Lots of traffic on the Norte in May 2010?

[mindylou.russell]

I would like to walk the Norte starting next week - May 28, 2010 and I am wondering if anyone can tell me how busy it has been so far this month? I'm not big on crowds and wondering if I should leave it until next year. Does anyone have any first hand recent experience? Thank you! Miranda

 

[Hugh McMullan]

I am just starting in Bilbao today 20th May. The hospetelero says 8 pilgrims are walking today that she knows of but will keep you informed as I start tomorrow
H

 

[mindylou.russell]

Hugh - thank you for your response - I look forward to hearing from you. Buen Camino! Miranda

 

[Giazon]

I'm starting from Bilbao on the 1st and am interested in the conditions too. I was originally planning to walk the Camino Frances, but do to crowds and the fact my flight is into Bilboa I'm thinking I'll switch to the Camino del Norte.

I was also wondering what the most convinient place to pick up my pilgrim's credentials in Bilboa is.

I hope you two have a wonderful walk. Perhaps I'll see you both on the way!
G

 

[mindylou.russell]

There is a pilgrim society in Bilbao called Amigos de los caminos de Santiago de Biscaya. The address is: Nicolas Alcorta, 7 1a Planta, Bilbao. I believe they open in the evenings and I was there last year but I couldn't tell you how to find it now. I do recall it is in an unlikely spot, surrounded by several adult entertainment shops. I don't have a phone number but it is possible they don't have a phone as it is just staffed by volunteers. I got a brochure outlining places to stay along the way. Unfortunately, I only got as far as Portugalete last year before I was called home due to a family emergency so I can't tell you much more. I hope this helps you. Miranda

 

[TerryB]

Hi Miranda,
We have just returned from the Ribadesella area of the Norte and did not encounter many folk at all. I would guess at 8 or 10 a day. We stayed in hostals/pensions so not to block up Albergues but I was hearing that there was plenty of room. May be different towards the end of June!

As a P.S. Alejandro at Bodenaya said there were variable numbers on the Primitivo. The night before we passed through he only had one staying.

Buen Camino
Terry

 

[mindylou.russell]

Thank you for the informatio Terry! I hope you enjoyed your walk. MIranda

 

[mindylou.russell]

Hello from Miranda in Pendueles on the Norte. This is my 4th night on the Camino and so far there have been few other peregrinos and no difficulty finding accomodation. A man I met travelling the other direction said that it has not been busy, except near Santiago. Buen Camino!