Comparison between El Norte and Portuguese coastal path

[JoroAtanasof]

Hi , is it fair to say that most of del Norte asphalt is like the section between A Guarda and Vigo on Portuguese coastal path ?
I have a few weeks this year and after doing some research I am not convinced that I want to walk most of del Norte on asphalt .
It is hard for me to compare because I’ve done Frances / Portuguese and Primitivo .
I know that there is some detours to escape the asphalt but still it ain’t enough for me .
To give you some perspective the stretch between a guarda to Vigo was really bad for me physically and mentally especially after four days walking from Porto to Caminha

 

[LTfit]

The two are soooo different. The Portuguese Coastal is terrain wise a much easier route. I don't even remember any ascents and descents or the day you mention being bad but you're right about the asphalt on the Norte. I've done it twice and the last time this past summer I opted for as many alternatives along the coast as possible - also to experience something new - but you still will have some asphalt. I wear trail runners and luckily never had foot problems or any other musculoskeletal issues even though I walk long stages. But that's me.

 

[JoroAtanasof]

Thank you @LTfit my only concern is the asphalt I just hate it , don’t mind the ups and downs , don’t mind doing long stretches I have 4 kg backpack (without h2o )and I know which trail runners work for me .

 

[poogeyejr]

Thank you @LTfit my only concern is the asphalt I just hate it , don’t mind the ups and downs , don’t mind doing long stretches I have 4 kg backpack (without h2o )and I know which trail runners work for me .

What do you walk on if it is not asphalt? What would be ideal?

 

[trecile]

What do you walk on if it is not asphalt? What would be ideal?

Dirt trail without rocks.

 

[lettinggo]

Hi , is it fair to say that most of del Norte asphalt is like the section between A Guarda and Vigo on Portuguese coastal path ?
I have a few weeks this year and after doing some research I am not convinced that I want to walk most of del Norte on asphalt .
It is hard for me to compare because I’ve done Frances / Portuguese and Primitivo .
I know that there is some detours to escape the asphalt but still it ain’t enough for me .
To give you some perspective the stretch between a guarda to Vigo was really bad for me physically and mentally especially after four days walking from Porto to Caminha

Hola
I have walked both and they are of course different.
Norte got asphalt and Coastal got board walks.
You might become as annoyed with board walk as asphalt, but it certainly is nice on Costal not to be walking with traffic so close to you.

What time do yuo plan to walk?
The Atlantic Ocean can be very fierce compared with Northern Spain Sea, and as you are walking along the beach, it can become somewhat of a hairdryer blowing sand into your face - do take some glasses with you.

You may want to prolong your Costal route with the Variante Espiritual - that gives yo an extra 3 days and the walk is very nice in nature and without the crowds on the main route.

I do think the Norte got a lot of charm with the small fishing towns, beachers and boats taking you across the straits.
And when walking the Norte you can prolong your walk by going/bussing up to Potes in Picos de Europa and enjoy the marvelous mountains there.

I hope this helps.
Buen Camino
Lettinggo

 

[poogeyejr]

Dirt trail without rocks.

The entire way???

 

[trecile]

What do you walk on if it is not asphalt? What would be ideal?

Dirt trail without rocks.

The entire way???

I meant that a dirt trail without rocks would be ideal.

 

[poogeyejr]

I meant that a dirt trail without rocks would be ideal.

Yes! I want to float - so I get the desire!