Camino del Norte

[grayland]

I have planned a Camino starting in Le Puy to SJPP and on to the Camino Frances to Santiago. This is a total of about 1600 km or 1,000 miles more or less.
I have done the Camino Frances a couple of times and am starting to think that I might like to cut over to Irun (not sure where) and walk the Camino del Norte instead of the Frances.

Has anyone done this?

[Emma]

I haven't done it but met some folks along the Camino Frances who had done some or all of the Northern Way. Reports I heard mentioned the difficulty of the northern way due to the amount of tracks that are now covered in asphalt presumably to reduce slipping in high levels of muck but which cause very tired feet when walked in hiking boots. Also there are fewer pilgrims (can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it!) and fewer alburgues with greater distances between than on the Camino Frances. Having said that, I also heard the scenery is breathtaking and it makes a nice alternative if you've already done the Frances. However, walking along the coast almost guarantees worse weather so depending on when you are going I would take that in to consideration. The northern way might not be practical in winter but might be a fantastic option in july/august - especially if you've done the Frances a few times.

I'm sure there are people way more qualified to post on this query than I!!

When are you heading off? Have you done Le Puy to SJPP before?

[grayland]

I am planning to leave Le Puy about 1 April. The Le Puy to SJPP Camino is about the same distance as the Camino Francis (500 miles more or less) so the whole route Le Puy + Francis would be about 1600 km or 1000 miles. I think the Norte is a little longer than the CF.
My half formed thought is to cut over to Irun before SJPP and then walk the Norte instead of the CF. I am looking into where and how to make the diversion to Irun...walking, of course. I have some time to work it out...or just continue from SJPP on the CF.

[Emma]

Wow, that sounds incredible! Long but incredible. Fair play to you Sir! I have no ideas to offer regarding your diversion from SJPP/elsewhere to Irun but I am sure it can be done.

While I walked along my camino recently, your signature tag popped in to my head time and again. How apt it is!!

Buen Camino!