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There are no taxis waiting In ranks at either place. You would need to book a taxi in advance.I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
Ask your host at your albergue/hotel to arrange a taxi for you.I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
I have walked down from El Acebo in both October and November and every time the weather was bad with rain. It was late October through late November to give you context. I always took the road. I walked against traffic of course and it was easy with very, very light traffic. The road is good and pretty wide. I don't think you would have a problem walking on it. Maybe others may have a different take.My wife and I have hiked CF four times. We know the last part of the hike to Zubiri is dangerous. We've learned to walk at our pace, using our trekking poles and not worry if other hikers behind us want to hike at a faster pace.
And agree that the hike from El Acebo to Molinaseca is steep and treacherous. One time we took the road route, facing traffic. We could easily see approaching traffic. However, we are both afraid of heights and the stone guardrail was only 15 - 18" high and we could see the steep slope which frightened us. The other three times, we hiked the traditional trail which is quite challenging. Next fall we are hiking from Leon to Santiago. We've decided to call for a taxi at El Acebeo (easy to wait in a nice bar) to transport us to Molinaseca. Bob
Hi wanietaI am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
I took a taxi with a number given by the food/drinks truck just before the descent into Zubiri. They knew the number of local taxis and several of us shared the one taxi making it cheaper.I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
Which way did you go, and how was it?I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
The decent into Zubiri is not extreme. Not even when wet. If you take your time with your footing and have good walking sticks to help balance, you should be fine. Oh, those worn stones can be slippery, but I don't think they should lead anyone to a taci stand.I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
It is steep but what makes it tricky is the ridges of limestone rock running across the path that you have to step over. I have seen a photo of the terrain here some time ago, but wouldn't know where to find it now.There's an app for smartphones called FreeNow (for taxis etc.) that might be helpful. I've used it in France and Italy, and I was never more than a few minutes away from a ride. I don't know if it would work in more rural areas, but supposedly it works in Spain as well.
Is the descent into Zubiri steeper than that into Roncesvalles (from SJPdP)? By my (admittedly back-of-the-envelope) calcs, the Roncesvalles descent approach is a downslope average of 12.5%!
Nope, not this pilgrim. Walked again recently, and no it hasn't gotten easier, Id say overall a lot of the path is worse now with rain having washed away the gravel, making it even worse. It was also muddy and slippery, and nettles in some of the narrow parts before Acebo (I was zapped on the leg), and also before Samos.I have walked the Frances(minus the Meseta) in 2015, and then every step in 2017. I had nice sunny days going down to Zubiri both times and do not recall it being unusually treacherous.
I absolutely loved the area around El Acebo. Leaving there on both caminos in glorious weather, I did not find it scary; in fact it is one of my favorite true paths with some interesting bluestone and beautiful mountain views.
Surely some pilgrims have enjoyed it as much as me, although if I'd had rainy, slippy rocks to navigate, I'm sure my memories would have been less than stellar.
The man who had to be rescued by helicopter with back injuries on that stretch just two days ago might not share your positive view.I absolutely loved the area around El Acebo. Leaving there on both caminos in glorious weather, I did not find it scary; in fact it is one of my favorite true paths with some interesting bluestone and beautiful mountain views.
Surely some pilgrims have enjoyed it as much as me, although if I'd had rainy, slippy rocks to navigate, I'm sure my memories would have been less than stellar.
I agree, I walked both those routes this year, and although it was dry both days for me, I didn't think either one of them was particularly difficult, perhaps because I had polls.I have walked the Frances(minus the Meseta) in 2015, and then every step in 2017. I had nice sunny days going down to Zubiri both times and do not recall it being unusually treacherous.
I absolutely loved the area around El Acebo. Leaving there on both caminos in glorious weather, I did not find it scary; in fact it is one of my favorite true paths with some interesting bluestone and beautiful mountain views.
Surely some pilgrims have enjoyed it as much as me, although if I'd had rainy, slippy rocks to navigate, I'm sure my memories would have been less than stellar.
We have walked down from Foncebadon to Molinesca on the paths and on the road.On the way to El Acebo.
View attachment 177063
After El Acebo before Molinaseca.
View attachment 177064View attachment 177065View attachment 177066
I did exactly the same, I’ve tripped too many times walking to Molinaseca so the past two Caminos I’ve walked the road, and yes it is longer but definitely quicker and easier on the feet. KeithWe have walked down from Foncebadon to Molinesca on the paths and on the road.
My feet down to El Acebo prefer the path. From Riego de Ambros to Molinesca we absolutely prefer the road. For us it is very slow going on the path from RdA with a constant need to be watching where we step, even with poles. Our rhythm is disturbed. On the road we must be vigilant about moving traffic, and when to change sides, but we do not have as much rhythm disturbance, and we actually arrive quicker to Molineseca that way, though the distance is longer.
I beg to differ. 2 years ago - in April - it was flooded. Completely flooded.The decent into Zubiri is not extreme. Not even when wet. If you take your time with your footing and have good walking sticks to help balance, you should be fine. Oh, those worn stones can be slippery, but I don't think they should lead anyone to a taci stand.
Thank you. The video has reassured me that it's not a certain death trap descending to Zubiri. I'll be there in a few days!I am really curious about the reports of the descent to Zubiri and also downhill from el Acebo. Really puzzled, actually.
I set off from Roncesvalles on June 23rd, 2006.
My memory is untrustworthy, but I think I recall reaching what may have been the Alto de Erro, then carefully crossing the road, going left into a forested way and eventually coming down to Zubiri, and on to Larrasoaña.. does that sound right to those who either know from experience or from reading?
I have just looked online and found this youtube post. At about five minutes in it shows the terrain fairly clearly.
The part I was actually concerned about was El Perdón... In fact I have walked that willingly about four times! Yes, it has to be treated with great respect, and it was where I really learned that once on the way, there is no way back. It is not an option. (An opinion. Yours may differ.)
I also clearly recall a very enjoyable trot/walk down from El Acebo after a most wonderful second breakfast, having slept in Foncebaddon, and a very fine morning sunrise experience at Cruz de Hierro.
I repeat: my memory can be entirely erroneous. A family failing.
What I see currently is that some people seem to think and or find the descents in both locations are not ... safe? Has there been that much erosion since 2006?
I cannot gainsay anyone, your experience is your evidence. For those yet to approach either sections, down to Zubiri or down from El Acebo, perhaps don't decide till you are there.
And for your information, my avatar photo was taken very close to El Acebo. Why? It reminded me, en grande, of home terrain...
Taken, summer 2006.
The Pilgrims Office in France advises to take the road.There are no taxis waiting In ranks at either place. You would need to book a taxi in advance.
Check out this earlier thread re
the descent into Zubiri for relevant posts concerning your next day.
I have done it a few times, always in Summer and never thought it was treacherous. But as you say, in a flash flood, it can be very bad! It was that year in April, only because of the weather.Interesting.
Having spent many years doing walks/hikes in and around the Canadian Rockies, as well as tromping around the Shield in northern Ontario as a kid, the pictures posted above look very familiar to my eyes. I wouldn't risk it in heavy rain (too much chance of a flash flood, even if only minor), but otherwise, it looks like "thoughful" territory rather than overtly treacherous. I'm sure I'll have a re-think when I'm actually there in a couple of weeks...
I loved the descent into Zubiri last year!I have walked the Frances(minus the Meseta) in 2015, and then every step in 2017. I had nice sunny days going down to Zubiri both times and do not recall it being unusually treacherous.
I absolutely loved the area around El Acebo. Leaving there on both caminos in glorious weather, I did not find it scary; in fact it is one of my favorite true paths with some interesting bluestone and beautiful mountain views.
Surely some pilgrims have enjoyed it as much as me, although if I'd had rainy, slippy rocks to navigate, I'm sure my memories would have been less than stellar.
CongratulationsWell, I made it. It rained all last night and into this morning but the sun came out so I thought I’d give it a try. Challenging, but doable if you take your time and concentrate. I disagree that it was a total slog; some sections were quite pleasant. But no walk in the park, for sure.
Ask your accommodation person to call you a taxi: the road with rain is too risky! Be safeI am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
@frannie z, you may not have seen it, it is mentioned in the quote before your post and @Wanieta wrote a few days ago in post #28 that she did walk to Zubiri: I made it. It rained all last night and into this morning but the sun came out so I thought I’d give it a try. Challenging, but doable if you take your time and concentrate.Ask your accommodation person to call you a taxi: the road with rain is too risky! Be safe
I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
Ok. Tell me about the descent to Zubiri.I am presently in Bizketta planning to take off tomorrow to Larrasoana. Heavy rain is predicted which, if it comes to pass, makes me fearful of the descent into Zubiri. Wise Pilgrim says not to take the road ( I don’t know why). So I may take a taxi. Does anyone know if a taxi can be had at either Lintzoain or Alto de Erro? Gracias!
A complete 'nothing burger' with trekking poles. I did it in the spring rain with a stream from spring run off on much of it.Ok. Tell me about the descent to Zubiri.
I am really curious about the reports of the descent to Zubiri and also downhill from el Acebo. Really puzzled, actually.
I set off from Roncesvalles on June 23rd, 2006.
My memory is untrustworthy, but I think I recall reaching what may have been the Alto de Erro, then carefully crossing the road, going left into a forested way and eventually coming down to Zubiri, and on to Larrasoaña.. does that sound right to those who either know from experience or from reading?
I have just looked online and found this youtube post. At about five minutes in it shows the terrain fairly clearly.
The part I was actually concerned about was El Perdón... In fact I have walked that willingly about four times! Yes, it has to be treated with great respect, and it was where I really learned that once on the way, there is no way back. It is not an option. (An opinion. Yours may differ.)
I also clearly recall a very enjoyable trot/walk down from El Acebo after a most wonderful second breakfast, having slept in Foncebaddon, and a very fine morning sunrise experience at Cruz de Hierro.
I repeat: my memory can be entirely erroneous. A family failing.
What I see currently is that some people seem to think and or find the descents in both locations are not ... safe? Has there been that much erosion since 2006?
I cannot gainsay anyone, your experience is your evidence. For those yet to approach either sections, down to Zubiri or down from El Acebo, perhaps don't decide till you are there.
And for your information, my avatar photo was taken very close to El Acebo. Why? It reminded me, en grande, of home terrain...
Taken, summer 2006.
Yes, Scotland, or Wales or England or the Camino Frances somewhere near El Acebo.I can see Scotland in your avatar
Yes, Scotland, or Wales or England or the Camino Frances somewhere near El Acebo.
Indeed, everyone has different levels of comfort and experience of backcountry hiking.It's such a big factor. I've spent countless hours backcountry hiking since I was literally five years old and my body "sees" the trail differently than a lot of people I've walked or hiked with.
As I rapidly get older and clunkier, I'm very grateful for those hours because without that base of experience I don't think I'd do very well.
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