Walking from St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona via Roncesvalles in 1/24/19

[cmk033]

I am planning on arriving SJPdP on 1/24/19 to walk the Camino. I am not sure what the condition of road would be at the time to go over Pamplona. I don't think I am going over Napoleon route but planning on going through Valcarlos route. I am worried it might be too dangerous to go especially with winter weather condition and elevation. I have to also mention that I am a solo traveler. Any tips would be appreciated as this is my first visit to the Camino. I am 58 years old and pretty fit in walking as I am a daily walker/backpacker. Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[mspath]

Welcome to the forum!


The Napoleon route is officially closed until April 1.
Following the Valcarlos route in winter weather do stay on the left side verges of the N135 road and do not take any small detours in the snowy or icy woods. The road is generally plowed.

After Valcarlos their are no services/food or running water until Roncesvalles; do be prepared. In bad weather it is often safer to continue to walk on the left side verges N135 all the way to Zubirri and not to attempt following the camino through a snowy/icy wood where you might slip on hidden shale, etc.

To further your research re Walking in Winter see these earlier recent threads filled with useful links and tips.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/logrono-to-burgos-in-january.50991/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/november-december-cf.50932/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/walking-the-camino-in-december-january.37261/

Sillydoll who is a Forum member has in her blog compiled encyclopedic information on Winter Walking.
http://amawalker.blogspot.fr/2009/10/walking-in-winter.html?m=1

Twice during winter caminos I have sat out true blizzards; in Villafranca Montes de Oca, February 25, 26, 2006 and Foncebadón, March 5,6, 2009. Even late November 2012 the climb up to O Cebreiro was packed with snow. You can see the snow and read my blog accounts of these three memorable storms here. http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/memories.html
Luckily open albergues offered welcoming shelter, heat and companionship.

Most who walk in late autumn and winter wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Each pilgrim develops a favorite combo. Scan the forum's Equipment topic http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/equipment-questions.30/
to see a multitude of varied approaches. Here's mine
http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/kit-and-tips.html

Remember winter is a great time to walk, but you must be PREPARED!

Stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Hi, CMK, and a warm welcome to the Forum

As posted above, both the Napoleon Route, as well as Orrison -- if that was in your mind -- are closed to walkers, pilgrims, backpackers, etc. So your thought of traveling the Valcarlos Route is about the only walking option if you were starting in SJPdP.

 

[cmk033]

Thank you so much for your kind replies.