Starting my first Camino September 2024

[RPereira]

Hello!!
I'm finally doing it - excited and nervous. Travelling to SJPP from London on September 6. Will start walking from September 8. Have been going through very useful threads on this forum for the last couple of years....just registered and look forward to engaging with the community here...

 

[RPereira]

Thanks Woody! Just booked my ticket to Biarritz. Arriving at around 3.30 pm and looking for the best way to get to SJPP. Thinking of stopping at Valcarlos on my first day. I'm reasonably fit - but I want a slower start that will give me some time to smell the roses (and coffee) along the way.

 

[davejsy]

Thinking of stopping at Valcarlos on my first day.

I mean theres nothing wrong with going via Valcarlos I guess, but generally people only do so if the weather is bad. Perhaps instead consider Orisson or what would be my choice Borda on the more general route. I haven't done the Valcarlos route but certainly the more general route is very beautiful.

 

[Darragh71]

Hi. I'm travelling from London to SJPDP on 3rd/4th September, taking the overnight sleeper and changing at Bayonne and Dax, Arrive in SJPDP at around 10 am on 4th . I'm walking to Burgos. I walked to Santiago in April and May but want to experience the first part again. Am walking to Orisson day 1 ( Napoleon Route) and then hopefully getting transport back to SJPDP as Orisson have no beds. Will take taxi back to Orisson and walk to Roncevalles the next day. Don't want to walk the whole way on my first day. Excited!

 

[davejsy]

Hi. I'm travelling from London to SJPDP on 3rd/4th September, taking the overnight sleeper and changing at Bayonne and Dax, Arrive in SJPDP at around 10 am on 4th . I'm walking to Burgos. I walked to Santiago in April and May but want to experience the first part again. Am walking to Orisson day 1 ( Napoleon Route) and then hopefully getting transport back to SJPDP as Orisson have no beds. Will take taxi back to Orisson and walk to Roncevalles the next day. Don't want to walk the whole way on my first day. Excited!

Have you tried Borda for accommodation?

 

[RPereira]

I mean theres nothing wrong with going via Valcarlos I guess, but generally people only do so if the weather is bad. Perhaps instead consider Orisson or what would be my choice Borda on the more general route. I haven't done the Valcarlos route but certainly the more general route is very beautiful.

Thank you...yes you are right - especially in the winter - but some people have done it by choice and loved it...Valcarlos is calling me this time. Next time perhaps straight to Roncesvalles...

 

[Darragh71]

Have you tried Borda for accommodation?

They were fully booked too! Thanks

 

[ElaineIrishyogi]

Hello!!
I'm finally doing it - excited and nervous. Travelling to SJPP from London on September 6. Will start walking from September 8. Have been going through very useful threads on this forum for the last couple of years....just registered and look forward to engaging with the community here...

Buen Camino......see you on the trail, I'm starting in Sarria and begin Thurs 19th Sept.....

 

[Camino Chrissy]

They were fully booked too! Thanks

I loved the Valcarlos route. Orrison was fully booked as I'd waited too long on my first Camino to reserve a bed in the spring of 2015. I feared a possible injury going up and over all the way to Roncesvalles the first day, so decided to go to Valcarlos. I enjoyed it so much that I chose to walk there again in 2017. Do not underestimate it's beauty, variety of features, terrain, and a more peaceful walk.
If weather predictions are for fog, rain and wind on the Napoleon, the Valcarlos will usually be a more enjoyable experience.