If you are considering this way for the first time, don't be afraid: in normal conditions the section between Valcarlos and Roncesvalles is safe. Most of the path is quite wide for two walkers (see photo); you just need to be careful. A steep climb after Gainekoleta has a wooden rail. It is more hilly than mountain country.
It is also reasonably signposted; some stone markers, other signs on trees or stones.
I hesitated only in one place, where we should turn right to meet the paved road, walk 100 meters along it, and find
the following path (where there is a source with a "no potable" sign, see below).
The paved road was always at my right; not close, but I could actually heard the noise most of the time.
I did it in late March, with cold and some light rain. it was muddy, but not particularly difficult.
Many pilgrims prefer to walk the paved road, all the way. This is probably the good option with real bad weather or fog (and there is a section where we have to walk necessarily along it, after Valcarlos). There is not a sidewalk/pavement/footway, and if you walk as rules specify (opposite to traffic), you will be sometimes between the road and a cliff (but there is a guardrail). There was not a heavy traffic, just some cars or slow trucks from time to time. Drivers were friendly, truck drivers especially waved to me. I did not feel it as particularly dangerous, but caution in the roads is always a must.
Buen (and safe) Camino!
