Is the North route well signed

[tony downey]

I am planning the portuguese route in the next few weeks, but am still a little undecided as it seems there is a lot of road walking and industrial estates.

I walked the french way and was impressed by the signs and found this was a huge plus for me, I could enjoy the walk without the stress of maps etc, it was as simple as follow the yellow arrows.

I posted in the portugal forum and this is apparently well signed so has jumped to the top of my list as I say, it was so much easier not having to worry. I have been reading about the north route and this does seem a lot nicer route to take, but is it well signed, is it just follow the arrows.

Any help or advice is appreciated

 

[Marc S.]

The Norte is very well signed, it is just a matter of following the yellow arrows.

Having walked both the Norte and the Portuguese (from Porto), it is hard to choose between the two.
The number of road walking is about the same, I guess.

 

[Rajy62]

Yes the Norte is well marked. I took a wrong tern twice though. Signs may be there but you have to be attentive. I got lost in major towns on Frances as well. So, it is part of the Camino experience.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I have walked the del Norte 2 and a half times and there was only one place where I found trouble, and that was leaving Ribadesella. As you leave the town, some yellow arrows lead one to the left to a sendero verde, heading up into the hills. Avoid that! continue along directly and the level and you'll be fine. Otherwise, it is very well marked. In a few places, there are parallel paths, often heading along quite close to the coast-- they are often more scenic and a bit rougher.

 

[grayland]

Personal attack messages have been removed and warning points issued.

Please do not continue or suspension from forum activity will follow.

 

[tony downey]

So... we walked the camino frances and found we did not need our books maps or GPX files and wanted information if this route and the Portuguese route were as easily well marked as we found not having to keep looking to maps a big plus. Thanks to those who have answered, we are still undecided on which route to take.

 

[peregrino_tom]

To put your dilemma in dating terms...
the Norte is the looker that you can't take your eyes off, but a teeny bit superficial. The Portugues (from Lisbon) is plainer but after a while you see it has a real heart and kindness and from then on, the view becomes a secondary consideration.

 

[shazzington007]

Tom can you explain what you mean about being a tiny bit superficial please??

 

[shazzington007]

Seriously mate what are you implying?? Friendliness etc??

 

[Thornley]

To put your dilemma in dating terms...
the Norte is the looker that you can't take your eyes off, but a teeny bit superficial. The Portugues (from Lisbon) is plainer but after a while you see it has a real heart and kindness and from then on, the view becomes a secondary consideration.

Great reply

 

[peregrino_tom]

Shazzington,
Both caminos were amazing for me and there was no lack of friendliness on the Norte. But, along with its stunning coast, the Norte does go through a lot of seaside holiday resort places and condo-land, where for the most part a pilgrim is just another backpacker passing through. On the Portugues it was different. Even in dreary suburbs I met so much kindness I felt humbled and (despite the occasional crazy driver) my credit rating for human nature had to be revised significantly upwards.

 

[Thornley]

The kindest of all people are the Portuguese , the help/ assistance we received in Caminha made life long friends.
I don't think Tom their Gov't goes overboard but the people more than make up for that bit lacking.

 

[shazzington007]

Okay Tom thanks for clearing that up, I understand what you're implying we'll have to put the Portugues will have to wait another time mate, but we do prefer the plainer side of life.