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Before leaving SJPdP go to the Pilgrimsoffice for info about the weather.
You can check the site but they give only a weather forecast and not iff it’s open or not .
Excellent link, thank you! I’ve never seen this before. It’s the website of the Tourist Office of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and it’s available in French, English, Spanish and Basque. So finally a website that provides up to date information as well as an up to date recommendation on the SJPP-Roncesvalles paths. Long overdue!
The website of the Tourist Office of Saint Jean Pied de Port says this: The way by the Napoleon's Road, between St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles, is officialy open. But it's still strongly not recommanded. We invite you to take the low road, by Arnéguy and Valcarlos.
when it's certain that the person is going there anyway. I guess it's just to make conversation and deal with one's anticipation because nobody can answer that question. I personally watch the long term and short term weather forecasts along the camino for two reasons: a) to decide whether to go to Spain or not as I can decide at very short notice and I won't stay for a month anyway and b) on the evening and morning of that day's walk to decide how to dress and whether to put the rain protection cover on the backpack or not 
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Today we can't know the weather in mountain on the 11th. When you arrive at SJPP you have to go on the pilgrims office 39 rue de la citadelle, the volunteers will give you all advices for this step, if you can go by Napoleon Route or not
Walked from SJdPP to Orisson yesterday in lovely weather although some wind. Today walked to Roncesvalles in cold wind , small hail and rain and at one point it was getting misty. I think it can change very quickly so you just need to watch the weather forecast and check with the pilgrim office. Lots of people walked all the way from SJdPP to Roncesvalles today via Orisson and although pretty tired they seemed OK , younger than my 65years though. It is hard walking but bea7t8f7l.
There was some old snow along the sides but only a few places where you needed to walk through it. A bit of mud in places.
Keep in mind that it is not possible to check detailed weather forecast for one’s self at Orisson as there is no internet access.
Totally agree about taking personal responsibility but it’s not quite that straightforward, Robo. We did all the recommended checking and asking in SJPdP and still got slammed by hurricane force winds when we left from Orisson the next day. The winds were so bad that the Napoleon was actually closed on that day but noone told us and there was no way to find out for ourselves because there is no internet access at Orisson. Plus we were complete newbies.
They've certainly done that but I wonder whether they do it all the time. After all, they have - what - 28 guests when they are full? They'd need a bus to transport so many people on a regular basis. And the weather is bad on a regular basis.
It's possible but it's not marked as such and I wouldn't attempt it without a proper map and map reading capabilities although it's just country roads. No bus.
Hi Lucy,
Hi, Mona,
Sorry Robo, late reply because bit busy here. The road itself was passable the whole way. It was the 100+ km head winds that were making it dangerous. And keep in mind when reading this that what happened to us was the exception rather than the rule. The winds were bad when we started but we only hit the really big winds when the road was more exposed about an hour or so from Orisson. When it got to the point where it was impossible to walk against the wind gusts and people were being blown off their feet we should just have turned around and gone back. Simple and safe. But being newbies and having this idea in our minds that pilgrims do not complain and instead walk on pretty much regardless, that’s what we and most of the other Orisson pilgrims did. Would not happen again and I’m sure you would not make the same mistake. When the going gets really tough there is no shame in turning back.Sounds like you tried to do the right thing. Sorry to sound a bit harsh
(It's easy from the comfort of home)
Knowing when to bail is as you say the key, and once you get to the 'top' which 'way' makes most sense to bail.
Starting to get me thinking about our Plan B in such a situation.....
Was the road still passable up to the Cross (Croix Thibault) ? Might be worth having a St Jean taxi number in the pocket........ And likewise for the far side (Spain) after reaching the road.
I can remember the voice of 'Capt' Albertson, when teaching me to handle a motor boat.
If you lose an engine now, what will you do?
You're close to a lee shore, if the engines cut now, what will you do?
I was always taught when Hiking in bad weather to take a similar approach. A bit like a pilot.
If we bail now, which way will we head? Onwards, turn back?
If the weather gets worse, where will we shelter (those trees 400 m back, that hut up ahead)
But it's good that no one has been hurt.
Blimey. Just reread your post. More than bit harsh frankly.
I didn’t mean to sound ‘harsh.’
Yes I know. I'm sorry. I know exactly what you mean. It is so important to respect the elements whether mountain or sea. And thanks very much for the tip about the slots off the road on way to orisson.
