Camino Del Norte - San Sebastian to Bilbao

[rjaldrich]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

 

[KiwiJohn]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

Download the Wise Pilgrim Camino del Norte app which provides Albergues, maps and elevation profiles.
Go well!

 

[rjaldrich]

Download the Wise Pilgrim Camino del Norte app which provides Albergues, maps and elevation profiles.
Gi well!T

Download the Wise Pilgrim Camino del Norte app which provides Albergues, maps and elevation profiles.
Gi well!

Thank you! This is a great tool and answers all my questions.

 

[jabrown]

I walked the Norte in 2022. The section from SS to Bilbao has variety. Some segments have rough trail i.e. stones, irregular surfaces. Some is road walking. There are steep ascents leaving SS. Steep descents as you enter Zarautz, Deba and Bilbao. And I mean steep, although you're mostly on decent paved surface. All along the route, there is a lot of up, down, up, down. Services can be long distances apart. There are areas of open exposure, where the sun can be pretty cruel. Despite and perhaps because of the physical challenge, the route is one of the most rewarding things I have done in the outdoors. You'll have lots of opportunities for solo walking, and majority stretches when you're out there all on your own. Great scenery.
Few Americans, mostly Europeans, some in vacation mode, rather than making a pilgrimage. Oh, and no drop offs that I remember. It is a route to savor. Lucky you.

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Agree with @jabrown. Also, the climb from Gernika up to Pozueta, in addition to being steep, was extremely muddy after rain and logging operations in Sept 2023. Once at the top of the climb, there is a wonderful albergue, Caserio Pozueta. Likewise, the descent into Deba was steep, slippery, and muddy after rain. Step carefully, but I also agree with the reward and beauty of the route.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Keep your toenails cut way short or you will pound them out on the steep downhills. Take a trekking pole or two. Zigzag walking downhill, backwards at times on pavement where footing is good. Euskadi: Steep hills, friendly people. Buen Camino

 

[oursonpolaire]

I've done this stretch twice. The absence of cafés is the killer. Between Deba and Markina there is only one that I noticed, and that's a 24km stage. And the first stretch from Irun is best taken slowly and with a full water container.

The ascents are long and inexorable, but take you through gorgeous countryside. An Irish pilgrim remarked that it was like the Bavarian alps, but much nicer. When I asked her when she had last been in the Bavarian alps, she responded Never, but that she had a fertile imagination.

 

[Godot]

I walked San Sebastian to Santander last month (May 2024). My first Camino. The combination of distance AND hills made for a challenging couple of days. And although I managed to complete Day 1 (~28 km), and Day 2 (~26 km) the cumulative effect was affecting me and I wasn't enjoying it despite the sense of accomplishment. My Plan B was to identify locations along the route where I could start or stop and catch a bus. Psychology, this helped - knowing that I had an 'escape route' if things became too much. I used this strategy a couple of times on longer days with lots of ascents/descents and it really helped (either ending half-way, or starting half-way). Consequently week two was much better, either because my body had adapted to things at a more comfortable pace, or the topography levelled out a bit - or both! - and I hiked full days with fewer issues and a greater sense of enjoyment. I'm hoping to continue The Way next year - I'm not put off, but I will go with a Plan B just to be sure.

 

[Kathrina72]

We did this route last year, really enjoyed it. It is a physically challenging hike in places, so I would recommend hill training in advance purely just to enhance your enjoyment while there (or gym like my friend with no local hills). Trail varied quite a bit, trails, paths, rocky and roads, all manageable. As other have mentioned, some steep ascents and descents but fine with poles. No exposed cliff edges etc to worry about, I don’t tolerate those well but had no issues on the route. The last day into Bilbao was quite tough as it was very hot and we did a long day. All in all, a challenging but worthwhile route. And the food was

 

[Simperegrina]

Lots of posters have already said lots that I would say myself.

I would add: look out for the descent into Markina ESPECIALLY if it’s been raining. I’m not nervous about descents but boy was I pleased when I saw the end of the dratted thing. I no likey. It’s steep and it’s muddy. They’ve blanketed the path with small stones in the final section - unsure if it makes it better or worse - and a rope on the right hand side to hold onto as you descend. If I repeat the Norte, I’ll be taking an alternative route, either making my way down paths in the slopes of vegetation before the top of the official route down, or via a longer alternative you can see marked in blue in the Buen Camino app…

 

[trecile]

I walked San Sebastian to Santander last month (May 2024). My first Camino. The combination of distance AND hills made for a challenging couple of days. And although I managed to complete Day 1 (~28 km), and Day 2 (~26 km) the cumulative effect was affecting me and I wasn't enjoying it despite the sense of accomplishment

You can also divide these stages to make them shorter and more enjoyable. Both times that I walked the Notre I stayed in Pasai rather than continuing to San Sebastián. The next day I only walked to San Sebastián and arrived early so that I could enjoy the city.

 

[KiwiJohn]

You can also divide these stages to make them shorter and more enjoyable. Both times that I walked the Notre I stayed in Pasai rather than continuing to San Sebastián. The next day I only walked to San Sebastián and arrived early so that I could enjoy the city.

Great idea!

 

[Simperegrina]

You can also divide these stages to make them shorter and more enjoyable. Both times that I walked the Notre I stayed in Pasai rather than continuing to San Sebastián. The next day I only walked to San Sebastián and arrived early so that I could enjoy the city.

Agreed. Stayed in Pasajes de San Juan like @trecile and was fresh and ready for those steps the next morning, and the lovely coastal alternative route to San Sebastián. We dumped our packs at the hostel in San Sebastián before check in, and then wandered off to find lunch.

 

[Dilbin]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

Hiya. I'm by no means a very fit pilgrim and have only recently stopped smoking. This been said I did not have any issues walking from Irun to Bilbao except for stage 4(I think)which had one long seemingly endless climb. There are many ups and downs on the different stages but it is equally beautiful. Please note I was a novice and had no Camino experience before that week so I hope this may help alleviate any worries you may have. My only regret is that I didn't spend an extra day in San Sebastian. Have a great Camino. We will be somewhere walking near Lisbon in August and I do believe it's a lot more road/cobblestone there so a very different route awaits us. Eitherway we are so excited as I know you are. Safe travels and may your God go with you. Daniel

 

[Henriettagal]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

My husband and I completed the Del Norte last Fall 2023. The first 2-3 days from Irun to SanSebastian and beyond were tough. Steep climbs and descents. It was very warm on those days 80 - 85 degrees. Though we are reasonably active and fit 71 year olds... those first few days were long and rough. I don't recall any cliffs or drop offs. Take it slow. You'll be fine. Buen Camino.

 

[ProGearKJ5]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

Hi, I did the Norte from Irun to Villaviciosa then the Primitivo to Santiago. If you want to see videos of the Norte, I have playlist for that and other Camino's if you might be interested: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4YjzZVU6rq9AeSWQrfMiFZF-79AZph6R. I hope you might find them helpful with your planning.

 

[tommycamino]

Just did this the other week. You don't have to be super, marathon-running fit or anything but it was quite a lot tougher than the Camino Francés, which is mainly flat, and you can't cover the same daily distances. Was quite surprised how difficult a problem accommodation was but we always left quite late. Interestingly, lots of people just doing this section, like us, treating it like a walking holiday, and not going all the way to Santiago de Compostela.

 

[AlexB]

This post it's full of knowledge, I just came back, left in Unquera and Yes, it's tougher than CF but it's manageable, steep climbs and descends, with rain it's really muddy like the ascend from Deba. Next year planning to do shorter distances, it's a wise move, 16miles top, accommodation can be tricky but it's manageable , Buen Camino

 

[stuwmson]

I am planning on doing this stage in August 2024. I would like to understand the difficulty rating for this stage, as a friend is maybe joining me. What makes this difficult other than the distance per day? How steep is the EG and how steep is the descent? Are there cliffs or drop offs that are fully exposed? Is the trail in good or poor conditions? I appreciate the information as will my friend. RJA

read our blog. caminowalkaboutnorte.blogspot.com

 

[Amc]

My husband and I completed the Del Norte last Fall 2023. The first 2-3 days from Irun to SanSebastian and beyond were tough. Steep climbs and descents. It was very warm on those days 80 - 85 degrees. Though we are reasonably active and fit 71 year olds... those first few days were long and rough. I don't recall any cliffs or drop offs. Take it slow. You'll be fine. Buen Camino.

Hi Henrietta, I am tossing up walking either the French or the North Comino. I am planning to walk this with my daughter and I am 68. We are planning to start mid September. How long did it take you and your husband to do the Northern Comino and would you recommend this or have you done other routes which you preferred?
Thankyou.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Amc we walked the Del Norte on our first Camino and the Camino Frances on my sixth. If this is your first Camino I suggest you start with the Camino Frances. Much more infrastructure to support pilgrims, generally shorter stages., somewhat easier. I was 69 when I first walked the Del Norte. It will still be there waiting for you after the Frances turns you into a Camino addict like many of us. I will be returning to the Camino Frances in late September with friends and family members new to the Camino. Buen Camino

 

[Amc]

Amc we walked the Del Norte on our first Camino and the Camino Frances on my sixth. If this is your first Camino I suggest you start with the Camino Frances. Much more infrastructure to support pilgrims, generally shorter stages., somewhat easier. I was 69 when I first walked the Del Norte. It will still be there waiting for you after the Frances turns you into a Camino addict like many of us. I will be returning to the Camino Frances in late September with friends and family members new to the Camino. Buen Camino

Thankyou Jerry, I really appreciate this advice and think it the wise choice. I can see it might well be addictive and I can do Del Norte next time. We are planning to start mid September so probably our paths won’t cross but you never know. Been Camino.

 

[JerryStroebele]

You just might. We are starting from Obanos (to avoid the Alto de Perdon) on September 26.. Yes, you might be ahead us by but I do recommend you start with slow stages and build up your kms as you go. Your first week will be tough. By week 3 you will be in the groove. We are a party of 6, 4 women and 2 men. Buen Camino

I meant short stages.

 

[KiwiJohn]

Hi Henrietta, I am tossing up walking either the French or the North Comino. I am planning to walk this with my daughter and I am 68. We are planning to start mid September. How long did it take you and your husband to do the Northern Comino and would you recommend this or have you done other routes which you preferred?
Thankyou.

I managed the Camino Francés with my brother in August/September last year in 31 days, at the age of 72.
Best experience ever.
Next year I will be attempting the Camino del Norte mainly for the coastal experience and of course the culinary delights, not forgetting the physical challenges.
I wish you both all the very best for either of the above mentioned routes.

 

[Amc]

You just might. We are starting from Obanos (to avoid the Alto de Perdon) on September 26.. Yes, you might be ahead us by but I do recommend you start with slow stages and build up your kms as you go. Your first week will be tough. By week 3 you will be in the groove. We are a party of 6, 4 women and 2 men. Buen Camino

I meant short stages.

Thankyou Jerry and you may well be ahead of us if we start at StJean on 19 September. I will take your advice and not do too much to start with and plan to stay in Orisson on our first day. I will look out for your group en route.
Buen Camino.

 

[Amc]

I managed the Camino Francés with my brother in August/September last year in 31 days, at the age of 72.
Best experience ever.
Next year I will be attempting the Camino del Norte mainly for the coastal experience and of course the culinary delights, not forgetting the physical challenges.
I wish you both all the very best for either of the above mentioned routes.

Thankyou John and I am happy to hear you loved it so much and are going back for more. Who knows I too might return next year for more! Now I just need to get my pack sorted.
Buen Comino 2025

 

[KiwiJohn]

Thankyou John and I am happy to hear you loved it so much and are going back for more. Who knows I too might return next year for more! Now I just need to get my pack sorted.
Buen Comino 2025

My go-to pack is the Osprey Stratos 36L.

 

[Henriettagal]

Hi Henrietta, I am tossing up walking either the French or the North Comino. I am planning to walk this with my daughter and I am 68. We are planning to start mid September. How long did it take you and your husband to do the Northern Comino and would you recommend this or have you done other routes which you preferred?
Thankyou.

We LOVED Del Norte Camino. If you have hiking experience that will be helpful. We started from Irun on Sept 30 and ended in Santiago on Nov. 10. We had rest days in San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Gijon and Ribeiro. Averaged 14 miles/day. We were 71 when we did this hike. It was VERY hot last fall. 85 degrees for several days. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017 (age 65) solo. It too was fabulous but I think it might be a bit more crowded than Del Norte. We felt like we did our very own Camino on the Del Norte. Buen Camino!!

 

[Amc]

We LOVED Del Norte Camino. If you have hiking experience that will be helpful. We started from Irun on Sept 30 and ended in Santiago on Nov. 10. We had rest days in San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Gijon and Ribeiro. Averaged 14 miles/day. We were 71 when we did this hike. It was VERY hot last fall. 85 degrees for several days. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017 (age 65) solo. It too was fabulous but I think it might be a bit more crowded than Del Norte. We felt like we did our very own Camino on the Del Norte. Buen Camino!!

Thankyou Henrietta, I think we will cut our teeth on the Camino Frances this time and then Del Norte Camino next time.
Buen Camino.

 

[Amc]

My go-to pack is the Osprey Stratos 36L.

That is exactly the pack I went to look at but Paddy Palin suggested I take a 40 litre pack which confused me. Will follow your advice. Thankyou.