Opposite way

[Josie]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and have also only recently found out about this walk, so my question may be a little naive! I was wondering if it was possible to walk the opposite way, from Santiago de Compostela to the French side. I am thinking of going in June this year, however I realise I'm organising things a bit late! Any help appreciated!
Cheers,
Jo

[Leslie]

Hi Josie,

Welcome to the forum. Yes it is possible to walk from Santiago to St Jean and I met a few doing just that, but I must say very few. The ones that I did meet and I spoke to had walked to Santiago and were walking back again.

The most interesting character was a older woman (in her late sixties) who had walked to Santiago and was walking back to St Jean. She said the route was very different walking back for three reasons. It was harder as the climbs were steeper and by looking at elevations that does look the case. Second was the lack of company, she still met and talked to other pilgrims but it was always different ones everyday, and third the route could be in places a bit more difficult to follow as the markings are laid out for people traveling west. And I just remembered a forth - the sun was almost always at her back, walking away from it rather than into it.

She was an interesting woman - every year since she had retired she went walking for a few months - London to Rome is one that stood out in my mind. Quite amazing.

If you are planning to go in June I think you have loads of time still. I hope you like it.

[The Solitary Walker]

I do remember that there are (unofficial) RED arrows indicating the correct "opposite" direction of the route..? Certainly in Galcia, and probably a lot further along as well...