The Camino del Norte

[mirandac]

I'm about to walk a stretch of del Norte from Irun to just past Bilbao. I've done two parts of the Frances already. Does anyone have any advice for me?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Have fun!

 

[mirandac]

Have fun!

Thank you! Hopefully, that's a given.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Enjoy the menu del dia. Bon appétit!

 

[Kanga]

IF you are not too fit, aim to get to Passajes San Juan early, in time to get one of the very few beds in the albergue. Instead of walking all the way to San Sebastián. Passajes is really very lovely, but has little in the way of accommodation. We took the "alpista" route from Irun, and were very glad we did (it is spectacular) but it meant we were really wacked by the time we got to Passajes. We slept in a tent outside the albergue.

 

[LTfit]

In my opinion you will be seeing some of the best scenery on the Norte. Can I assume that you are stopping in Portugalete? If so easy metro ride back to Bilbao and bus to the airport (if that is your plan). Great airport to go in and out of as it is so small.

Buen Camino!

 

[nickymd1]

If possible, avoid ending a stage in Gernika. The Albergue is expensive and nothing special.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, mirandac, welcome to the forum.

The one bit of advice I would give would be to take the coastal alternatives where possible. Do not miss the Ruta del Flysch from Zumaia to Deba. Other ideas here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/coastal-alternatives-to-the-nortes-asphalt.49578/

 

[mirandac]

Thank you for the advice - all useful
Can't remember how to create a new topic thread but I would like to pass on that it was difficult to get hold of a credential in this route. I finally got one at San Sebastián cathederal as none of the albergues or tourist offices had them.

 

[Kanga]

I always order mine from Ivar who runs this forum. He is very efficient at posting them, so I have it before I leave home. They come free if you buy a guide! Here is the link. I also usually order a plastic cover - which is the perfect size to fit my normal passport as well as the pilgrim passport.