Travelling from Borda to Roncesvalles

[artbellis]

We began our Camino Frances today and are spending the night at the delightful Albergue in Borda. When in SJPDP at the passport office they gave us a map showing a portion of the route shown in John Brierley’s book as closed and are recommending a detour down to follow the road into Roncesvalles. The detour is at Cruceiro veering right instead of following the steep downhill toward Fontera Fuenta. Can anyone tell us if they have taken the old route (toward Fontera Fuenta), and if it was safe.

Buen Camino

 

[Anniesantiago]

The route through the forest can be slippery as snot if it's raining. I haven't walked it this year, but was told last year it was rough. The route on the road is JUST as beautiful and is safe and no longer in my opinion. I guess it just depends on how tired you are. If it's raining, I would take the road down.

 

[Anhalter]

I walked the "official" last year and the "alternative" in 2019. I found the walk through the woods more beautiful but harder on my knees than the alternative. The alternative is also easier to walk. So if your knees are good, you can go the first option, if you feel tired or have problems with the knees, chose the alternative.

 

[Tincatinker]

If the PO say the route is closed it’s likely to be for a good reason - land-slip, forestry work, lions, tigers or bears. I doubt it’s some obscure Gallic joke. You might try asking your hosts at Borda if they know why the route is closed. Nevertheless if the PO say take the road take the road

 

[trecile]

I've walked that stretch three times and have always taken the safer route down the road. I used the GPS on the Buen Camino app.

 

[trecile]

If the PO say the route is closed it’s likely to be for a good reason - land-slip, forestry work, lions, tigers or bears. I doubt it’s some obscure Gallic joke. You might try asking your hosts at Borda if they know why the route is closed. Nevertheless if the PO say take the road take the road

In my experience the PO always has a story about someone who broke their arm or sprained an ankle on the official route and therefore recommend the road. Not wanting to tempt fate I've always taken their advice.

 

[mlhhome]

Artbellis,
The walk through the woods is where two of my toenails started their journey to turning black…
Mike

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, we also took the safer route. It was still steep, but less slippery. Another we had encountered earlier pilgrim took a tumble and it ended her Camino with some fractures. Another we met in Roncesvalles had also experienced a fall, but after a trip to the clinic was determined to travel on despite her bruises and bandages. Both had taken the non-recommended steeper route.

 

[davejsy]

lions, tigers or bears

I had no idea there were bears in the Pyrenees.

Does anyone know if Lion and tiger repellent spray also works on bears (European)?

 

[Tincatinker]

I put a dab of LT&B repellent behind my ears every morning. Never seen any of them so it must work

 

[joramos]

We began our Camino Frances today and are spending the night at the delightful Albergue in Borda. When in SJPDP at the passport office they gave us a map showing a portion of the route shown in John Brierley’s book as closed and are recommending a detour down to follow the road into Roncesvalles. The detour is at Cruceiro veering right instead of following the steep downhill toward Fontera Fuenta. Can anyone tell us if they have taken the old route (toward Fontera Fuenta), and if it was safe.

Buen Camino

Laurent at Borda will tell you that when you get to that fork, the safe way down to Roncesvalles is to follow the rule, "Right is Life!" Enjoy the breath-taking Pyrenees. Buen Camino.

 

[joramos]

I put a dab of LT&B repellent behind my ears every morning. Never seen any of them so it must work

You're so funny cruel! Buen Camino.

 

[Palousewalking]

If the PO say the route is closed it’s likely to be for a good reason - land-slip, forestry work, lions, tigers or bears. I doubt it’s some obscure Gallic joke. You might try asking your hosts at Borda if they know why the route is closed. Nevertheless if the PO say take the road take the road

Our host at Borda in August said the right is life (longer road route) and left is death (forest route). I took that to mean the forest route is not in good shape. It would be interesting if a 2023 forest route pilgrim could update.
Buen Camino

 

[Susan Peacock]

I’ve done both and actually prefer the route to the right as you will have a view looking down at the Monastary. If you go down through the forest you do not get this view. I would not actually call this a detour, it is more of a route option. They have been recommending this for years. I didn’t pay attention to the papers from the Pilgrim Office my first Camino and just followed the sign pointing down to Roncesvalles. I don’t know your physical condition, how strong your knees are or if it’s raining, but why take the risk so early in your journey.

 

[KiwiRon]

We began our Camino Frances today and are spending the night at the delightful Albergue in Borda. When in SJPDP at the passport office they gave us a map showing a portion of the route shown in John Brierley’s book as closed and are recommending a detour down to follow the road into Roncesvalles. The detour is at Cruceiro veering right instead of following the steep downhill toward Fontera Fuenta. Can anyone tell us if they have taken the old route (toward Fontera Fuenta), and if it was safe.

I crossed that section five days ago. Everyone took the advice of the Camino office in St Jean PdeP. Why risk a possibly dodgy trail? The safe way is equally wonderful.

 

[Don's Brother]

We began our Camino Frances today and are spending the night at the delightful Albergue in Borda. When in SJPDP at the passport office they gave us a map showing a portion of the route shown in John Brierley’s book as closed and are recommending a detour down to follow the road into Roncesvalles. The detour is at Cruceiro veering right instead of following the steep downhill toward Fontera Fuenta. Can anyone tell us if they have taken the old route (toward Fontera Fuenta), and if it was safe.

Buen Camino

I walked the forest route in 2017 when I was 66. I walked it again on July 26 of this year from SJPP to Roncevalles. I’ve never walked the road; however, the Pilgrim Office also advised against the forest route when I picked up my credentials. It was a bit challenging, and I was tired after the long day, but I didn’t think it was that difficult. I did take my time and walked with caution since I’m 72. By the way, I had a great Camino, arriving in Santiago on August 27. I walked 33 consecutive days with no mishaps and felt truly blessed.

 

[NorthernLight]

The road option is only 400 metres longer than the steep downhill option. The road option may take you past horses, but definitely takes you along beautiful views and past the Ibañeta Chapel, and ends with a stroll through the woods to bring you to the door of the albergue.