Top Tips starting from St JeanPied de Port

[WalkingQueen]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

 

[trecile]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

"Over the Pyrenees" is on a mostly paved or maintained trail. It's not mountaineering. I wore trail runners the first two times, and sandals on my most recent walk.

 

[mspath]

Here are a kit list and tips
from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in winter.
Happy planning!

 

[Former member 91017]

@WalkingQueen — seeing as you have already walked the last chunk a number of times, you are likely aware that it is easy to get hung up in crowds and that such things can get in the way of doing and seeing what you want to do. The pressure and temptation and sometime necessity of joining a group can be greater out of SJPdP for while those first days are well supported, they are also challenging…

I found that until I left the Navarre region I could not acquire my own food at the bars. I just was not forceful enough. So I gave my money to some fellas I was walking with and they secured things for me. It worked well (better than doing without), but if you can take the reigns for yourself, you will eat more of what you choose. And that applies to other things as well. I was forceful enough to go alone on the Valcarlos route out of SJPdP and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 365 went the other way… and I went the forested, well-supported way; the rewards were many (from greater shade, greater comfort to fantastic encounters with wildlife that included great hawks and a mountain goat).

Do not let others incite you to disparage or avoid the cities — they have been cultural centres at least since the Romans. You can walk a challenging path anywhere… but you cannot see the charms of Pamplona or Logrono anywhere else.

You do not mention the time of year in which you wish to go, but that can certainly influence what you need in your kit and on your feet. The only really underprepared footwear I ever encountered was on a young Canuck who had brought only Sketcher “Let’s walk” shoes — she had to take 3 days off to heal her feet in Pamplona — and to buy proper footwear.

Buen Camino.

 

[RJM]

Your Merrell Moabs more than adequate to walk from St Jean to Fisterre and beyond. I've walked that twice in Merrell Moab shoes. Not a problem. Easy peasy.

 

[trecile]

Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Whatever your footwear be sure it’s broken it but not worn out (shoes/boots have a mileage lifespan even if they still look good). If you didn’t use hiking poles before consider them, especially if you will be walking during snow/rain/sleet for negotiating mud puddles or slippery stones on the way down from places.

Enjoy your pilgrimage!

edit: most would say 300-400 mile lifespan, mentioning it only because it sounds like you have a trusted pair that may be reaching that limit

 

[naplesdon]

I think SJPdP is a little bit touristy (think O'Cebriero or Lourdes) with bus loads of elderly gawkers and the kind of novelties they sell in their gift shops, but it is also a traditional village deep down in its heart. Have a great meal on a patio overlooking the Nive and stay in one of the popular albergues or one of the two hotels. I believe Orisson is a must, but that is just me because I am friends with Jean Jacques and it is good introduction to walking across the Pyrenees and you will undoubtedly form a family at the communal dinner who you will walk with the next week.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

Every time I see a video like this it’s always like seeing someplace else…amazing what was buried under all that snow

 

[Walkerooni]

As for footwear, the Pyrenees from SJPdP aren’t much of a test. The day between Roncesvalles and Zubiri has quite a stretch of steep downhill on sharp vertical rock slabs. And the descent from Alto de Perdon just past Pamplona has a fair descent on round boulders that shift under your feet. So the question would likely be better asked with regard to those sections.

 

[Walkerooni]

Oops—just looked up the Merrell Moab 2s and they’ll be fine. Depending when you go, you may run into mud on the Mesata that’s deeper than those are high though...

 

[Gumba]

Barbara, when are you walking?

I did my first CF in Moab 2 and my second in Moab boots - a very lightweight boot. I decided on the boot as they were comparatively light weight (not a heavy boot which I loath). I got the boot because we were walking Dec/Jan and I was expecting more snow that we got! In truth, I likeed the boots because they gave me more ankle support. If you dont need that, you have chosen a good shoe.

Best tip - wow that's a hard one - just have a wonderful time and don't forget to tell us all about it

 

[Chromatistes]

Be sure to have enough width in your footwear, to allow for your feet to splay sideways. Otherwise, simply go with the flow, and enjoy the many spontaneous moments that will pepper your Camino experience.

 

[JMac TO]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

if you can spend that first night in Orisson it is a great way to start the Camino. Hiking shoes are fine but that decent into Zubiri is one of the more challenging of the Camino.

I like the comment about making sure your shoes are worn in but not worn out. Also be sure you wore them in with a loaded pack that way you won’t suffer from blisters. And lubricate the toes (Vaseline or vicks).

The experience on the first 700kms is vastly different from the last 100. I preferred the first part. They say the first third of the Camino is physical, 2nd is mental and third is spiritual. I don’t think that happens in 100km.

 

[ScottPilgrim]

We had a drink at Orisson but spent the night at Borda (new place 1km further on see Gronze for details), which was great.

 

[naplesdon]

PS, light a candle in the church as you leave through the town gate.

 

[Tom Conklin]

One thing I would suggest is to try to do your first day in sunshine. It is difficult to predict but I have seen some beautiful pictures of things I missed on my cold, rainy, windy first day in 2016!

 

[josephmcclain]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Don{t miss the chance to stay at Beilari!

 

[Limin Time]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Barbra,
I have started and walked four Camino France from St Jean pied de Port and walked over the Pyrenees. I have always worn Merrell Moab 2 for my walks, and never had any foot problems. I finished my fourth Camino France walk two weeks ago.
Bon Camino

 

[John Ferguson]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Well Barb, I walked the French Way a few years ago, and getting up Orrison is paved all the Way, and in my Mind your Merrells would be fine. However, from Orrison to Roncesvalles is very rugged, and I would recommend hikers.

 

[PeggyB]

Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

So happy to see my friends, Patrick Gray & Justin Skeesuck entering Santiago at the end of the video. I was supposed to walk with them this September but the trip was canceled. So sad to be missing the Camino and them!

 

[lt56ny]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Over the Pyrenees" is on a mostly paved or maintained trail. It's not mountaineering.

Unless you have some medical reason or you are just in love with your boots. You do not need boots especially this time of year. In terms of surfaces on the Camino the first day out has some of the smoothest on the whole camino. But reading so many different responses which some I agree with and some I don't I would say this is your top and only tip:
Top tips. Listen to your body and rest and go when your body tells you. Clear your brain and walk, rest, eat and sleep. It is pretty simple as you already know. Do what your body and spirit dicate and your mind will follow.

 

[arobins]

Here are a kit list and tips
from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in winter.
Happy planning!

Hi mspath. The kit list is very helpful. Would you please provide the source link or how to access the information, if available. Thank you very much.

 

[dfox]

Your Merrell Moabs more than adequate to walk from St Jean to Fisterre and beyond. I've walked that twice in Merrell Moab shoes. Not a problem. Easy peasy.

It was end of April and early May, I wore Merrell Moabs with Gore-tex from SJPP to SDC; it was great for the cold in the morning, and walking in the rain.

If I were walking in warm/hot months, I would have hiking sandals. An additional benefit of using hiking sandals is no need to carry another pair of "casual shoes" for city/town walks as well as for showers.

 

[mspath]

Hi mspath. The kit list is very helpful. Would you please provide the source link or how to access the information, if available. Thank you very much.

arobins,
Almost all my kit came from Decathlon here in France but much was bought 16 years ago for the first CF. Only new boots were purchased from them every 3 years or so. Sturdy equipment at a reasonable price seems to be their unwritten and successful motto.

If you have questions regarding any particular items please just ask.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

 

[Madeleine Jacobs]

Watch the first minute or so of this video to get a glimpse of the terrain between St Jean and Roncesvalles.

Wow, so good to see your video, tears in my eyes to see how it was and how it will be. So lucky I have still 500 km to go to SDC from Burgos on my second Camino

 

[trecile]

Wow, so good to see your video, tears in my eyes to see how it was and how it will be. So lucky I have still 500 km to go to SDC from Burgos on my second Camino

I wish that I could take credit for the video! I think that it's a good depiction of the camaraderie one finds on the Camino.

 

[TinaB]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Make sure you book into Orisson for a memorable experience and great beginning to your walk.

 

[RRat]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Check the weather. Many days those beautiful vistas are covered by weather. Its a mountain pass.

 

[RJM]

It was end of April and early May, I wore Merrell Moabs with Gore-tex from SJPP to SDC; it was great for the cold in the morning, and walking in the rain.

If I were walking in warm/hot months, I would have hiking sandals. An additional benefit of using hiking sandals is no need to carry another pair of "casual shoes" for city/town walks as well as for showers.

I think the OP asked would Merrell Moab shoes be adequate to walk the Camino Frances with and the answer is of course they are. That's probably the one variety of footwear I've personally seen the most pilgrims wearing, including me twice on the Frances. There's really no need for the OP to buy new shoes.

 

[Luap]

Here are a kit list and tips
from the viewpoint of a woman who often walked in winter.
Happy planning!

Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.

 

[mspath]

Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.

Luap,
Thank you for your kind comment.
I hope that you have a wonder-filled journey as you start off soon.
Stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[Cicada]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

Hi Barbara my top tip would be that there is no shame in getting your rucksack shipped over the Pyrenees. My wife ( who shares your Christian name) and I walked in 2017 and decided at the last minute actually with 5 minutes to spare to get our stuff transported. We were both in our late 60's and it made the 26 k walk much more enjoyable. Moabs yes and chocolate muffins in SJPDP double yes
Buen Camino

 

[WalkingQueen]

PS, light a candle in the church as you leave through the town gate.

Ah I love this... I do this at most churches I come yo but love to do it at the start of a walk...thank you

 

[WalkingQueen]

Hi Barbara my top tip would be that there is no shame in getting your rucksack shipped over the Pyrenees. My wife ( who shares your Christian name) and I walked in 2017 and decided at the last minute actually with 5 minutes to spare to get our stuff transported. We were both in our late 60's and it made the 26 k walk much more enjoyable. Moabs yes and chocolate muffins in SJPDP double yes
Buen Camino

Ive no shame in it at all...I've contacted these contact@expressbourricot.com to check it out, no response yet...also for transfers from Biarritz to SJPDP... can you recommend who you used please? Thanks

 

[WalkingQueen]

Wow! I’ve read so many similar pieces like this that offer helpful advice but this short article is really outstanding! It feels like an old a d wise friend, who cares only for your true wellbeing, has personally written to ease your concerns. Thank you mspath, this it fantastic.

This us brilliant thank you Ms Path great detail

 

[VNwalking]

Lots of good advice, and @mspath's link is excellent. One thing to remember is that you know the routine from what you've already done, and this is no different.

Just...
Don't pack your fears.
Don't overthink it.
Be flexible. If you can, stop for the night in between - either before or past - the usual stages. It's less busy that way.

Enjoy and buen camino!

(Practically: Express Bouricot is excellent and very reliable. And if you need anything at the last minute in SJPP, there is a wonderful shop opposite and not far along the street from the Pilgrim's Office. Get your first stamp in your credencial at the Pilgrim's Office, and make sure to light a candle in the beautiful church.)

 

[meazara]

Make sure you book into Orisson for a memorable experience and great beginning to your walk.

Agree! Was there on Wednesday evening. Absolutely a fabulous experience.

 

[Walking Lover]

After 4 amazing experiences doing the last 100 - 120k into Santiago I'm booking today to start in SJPDP walk for 8 days to Logroño

What would you top tips be?

Also would Merrell Moab 2 shoes be sufficient for day 1 over pyrenees or would you recommend sticking with my boots (checking to see if I can do without boots)

Thanks Barbara

I was 70 when I walked it and in excellent physical condition (was still running 1/2 marathons and podium). I found it to be a very difficult day.

 

[Connie Ramage]

Your Merrell Moabs more than adequate to walk from St Jean to Fisterre and beyond. I've walked that twice in Merrell Moab shoes. Not a problem. Easy peasy.

On my 3rd Camino, presently in Carrion. Love my Moabs. I walk half the day in them, and change to Chacos. My feet have been happy. Everyone is different. Do what is best for you. I love Smartwool socks, but this time, my feet swell a size, so I have been wearing thin toe socks in Moabs. I was able to purchase another pair in a gear shop today. Buen Camino!