How much pavement?

[Gene56D]

I've read in several posts that there's a lot of pavement on the north route. Can somebody give me an estimate of how often we'll be walking on asphalt (20%,50%)? Next question is whether we should carry a tent. We'll be going in mid May to Mid June walking from Santander to Santiago.

We're getting our equipment together and I'd rather not carry a tent but if space in the alberques is a problem, I may have to.

Lastly it seems like the trail is not as well marked as the Frances. We'll probably be carrying an Android device, any recommendations of good aps that can see us through?

Thanks to all of you who ask questions and answer questions. I've learned a lot by reading what you've written. Keep up the good work!

 

[Sagalouts]

I've read in several posts that there's a lot of pavement on the north route. Can somebody give me an estimate of how often we'll be walking on asphalt (20%,50%)? Next question is whether we should carry a tent. We'll be going in mid May to Mid June walking from Santander to Santiago.

We're getting our equipment together and I'd rather not carry a tent but if space in the alberques is a problem, I may have to.

Lastly it seems like the trail is not as well marked as the Frances. We'll probably be carrying an Android device, any recommendations of good aps that can see us through?

Thanks to all of you who ask questions and answer questions. I've learned a lot by reading what you've written. Keep up the good work!

Hi Gene56D
Starting from Santander no more road than other Camino's-ditch the tent no need,I walked in late September lots of Albergues shut but never a problem finding a bed-the way is an holiday resort after all-I shared a twin-bedded room twice 34 euro for the room not a lot to pay for an onsuite-lots of younger people sometimes sleep out on the beaches or under the porches of the churches but this was by choice.
the way is marked ok though lots of alternative walks off-road along the coast,each region has small folding maps showing the way and all the accommadation,pick up from tourist information offices-ditch the fancy apps-just keep the water on your right and the land on your left :wink:
have a great Camino
Ian

 

[Thornley]

Appliances leave at home
Alberques are plentiful especially after Santander.
No excess road walking , especially if you take the E9 along the coast.
Take your time , carry as little as possible and don't go mad planning this 12 months out.
As Ian said, and he has done plenty of camino's;
Keep the water on your right.
Enjoy , its great without the crowds but make sure you keep some tissues in your back pocket for the next days walking if the albergue is in a coastal city.....it runs out early.
Wonderful cafes in great locations on this coastal path.
David

 

[SandyBrown]

I just finished the Camino del Norte from Bilbao and was surprised at the amount of pavement. Yes, it's possible to follow the E9 for some stretches, but there are some very long days of pavement, mostly on small, rural roads, but in some cases by the sides of fairly busy roads. In general, along the coast this camino follows the track of the N-634 highway and sometimes it adds a few km to keep pilgrims off this road, at which point one wonders, "Why not just walk on the pavement and save a few km?" At other times the path shortens the N-634 by sending pilgrims down canyons and by beaches that are inaccessible to the N-634 which is traversing inland to maintain elevation.

Even with the pavement, though, it is a very pleasant route and is a worthy choice, especially for a pilgrim who's already done the Camino Frances and is looking for a second camino adventure.

 

[mikevasey]

"Why not just walk on the pavement and save a few km?"

After walking in the rain for a few hours any romantic ideas I had of following the camino when I knew it took a longer route by about half a km( which was usually on quiet back streets aspalt) to avoid a 100 meters of main road walking were soon put in their place.

 

[David]

You are from north America? In Europe 'pavement' means what I think you name a 'sidewalk'... :wink:

 

[SandyBrown]

You are from north America? In Europe 'pavement' means what I think you name a 'sidewalk'... :wink:

Interesting. By pavement on the Camino del Norte I mean any of the following: concrete walkways, asphalt (tarmac) roads, concrete roads, concrete or ceramic walkways along roads -- in general anything that is not a dirt, grass, gravel or sand pathway.

 

[Al the optimist]

Ok, before reading on please realise that this is meant to be tongue in cheek humour. I am not prejudice and do not wish to cause offence. If I do I apologise in advance! But seeing caminoist's photo I am reminded of Austin from the USA who I had the pleasure of spending some time walking the Finisterra with recently. He said that no one ever mistook him for anything but an American because he wore his cap back to front! So I assume that caminoist can't be an America?