I am sure this question has been asked time and time again, but I would appreaciate any advice you have to offer to me, especially the members who have done both routes.
A friend and I are planning on doing the Camino in second half of September 2017 and we are having some trouble deciding on which path to take, French or Northern. We are leaning strongly towards Northern for it is less crowded and follows the coastline, but would nevertheless like to ask some questions and get some advice to make sure we are making the right choice. Some info to help you get an idea about us: for both of us, this will be the first, and most likely, last, Camino. We are planing on going by bicycle. For us, this is more of a cultural experience and an adventure, rather then a purely spiritual journey, so we don't mind if the places are a bit more touristy. What we were wandering is:
1.) El Camino del Norte is supposedly much more mountainous. What is the path like for someone on a bicycle? We are both in our 20s and in a relatively good physical shape, but are not athletes by any means. What steepness can we expect?
2.) One of the main motivations for choosing this route for us is the coastline. But are we talking only about the view or will we be close enough to the coast to go swimming and such at least every couple of days?
3.) Can we nevertheless expect some forests and meadows, and not only the coast the whole way?
4.) How much of the path is close to the highway compared to El Camino Frances? How disturbing is it to be that close to the road?
5.) How much would we be missing out on by not going to places like Pamplona, Burgos and Leon?
6.) How much are we missing the traditional Camino experience by not going on Frances route?
7.) How fast can someone on a bicycle expect to finish the Northern way?
8.) How much more expensive is the Northern route compared to the French one? We are both students on a budget.
9.) I feel very uncomfortable asking this question, but how often does bike taking happen and how careful should we be with our bikes?
We are grateful for your kind advice and consideration!
A friend and I are planning on doing the Camino in second half of September 2017 and we are having some trouble deciding on which path to take, French or Northern. We are leaning strongly towards Northern for it is less crowded and follows the coastline, but would nevertheless like to ask some questions and get some advice to make sure we are making the right choice. Some info to help you get an idea about us: for both of us, this will be the first, and most likely, last, Camino. We are planing on going by bicycle. For us, this is more of a cultural experience and an adventure, rather then a purely spiritual journey, so we don't mind if the places are a bit more touristy. What we were wandering is:
1.) El Camino del Norte is supposedly much more mountainous. What is the path like for someone on a bicycle? We are both in our 20s and in a relatively good physical shape, but are not athletes by any means. What steepness can we expect?
2.) One of the main motivations for choosing this route for us is the coastline. But are we talking only about the view or will we be close enough to the coast to go swimming and such at least every couple of days?
3.) Can we nevertheless expect some forests and meadows, and not only the coast the whole way?
4.) How much of the path is close to the highway compared to El Camino Frances? How disturbing is it to be that close to the road?
5.) How much would we be missing out on by not going to places like Pamplona, Burgos and Leon?
6.) How much are we missing the traditional Camino experience by not going on Frances route?
7.) How fast can someone on a bicycle expect to finish the Northern way?
8.) How much more expensive is the Northern route compared to the French one? We are both students on a budget.
9.) I feel very uncomfortable asking this question, but how often does bike taking happen and how careful should we be with our bikes?
We are grateful for your kind advice and consideration!
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