Solitude and safety on the del norte in Aug/Sep

jwstraz · Aug 13, 2015

Hi all,

I've wanted to do a camino for some time and, after a recent personal incident, decided now is the time to make it happen! I booked a flight yesterday to head out this upcoming Sunday. I fly into Santander and will hike the del norte and will likely take the primitivo through Oviedo.

A few questions for your collective wisdom:

Will I be uncomfortably alone on the del Norte? I'm okay with solitude, but I'm apprehensive about ~10 hours of hiking each day in which I won't see another soul. I thought the del Norte might be busier this time of year. Will I meet others, or will this be three weeks of nothing but me?
Will I feel safe? I know this is a common question, but it seems especially relevant for those who have gone on the del Norte. Assuming I feel good about the solitude, was there any portion of the walk that was unsettling?

Thanks a bunch!

LimitlessRich · Aug 13, 2015

Hi.
I'm starting my North run on the 26th from Irun.
I'm positive you will be fine, this is not deepest darkest africa its Spain. You will see plenty people jn the mornings when you depart and also when you reach your destination each day.
I understand from my research that the primitivo there will be plenty of pilgrims on the road.
Have no fear, enjoy your camino, it's a wonderful experience.
Good luck and buen camino.

grayland · Aug 13, 2015

I walked the Norte in late August-September last year.
It actually was quite busy with albergues full some nights. There was a bit less traffic after the Primitivo as many people turn off on the Primitivo.

I don't think you will be lonely unless you want to be.

jwstraz · Aug 14, 2015

Thanks to both for the responses. This is my first camino, so I think I'm simply in the process of shaking off my apprehensions. Confident the start will quickly calm me.

Kanga · Aug 14, 2015

It is an absolutely beautiful camino. If you stay in albergues you won't be lonely.

Deleted member 3000 · Aug 14, 2015

jwstraz said:
I thought the del Norte might be busier this time of year.

July and August are the busiest times for the Camino del Norte, so you won't be alone! Buen camino.

Anemone del Camino · Aug 14, 2015

jwstraz said:
Thanks to both for the responses. This is my first camino, so I think I'm simply in the process of shaking off my apprehensions. Confident the start will quickly calm me.

There is no shaking apprehensions; I have gone on a Camino 5 times now and the apprehension is there every time. That apprehension actually ends up being one of the beloved features of the Camino I walk part odpf the Norte late September to mid October and there was lots of company in the evenings. Have a wonderful time.

georgyett · Aug 16, 2015

jwstraz said:
Hi all,

I've wanted to do a camino for some time and, after a recent personal incident, decided now is the time to make it happen! I booked a flight yesterday to head out this upcoming Sunday. I fly into Santander and will hike the del norte and will likely take the primitivo through Oviedo.

A few questions for your collective wisdom:

Will I be uncomfortably alone on the del Norte? I'm okay with solitude, but I'm apprehensive about ~10 hours of hiking each day in which I won't see another soul. I thought the del Norte might be busier this time of year. Will I meet others, or will this be three weeks of nothing but me?

Will I feel safe? I know this is a common question, but it seems especially relevant for those who have gone on the del Norte. Assuming I feel good about the solitude, was there any portion of the walk that was unsettling?

Thanks a bunch!

Hi everybody,
I'll start my CN on the 27th of August 2015 from San Sebastian and I'm like you concerned about how it will be. I've been on CF in 2012 where there was a lot of pilgrims. We'll probably not meet but I wish you a safe hiking!

Worldwidewalk · Aug 21, 2015

Hi there! How are you getting on? (if you'll read this again?) I have the same fears and would love to know if you are walking with people. Or if you have the choice to walk with people if you want to. I have done the camino Frances 4 years ago, and half again 2 years ago. I've always wanted to do the Norte and have booked to arrive on the 2nd September 2015 but am now getting cold feet! I am particularly scared of cows, but if I knew there were other pilgrims around I would feel reassured. If you read this again or if others know what number of pilgrims there are in September I would be greatly appreciative! So close now just a little scared! thanks, Ruth, 24

Anemone del Camino · Aug 21, 2015

Worldwidewalk said:
Hi there! How are you getting on? (if you'll read this again?) I have the same fears and would love to know if you are walking with people. Or if you have the choice to walk with people if you want to. I have done the camino Frances 4 years ago, and half again 2 years ago. I've always wanted to do the Norte and have booked to arrive on the 2nd September 2015 but am now getting cold feet! I am particularly scared of cows, but if I knew there were other pilgrims around I would feel reassured. If you read this again or if others know what number of pilgrims there are in September I would be greatly appreciative! So close now just a little scared! thanks, Ruth, 24

Worldwidewalk, good news: a lot more cows on the loose ipon th CF than the Norte. Now, if you take the Primitivo options you will run into the, again.

Worldwidewalk · Aug 23, 2015

Thank you for replying to me!

Kanga · Aug 23, 2015

@Worldwidewalk we did not run into any cows on the loose on the Norte.

jpflavin1 · Aug 23, 2015

Worldwidewalk:

I do not recall any loose cows on the Norte but many beautiful seascapes. There should be enough traffic (other Pilgrims) that you will have the option to walk with others, in sight of others or alone. There is a very nice Albergue in Orio right on the Camino, if you want a short first day (18 km's).

I am having Norte withdrawal symptoms. Please post periodically so we/I can walk vicariously through you. Enjoy this beautiful Camino.

Ultreya,
Joe

Nick-E · Aug 24, 2015

Hi
I'm thinking of starting the Norte from Irun around the 15th September, and like others who have posted just a little concerned about the numbers who may be walking at that time and the proportion of albergues that will still be open...any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Nick

Johnsee · Aug 24, 2015

Starting the Camino del Norte mid September also from Irun will most likely cross paths along the way. Buen Camino!

Nick-E · Aug 24, 2015

Johnsee said:
Starting the Camino del Norte mid September also from Irun will most likely cross paths along the way. Buen Camino!

Still convincing myself to head off to Irun, but if/when I do I'm sure our paths would cross somewhere along the way! Buen Camino!

Anemone del Camino · Aug 24, 2015

Nick-E said:
Hi
I'm thinking of starting the Norte from Irun around the 15th September, and like others who have posted just a little concerned about the numbers who may be walking at that time and the proportion of albergues that will still be open...any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Nick

Go to the Eroski site, it tells you when the albergues are open.

Nick-E · Aug 25, 2015

Anemone del Camino said:
Go to the Eroski site, it tells you when the albergues are open.

Thanks Anemone...flight now booked so I'm going to start walking from Irun and just see how I find it...really excited and looking forward to exploring a different route.

Worldwidewalk · Aug 27, 2015

I can try and let you know when I am along the way how it is going! Cows, quantity of pilgrims! And how good the food is Love and blessings to all, very buen camino wherever you walk x

Justin N. · Aug 27, 2015

I'll be starting the Camino on Sept 10 from Bilbao with a friend, but we will be on bikes, as we don't have much time off work. I'm sure we will either run into you, or run you over jk. Buen Camino!

mazgirl · Aug 28, 2015

I will be leaving Ribadeo on the 12th September, got CN withdrawal and could not wait another year
had no problem last year when walking from San Sebastion enjoyed every minute of the walk

AndreMande · Aug 30, 2015

Worldwidewalk said:
Hi there! How are you getting on? (if you'll read this again?) I have the same fears and would love to know if you are walking with people. Or if you have the choice to walk with people if you want to. I have done the camino Frances 4 years ago, and half again 2 years ago. I've always wanted to do the Norte and have booked to arrive on the 2nd September 2015 but am now getting cold feet! I am particularly scared of cows, but if I knew there were other pilgrims around I would feel reassured. If you read this again or if others know what number of pilgrims there are in September I would be greatly appreciative! So close now just a little scared! thanks, Ruth, 24

Hi I have the same problem/feelings - plan to do the CN starting the end of September. Is anybody going to be there the same dates?

Clay7011 · Tuesday at 4:30 PM

Planning on walking Norte-Primitivo starting about June 10, 2025. Are the albergues very busy at that time and also what will the weather be? I did this the end of August and September of 2017 and...

Solitude and safety on the del norte in Aug/Sep

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