Can't decide where to start from...

[rekkapix]

hey y'all
I am walking the full camino in April/May hopefully, and I am unsure where to start. Is the ascent out of SJPDP really terrible? Can anyone give me a comparison with any English/Scottish/Irish mountains? I am worried about not finding a place to stay in Orisson, then having to walk the full way and getting to Roncevalles really late. Should I start in Roncevalles and skip out the climb, but miss the stunning views? I suppose it's my own decision ,but if anyone could give me some advice that would be great

[Nicci]

Hi Rekkapix
I did part of the camino in 2007 and started at st jean - i would totally recommend starting from this small town as it is a stunning place and the ascent isnt too bad. and ul get ur pilgrim passport here too (essential!!)I was carrying a mad 12kgs and made it up that mountain!!!...Orisson is cool stay there - jean jacque is a good host! we went in sep and found no problem staying (they have tents too out the back!) we went in the worst weather and survived (at the time northern spain was experiencing really heavy rain and floods!!!) the trek from burgeute to zubiri was tough in the rain ill be honest..

[rekkapix]

Hi Niccy
Man, i sounded so pathetic, but thanks for the great advice. There are so many different opinions from so many travellers, i wasn't sure whether the mountain is everest or a small bump I suppose i'll keep an eye on the weather closer to the time and see, but I think I would like to start there.
Thanks again
pix

[Nicci]

Hi Pix
Ive climbed a good few mountains around wicklow, ireland (not sure if u are living in ireland?) and climbing up that first bit to orisson is definately fine...ive climbed a whole lot worse...hopefully u will be lucky with the weather the views are stunning...the 2nd day from orisson to roncellvalles is a bit tougher i think...it was p*ssing rain and misty for us so visibility was bad but with a few breaks we were fine...we had an unreal muddy patch towards roncevalles..the worst mud ive come across!! but all in all it was good and very memorable...i cant wait to go again this June!

[Nicci]

forgot to mention...the trek from SJPDP to orisson isnt that long..cant remember exactly but around 3 hours maybe (dont quote me on that!) - but i remember us thinking we should have left earlier and we wouldve made it to Ron..if ur fit u will find it no prob...but yeah if u leave st. jean early enough (like early morning) u will make it to Ron that evening so i wouldnt worry...staying at orisson though is good experience in my opinion..it was the best food we got on the camino...food on the whole in northern spain is sh*te

[rekkapix]

Ha ha! ok, thanks for the advice again