Lost in Irun

[Marijkapaprika]

Hello anyone! I arrived in Irun and staying at Ibis Hotel. Tomorrow I begin my Camino and I am totally turned around looking at a map trying to find my way to the trail that starts at the French boarder. I am traveling solo and so far nobody at the front desk has been able to steer me in the right direction. Language barriers. Has anyone stayed at the Ibis Hotel and knows the easiest way to the trail? Any help would be appreciated.
I am terrible reading maps

 

[HeidiL]

When in doubt, head for the cathedral. The arrows always start there.

 

[Marijkapaprika]

Is that the church of Nuestra Senora del Juneal.

 

[HeidiL]

"The city of Irún, on the west bank of the Río Bidasoa, is the first Spanish city on the Camino del Norte; though it might be more accurately referred to as the first Basque city west of the river. To the east is France, and if your inbound flight landed there your connecting train will cross the border without difficulty.
The bridge over the river here is called the Puente de Santiago and it is the traditional starting point. Be that as it may, the arrows are scant city wide so you will have to be alert and you may well need to ask around. Otherwise follow the signs towards the Estación Ferrocarril de Irún (train station, often abbreviated ff.cc.) "
(from http://www.wisepilgrim.com/camino-del-norte/irun )

 

[HeidiL]

See also https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/start-point-in-irun.49485/

 

[nickpellatt]

I started in Irun on May 1st this year. I stayed at the albergue de peregrinos on Irun, and I would suggest starting there. Use Google Maps on a phone and simply put in albergue de peregrinos, and it will take you there. It's a very well marked path, and actually you should even see waymarking to the albergue. Good luck and buen Camino

 

[Marijkapaprika]

Thanks so much. Will check that out now!

 

[nickpellatt]

 

[Felipe]

This is a google translate with minor and quick adjustments of the trustful Gronze guide. Hope it helps. I suggest you take note of the churches and ask for them if lost or in doubt

"Camino del Norte starts at the almost abandoned bridge of Santiago as a symbolic starting point, over the Bidasoa river and next to the old N-I, which borders France.

So, at the exit of the Santiago Bridge, at the first roundabout, we turn left on a pedestrian and bike lane that runs parallel to the estuary, and continue straight on Santiago Street to the church of Our Lady of Juncal. Then, through Fermin Calbetón street and Iglesia street, we arrive at San Juan square and Town Hall, which we leave on the left, to continue along Calle Mayor for about 50 meters, and take the first crossroad (Fueros street) to the right, leading shortly after on the Paseo de Colón.

We take the Paseo de Colón on the left, cross the train track by a bridge, go straight following Hondarribia street. In the end we go out to a roundabout, cross it to continue straight ahead, go under the N-I and, 150 meters away, take a small road on the left. We cross the N-638 continuing straight and, at the information center of the Jaitzubia marshes, we take a path on the right (attention to the detour).

We go to an asphalt track that continues to the left and, 50 meters away, another to the right. Here begins the ascent to the sanctuary of Guadalupe (200 meters of altitude), passing first by the hermitage of Santiago, first on asphalt and then on track and stony path. The sanctuary is a good viewpoint over the mouth of the Bidasoa and the towns of Irún, Hondarribia and Hendaye.

 

[Barbara]

Hello anyone! I arrived in Irun and staying at Ibis Hotel. Tomorrow I begin my Camino and I am totally turned around looking at a map trying to find my way to the trail that starts at the French boarder. I am traveling solo and so far nobody at the front desk has been able to steer me in the right direction. Language barriers. Has anyone stayed at the Ibis Hotel and knows the easiest way to the trail? Any help would be appreciated.
I am terrible reading maps

Just find the bridge...Puente Santiago, would you believe? Between Hendaye and Irun, Real close to the railway station. I don't know where the Ibis is, but you could always get a taxi to the station if its a long way out.

 

[Marijkapaprika]

This is a google translate with minor and quick adjustments of the trustful Gronze guide. Hope it helps. I suggest you take note of the churches and ask for them if lost or in doubt

"Camino del Norte starts at the almost abandoned bridge of Santiago as a symbolic starting point, over the Bidasoa river and next to the old N-I, which borders France.

So, at the exit of the Santiago Bridge, at the first roundabout, we turn left on a pedestrian and bike lane that runs parallel to the estuary, and continue straight on Santiago Street to the Church of Our Lady of Juncal. Then, through Fermin Calbetón street and Iglesia street, we arrive at San Juan square and the Town Hall, which we left on the left, to continue along Calle Mayor for about 50 meters, and take the first crossroad (Fueros street) to the right, leading shortly after on the Paseo de Colón.

We take the Paseo de Colón on the left, we cross the train track by a bridge and in front we follow Hondarribia street. In the end we go out to a roundabout, cross it to continue straight ahead, go back under the N-I and, 150 meters away, take a small road on the left. We cross the N-638 continuing straight and, at the height of the information center of the Jaitzubia marshes, we take a path on the right (beware of the detour).

We go to an asphalt track that continues to the left and, 50 meters away, another to the right. Here begins the ascent to the sanctuary of Guadalupe (200 meters of altitude), passing first by the hermitage of Santiago, first on asphalt and then on track and stony path. The sanctuary is a good viewpoint over the mouth of the Bidasoa and the towns of Irún, Hondarribia and Hendaye.
.……….

This will really help! Thank you soooo much.
I am terrible reading maps. Always been a landmark person and have been told numerous times.....get with it! 67 and still learning! Your outline is very explanatory. Thanks!

 

[Felipe]

Sorry for the broken English, I supposed that (given the time difference) if I checked the translation more carefully, there was a risk you could not read it.
Buen camino!

 

[nickpellatt]

Marijkapaprika - Did you find your way Ok?