every morning! We will be on the trail from June 3-30. I would like to shorten at least day 21 (Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes) and day 23 (Arzua to Santiago). Can I split these into two stages? If I did this, I would still have an additional 3 days for rest days or shortening other stages. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Maggie,Baamonde to Sobrado 40 kmsOn my guide Baamonde to Sobrado de Monxes can be broken at Miraz which is the half way stage. After Arzua the next stop is Arca or O Pedrouzo. Does this help? I am concerned about mention of large roads below. It is a good suggestion to use El feve to avoid walking along highways . Buen Camino
Can you advise on the topic of how early to book accommodations
One or two days in advance
The distances you are walking are foreign to me mate , we are 18---22 km pilgrims.
We hope to see more and enjoy the villages.
We never walk past 1.00 pm where we enjoy our main meal for the day.
Yes, I think the Primitivo may be a bit much for our first camino. Pounding the pavement along the road might be a bit too monotonous, so we'll try to stay on the "official" route. Due to the size of the double chariot, we may have to alter the route as we go.
Here is our current itinerary. I would like to get it down to 27 days to account for at least 1 rest day. Feedback is appreciated!
Camino del Norte (Northern Way)
1. From San Sebastián to Zarautz- 20km, 12.5m
2. From Zarautz to Deba- 23km, 14m
3. From Deba to Markina- 23km, 14m
4. From Markina to Gernika- 23km, 14m
5. From Gernika to Lezama- 21km, 13m
*. From Lezama to Bilbao (SHORT STAGE 10km, 6m-skip this stage and bilbao altogether.)
Hi Joe,
Well we made it yesterday to Bilbao and I thought I'd send you some feedback on what we have walked so far. The Norte so far we feel is much more mountainous compared to the Frances from Roncevalles onwards, and well deserving of its reputation of being more difficult. The regular climbs in elevation are matched by some serious declines, most rough and rocky, some narrow, some very boggy, some concrete but dangerously slippery in spots. The downward section into Marrkina is so steep that one needs to zigzag across to take the load off legs and feet. We have tried to imagine negotiating a chariot through the narrow rocky track between San Sebastion and Orio, or the ancient cobblestone parts down to Deba, or the uphill climbs to Markina. The mud and slime will dry up eventually but the rocks, cobblestones and climbs will remain. We have used an all-terrain jogging chariot with our daughter, and done some serious hikes and there is no way we would have considered taking one through a lot of what we have covered so far. All said, It has been a interesting walk with stunning ocean and inland views and very few pilgrims, and the ones we have met along the way are all great people. There are limited albergues and even now they fill fast. I also think you will need to book ahead to have the certainty of a place to stay as there are 4 of you. And you would be wise to carry lunch and snacks are there are sections where nothing is available. I'll keep you updated as we travel along and try and give you honest feedback as it really is a great adventure you are preparing for.
Would you still recommend this Albergue? I presume there are others as well but I like the sound of this one and hope to stay at it. My son is called Martin. Thanks for your answerHi Maggie,Baamonde to Sobrado 40 kms
Baamonde to Miraz 15 kms
Miraz to Sobrado 25 kms
I had the pleasure of volunteering in the Albergue San Martin in Miraz .This albergue is managed by the Confraternity of St James.Up until 2015 it was the only albergue in Miraz and we often had people waiting outside from 9a.m because they had walked 15 kms from Baamonde and they couldn' t face walking another 25 kms to Sobrado.
Hi Maggie,Refugio San Martin in Miraz is an excellent albergue .It has a lovely,well equiped kitchen where pilgrims can prepare a meal,a spacious dormitory,separate showers for females and males,a large garden at the rear.It is staffed by volunteers who come from all over the world.Would you still recommend this Albergue? I presume there are others as well but I like the sound of this one and hope to stay at it. My son is called Martin. Thanks for your answer
No, French routeIs Mesa on the Norte?
ThanksMaggie ,I omitted to say that there are lots of photos on their Facebook page which is
Miraz Albergue San Martin.
Hello,
My family has 28 days from June 1-29 to complete the Norte and I doubt we'll be able to squeeze it all in. We plan to skip the stage before and after Bilbao (Lezama to Bilbao and Bilbao to Portugalete). We will take a rest day in Castro Urdiales. Can anyone suggest other stages that are not super appealing? We would like to stay out of the big cities. Would you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Thanks!
Joe
Thank you for the words of wisdom. We have indeed swallowed our pride and decided to decrease our daily mileage to 8-12 miles. I will repost our new itinerary, which includes a long section to be skipped and the longest day around 15 miles. Once we get to the flat(er) sections, we may plan to run some. We will have nothing on our backs and the kids will have their bikes. We have both run ultramarathons and done week long backpacking trips. Different story with the kids, which we understand! Plus, we would hate to bite off too much and leave a sour taste in the kids’ mouths. We can always increase mileage as we go.Hi Joe, I really admire your optimism & the 'challenge' you are setting for yourself, wife, & 2 little kids. As anyone will tell you, no matter what 'prep' you do beforehand, there will always be 'situations' that you hadn't planned/prepped for. I met a couple on the Frances with a pushchair last year. They also had others in their group, so they were taking turns with the pushchair. It was quite muddy in some sections, so there was lots of clambering over, through and around some large puddles. They were making more 'stops' than most people, understandably, and I mention this because, looking at your itinerary, you have three days of 29km in succession, and later on, a few 30km+ days. I could be wrong, and you may both be incredibly fit, but travelling with a 2 & 4 year old, I personally wouldn't be that ambitious. I think you mentioned it's your first Camino, which is a great 'adventure' for you all, and I in no way want to 'burst your bubble', but I would possibly be reconsidering your daily mileage, especially the 'bigger ones'. 'Less' can often be 'more', and I know you want this to be an amazing experience for you all, but the mother in me needs to mention this. I did a section of the North a few years ago and the scenery is indeed spectacular, and of course fab beaches at San Sebastian and Sarrautz ... we swam at both; so I am definitely not putting you off, just maybe consider any 'eventualities' that could arise (especially with the kids, or the pushchair!) and maybe factor those into your optimistic agenda. I think you're amazing to undertake such an adventure, and by all means consider setting up a blog to keep us all informed. I wish you a Buen Camino, safe travels to get to your starting point, and of course, once you take your first steps that ... the Camino provides!
May the road rise with you; the wind be always at your back; and the sound of your children's laughter lift the spirits of everyone they meet along the way. God Bless Joe!
We have indeed swallowed our pride and decided to decrease our daily mileage to 8-12 miles.
Hello,
My family has 28 days from June 1-29 to complete the Norte and I doubt we'll be able to squeeze it all in. We plan to skip the stage before and after Bilbao (Lezama to Bilbao and Bilbao to Portugalete). We will take a rest day in Castro Urdiales. Can anyone suggest other stages that are not super appealing? We would like to stay out of the big cities. Would you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Thanks!
Joe
Hello
I am just reading your thread now. I have not looked at the Camino Forum for a few months. I am also staring the Northern Route with my wife on the 31st May. Are you still starting in San Sabastian on the 1st ?
Denis & Bernie
Hi Joe,Hello,
My family has 28 days from June 1-29 to complete the Norte and I doubt we'll be able to squeeze it all in. We plan to skip the stage before and after Bilbao (Lezama to Bilbao and Bilbao to Portugalete). We will take a rest day in Castro Urdiales. Can anyone suggest other stages that are not super appealing? We would like to stay out of the big cities. Would you recommend simply cutting out the last 100km and forgoing the compostela?
Thanks!
Joe
Gijon to Aviles can skip road walkingGijon to Aviles was not one of the most beautiful days on the Norte. Quite a bit of walking through industrtial areas and alongside a highway. If you're looking for sections to skip, this one might be worth considering.
Hi Joe,
You and your wife sound very fit and can probably manage the difficult terrain. my husband, friend and I walked September 2017. We are all in our late 50’s. My husband loves walking and walks daily and does some very long walks near orur home, 47 KMs. I found the Norte quite challenging. We did eventually take the guide and divide up some of the days. It took us 35days without any transportation. What I remember being difficult were the steep uphills at the beginning. I can’t imagine pushing a carriage up those hills. THe other difficult days that stick out in my mind are the down hills into the cities on the old Roman Roads. They were so difficult on the feet. The worst I remember was into Deba. It was a very steep downhill walk and uneven. We had also scheduled 2 days in case of injury but used them up to shorten the days to prevent injury.
I think with young children you will have to be adaptable and take transit when they need it. No matter How far you get I would leave a couple days to make sure you get to Santiago. Even if you don’t get a compostella,arriving there is amazing. When we were there the cathedral was covered in scaffolding which was disappointing. Going into the cathedral, hugging St. James, participating in the service was special. It is the destination, the end of the path. That feeling of acccomplishment is worth it. The other thing I loved about this Camino was actually in the city plazas. Families, people of all ages together eating, drinking ,playing. I loved that part of the Spanish culture. Everyone was out in the evening.
I wish you all the best. Buen Camino
Wow. First day was....well, a Day! Due to issues with luggage transfer, we did not set out until after 10:30. Weather held off for us until the last 4 km into Orio. We took the bycicle route out of San saebatian, but decided on standard route from near Igeldo. This was a butt-kicker! We definitely will pack less for tomorrow’s stage. I bet I was pushing/pulling/lifting 150lbs in that chariot through the rocky and muddy section. Kids were happy, but weren’t too keen on hanging out together in the chariot. My wife carried our two year old most of the day, while I pushed the four year old and all of our gear. Made it to Orio around 6:30, sore and exhausted. Game plan for similar state tomorrow is less weight and earlier start. Our hotel has bfast available at 8:30, so we’ll stock up on our way out. I think we’ll stick to the pavement in the countryside, since it was such a chore on the trail. One day at a time! For anyone who wants to follow our blog, send me a message. I’ll add you!
First observation, re Stage 4: You have a typo on your distance from Deba to Markina. It's listed as 27 km, not 23 as on this list. Second observation, also re Stage 4: while some of it, though steep, is somewhat workable for a stroller, some is impossible. I believe that was the day with the very long section with stairs, many sections of stairs, going down the steep hillside. And very steep, rocky and root-y climbs. (There was more than one part like that on the Norte, though.) You might want to just skip Markina altogether, as it's not a wheels-friendly portion of the walk. Third observation, re Stage 19: the scenic route from Soto de Luina to Cadavedo is not wheels-friendly. Much of it, in good weather, will be doable as it's gas company service road. There is a chunk of it that goes through cow pastures alongside a very steep downslope and involves narrow path floored in rough marble chunks, which the day we walked was running in water. (Pro-tip, don't take this way if it's rainy in the morning.) Also the arrival near Cadavedo is tricky if you're far onto "hiker's brain" as it was really easy for us to miss the town altogether, you have to be alert and go against the arrows or you'll miss the town for good and all. We ended up sleeping at Hotel Canero, which was lovely, but a really long day. Fourth observation, re Stage 10: The Feve train from Boo de Pielagos to Mogro is a good solution, and if you follow the road and the signs you can get to the station without having to cross the tracks when you arrive there. Which cuts off about 9 km from the scheduled day, and with the stroller that may be desirable. The museum of the cave, a few km from the village bus accessible by bus, was very interesting for us but might be too advanced for your youngsters.Yes, I think the Primitivo may be a bit much for our first camino. Pounding the pavement along the road might be a bit too monotonous, so we'll try to stay on the "official" route. Due to the size of the double chariot, we may have to alter the route as we go.
As for a guide- we currently have "The Northern Ways to Santiago" handbook, which I wouldn't really call a guide. We have used Gronze and other sites as well. We plan to purchase the new Northern Caminos (Perazzoli, Whitson) book for the IPAD-- we live in Qatar and it is hard to obtain hard copy books without paying outrageous shipping costs.
Here is our current itinerary. I would like to get it down to 27 days to account for at least 1 rest day. Feedback is appreciated!
Camino del Norte (Northern Way)
1. From San Sebastián to Zarautz- 20km, 12.5m
2. From Zarautz to Deba- 23km, 14m
3. From Deba to Markina- 23km, 14m
4. From Markina to Gernika- 23km, 14m
5. From Gernika to Lezama- 21km, 13m
*. From Lezama to Bilbao (SHORT STAGE 10km, 6m-skip this stage and bilbao altogether.)
*. From Bilbao to Portugalete (SKIP This stage 15km)
6. From Portugalete to Castro Urdiales- 29km, 18m
7. From Castro Urdiales to Laredo- 29km, 18m
8. From Laredo to Güemes- 29.5km, 18m
9. From Güemes to Santander- 12km, 7.5
10. From Santander to Santillana del Mar- 37km, 23m (not a good stretch-consider walking on coast the entire way to Beau de
11. From Santillana del Mar to Comillas- 22km, 13.8m
12. From Comillas to Colombres- 29km, 18m
13. From Colombres to Llanes- 23km, 14m
14. From Llanes to Ribadesella- 31.5km, 19.5m
15. From Ribadesella to Sebrayo- 32km, 20m
16. From Sebrayo to Gijón- 39km, 24m
*. From Gijón to Avilés- 25km SKIP THIS STAGE
17. From Avilés to Muros de Nalón- 22.6km, 14m
18. From Muros de Nalón to Soto de Luiña- 16km 10m
19. From Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo- 16km 10m (take route along Ballota rather than camino signed route- more difficult but amazing views of the sea. Perhaps best part of the Norte…no resources this route- do it if it’s sunny!)
20. From Cadavedo to Luarca- 30km 18.5
21. From Luarca to La Caridad- 22km 13.8
22. From La Caridad to Ribadeo- 21.5km 13m
23. From Ribadeo to Lourenzá- 28.4km 17.5m
24. From Lourenzá to Gontán- 25km 15.5m
25. From Gontán to Vilalba- 21km 13m
26. From Vilalba to Baamonde- 19km 12m
27. From Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes-41km 25.5m
28. From Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa- 19km 12m
29. Join Camino Frances for final stage (39k into Santiago) 24m
Hi JoeWow. First day was....well, a Day! Due to issues with luggage transfer, we did not set out until after 10:30. Weather held off for us until the last 4 km into Orio. We took the bycicle route out of San saebatian, but decided on standard route from near Igeldo. This was a butt-kicker! We definitely will pack less for tomorrow’s stage. I bet I was pushing/pulling/lifting 150lbs in that chariot through the rocky and muddy section. Kids were happy, but weren’t too keen on hanging out together in the chariot. My wife carried our two year old most of the day, while I pushed the four year old and all of our gear. Made it to Orio around 6:30, sore and exhausted. Game plan for similar state tomorrow is less weight and earlier start. Our hotel has bfast available at 8:30, so we’ll stock up on our way out. I think we’ll stick to the pavement in the countryside, since it was such a chore on the trail. One day at a time! For anyone who wants to follow our blog, send me a message. I’ll add you!
I am so curious how your Camino went. Love any info you want to share. Amazing your family journeyed from Qatar to Spain for this adventure.Yes, I think the Primitivo may be a bit much for our first camino. Pounding the pavement along the road might be a bit too monotonous, so we'll try to stay on the "official" route. Due to the size of the double chariot, we may have to alter the route as we go.
As for a guide- we currently have "The Northern Ways to Santiago" handbook, which I wouldn't really call a guide. We have used Gronze and other sites as well. We plan to purchase the new Northern Caminos (Perazzoli, Whitson) book for the IPAD-- we live in Qatar and it is hard to obtain hard copy books without paying outrageous shipping costs.
Here is our current itinerary. I would like to get it down to 27 days to account for at least 1 rest day. Feedback is appreciated!
Camino del Norte (Northern Way)
1. From San Sebastián to Zarautz- 20km, 12.5m
2. From Zarautz to Deba- 23km, 14m
3. From Deba to Markina- 23km, 14m
4. From Markina to Gernika- 23km, 14m
5. From Gernika to Lezama- 21km, 13m
*. From Lezama to Bilbao (SHORT STAGE 10km, 6m-skip this stage and bilbao altogether.)
*. From Bilbao to Portugalete (SKIP This stage 15km)
6. From Portugalete to Castro Urdiales- 29km, 18m
7. From Castro Urdiales to Laredo- 29km, 18m
8. From Laredo to Güemes- 29.5km, 18m
9. From Güemes to Santander- 12km, 7.5
10. From Santander to Santillana del Mar- 37km, 23m (not a good stretch-consider walking on coast the entire way to Beau de
11. From Santillana del Mar to Comillas- 22km, 13.8m
12. From Comillas to Colombres- 29km, 18m
13. From Colombres to Llanes- 23km, 14m
14. From Llanes to Ribadesella- 31.5km, 19.5m
15. From Ribadesella to Sebrayo- 32km, 20m
16. From Sebrayo to Gijón- 39km, 24m
*. From Gijón to Avilés- 25km SKIP THIS STAGE
17. From Avilés to Muros de Nalón- 22.6km, 14m
18. From Muros de Nalón to Soto de Luiña- 16km 10m
19. From Soto de Luiña to Cadavedo- 16km 10m (take route along Ballota rather than camino signed route- more difficult but amazing views of the sea. Perhaps best part of the Norte…no resources this route- do it if it’s sunny!)
20. From Cadavedo to Luarca- 30km 18.5
21. From Luarca to La Caridad- 22km 13.8
22. From La Caridad to Ribadeo- 21.5km 13m
23. From Ribadeo to Lourenzá- 28.4km 17.5m
24. From Lourenzá to Gontán- 25km 15.5m
25. From Gontán to Vilalba- 21km 13m
26. From Vilalba to Baamonde- 19km 12m
27. From Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes-41km 25.5m
28. From Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa- 19km 12m
29. Join Camino Frances for final stage (39k into Santiago) 24m
Thank you!!!! I will do just that. Since I plan to walk the first two weeks of the Camino Frances and then walk from Leon to Ourense and then Santiago, I feel OK about busing it a few times on the Norte. That's the "birthday celebration" part of my trip and a combined Camino/sightseeing portion. Thank you for the suggestion. Much appreciated.Santander to Santillana del Mar is plain awful, sadly, I would sleep in Güemes then walk/ferry to Santander, and bus to Santillana del Mar. You would be skipping 37 km of road, traffic, tarmac and characterless residential areas. That is another bit you could easily skip.
Great advice. Thank you.Another option after Santander is to walk the coastal route instead of following the yellow arrows. It is a very beautiful route but will cost you an extra day as it is 25 kilometer more. For you that is perhaps not an option, certainly not if you want to reach Santiago. If getting a Compostela is not so important to you I would in your circumstances consider taking it more slow and have the opportunity to use some of the many available alternative routes that most of the time are closer to the sea and avoid asphalt. Allthough I try to imagine myself what it is like to push a double chariot over the often narrow and muddy paths. I wish you a very nice camino and hope your little ones will enjoy it also
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