SJPDP to Roncesvalles: Napoleon or Valcarlos??

[eila]

Does anyone have any thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of walking the Napoleon or Valcarlos route from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles? Based on what I've read, I'd rather do the Route de Napoleon because it sounds spectacular, but as a female I'm a bit nervous about walking it solo. Thoughts? Thank you so much.

eila.

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Eila ~
First thing to think about is the weather. When you're at the pilgrim office in SJPP ask about the forecast for the following day. If it's not raining, snowing or foggy, do the Route Napoleon for the views. In Aug/Sept (assuming good weather) there'll be lots of people walking that route -- more, I'm sure, than Valcarlos. You have a good likelihood of hooking up with people who share you language(s) and won't feel alone. In my 2008 walk by the time I hit Orisson I'd struck up lasting friendships with a great group of 4 America college girls, as well as a super Italian couple and a great Frenchman.

[Covey]

Welcome to the Forum Eila.

Last year I walked the "normal" Route Napoleon "over the top" and on 3rd July spent the whole day in thick mist/clouds which limited visibility to around 5m/10m, so no views at all. This year on 4th September I will walk the lower "bad weather" route mainly because I have not walked it before and would like to give it a try.

The lower route involves around 400m less height to climb but does involve sections on the road, but then the Route Napoleon to Roncesvalles is 60-70% road.

The majority of pilgrims will walk over the top because it is regarded as the "normal" route and a few years ago I walked it in brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies and the views are truly spectacular.

You will not be walking solo! Every day at least 100 pilgrims head out of St Jean and up the hills. Some stop the night at Orisson but that is around 10kms from St Jean and you hardly get warmed up before you stop. The first day to Roncesvalles is probably the hardest days walk on the Camino Frances, but everyone is fresh and fit. If the St Jean to Roncesvalles stage came later in the Camino, we would all contemplate taking the bus!!

Have fun, and Buen Camino.

[eila]

Thank you both so much for the information. If the kindness of people on this forum is any indication of life on the camino, it seems I'm in store for a great walk.