Walk out of order/ SJPDP to Pamplona

[rmelomo]

would you recommend changes and what challenges would the change bring on that i should consider first? My plan was to start at SJPDP may 13 and do full Camino to Santiago. I fly into Pamplona on the 10th and fly out of Lisbon mid July. With the crowds (and rain) should I consider doing the Camino out of order? Start in Pamplona and take bus back and do SJPDP later at the end? Or some other recommendation? I have booked my first days for the walk from SJPDP back to Pamplona and not concerned about bed (I will cancel if I change plan) but just wondering with rain and crowds, would this section be better if I did Pamplona to Leon and come back to SJPDP walk to Pamplona and bus back to Leon? I was looking forward to the beauty of this section and don’t want to miss it. Thank you for your thoughts. Buen Camino

 

[Anhalter]

I started two Caminos on May 13th exactly in St.Jean. Was great both times. Mixed weather, plenty of people, plenty of doomsday talk of not getting beds. But would do it again. Maybe get reservations for Roncesvalles and Zubiri.

 

[rmelomo]

Thank you, very excited, but watching all the chat… has made me nervous.

 

[J Willhaus]

There is no doubt that it will be busy in May, but it seems like it would be a lot of work to come back to SJPDP at a later time. Why not just start in Pamplona or f you want to see the Pyrenees, take a bus over to Jaca from Pamplona and bus up to Somport and then walk the Aragones in this earlier part of May. You will see the Pyrenees and also not be bothered by crowds until you rejoin the Camino Frances at Puenta la Reina. It is considered part of the Camino Frances as well.

 

[rmelomo]

That is a really interesting idea and one not thought of. I kinda like it and will explore. Thinking, visit and hike around the Jaca area in May may be very pleasant. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[J Willhaus]

That is a really interesting idea and one not thought of. I kinda like it and will explore. Thinking, visit and hike around the Jaca area in May may be very pleasant. Thank you for the suggestion.

You can also get to Jaca and further up the mountain from Madrid by train or train and bus.

 

[trecile]

Since you have reservations already I would stick with your plan. You can't micromanage the weather.

 

[C clearly]

I think that jumping around is not a good idea. I agree with @trecile - you have reservations, so just go ahead and enjoy it!

 

[rmelomo]

Since you have reservations already I would stick with your plan. You can't micromanage the weather.

Thank you, you are probably right and best to stick with plan.

 

[Scottglen]

would you recommend changes and what challenges would the change bring on that i should consider first? My plan was to start at SJPDP may 13 and do full Camino to Santiago. I fly into Pamplona on the 10th and fly out of Lisbon mid July. With the crowds (and rain) should I consider doing the Camino out of order? Start in Pamplona and take bus back and do SJPDP later at the end? Or some other recommendation? I have booked my first days for the walk from SJPDP back to Pamplona and not concerned about bed (I will cancel if I change plan) but just wondering with rain and crowds, would this section be better if I did Pamplona to Leon and come back to SJPDP walk to Pamplona and bus back to Leon? I was looking forward to the beauty of this section and don’t want to miss it. Thank you for your thoughts. Buen Camino

Started in SJPDP a few days ago, really no problem at all. Yes some rain, I’m also staying in privates.

 

[James Storrie]

Thank you, very excited, but watching all the chat… has made me nervous.

You've got it, your booked, carry on from the start and stop concerning yourself with the gloom, this chat line was never around when we did it 2016/2018 - its going to be busy and you'll be surprised how many fall away as you walk. Book in Orison if you can? otherwise it's a long day but beautiful walk over the hill. Suggest you book a bed in Rochavalles (otherwise you will end up in the basement accommodation) and in Zubiri (if you saw the film "the way" this is where Tom lost his pack off the bridge) and review as you go. Buon Camino

 

[Dmonti7]

would you recommend changes and what challenges would the change bring on that i should consider first? My plan was to start at SJPDP may 13 and do full Camino to Santiago. I fly into Pamplona on the 10th and fly out of Lisbon mid July. With the crowds (and rain) should I consider doing the Camino out of order? Start in Pamplona and take bus back and do SJPDP later at the end? Or some other recommendation? I have booked my first days for the walk from SJPDP back to Pamplona and not concerned about bed (I will cancel if I change plan) but just wondering with rain and crowds, would this section be better if I did Pamplona to Leon and come back to SJPDP walk to Pamplona and bus back to Leon? I was looking forward to the beauty of this section and don’t want to miss it. Thank you for your thoughts. Buen Camino

If you jave the time do it all now don’t wait!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Thank you, very excited, but watching all the chat… has made me nervous.

What isn't obvious from the "chat" is that mostly it comes from inexperienced pilgrims and they don't understand that the busy period is a very short number of days.

By the time that you get there it will be completely different and the weather will also be different although you should expect rain in Northern Spain in the Spring.

Buen camino.