Just a quick update. Some people have been asking about the route I will be taking so I have added a map to give a rough idea of my trek from France and northern Spain.
I will be starting my Camino in St Jean Pied de Port (on the France/Spain border) and officially be finishing it in Santiago de Compostela (left side of map). I am planning on continuing on to the town of Finisterre which has also been known as the End of the World back in the day...way back!
The first day I will be walking from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles. The first real decision will be which route to take...up over the Pyrenees along the route taken by Napoleon's army or down through the valley. Over the mountains is the route I want to take but unfortunately, it is all down to the weather. From all I have read, if it is raining the valley route is the one to take. Fingers crossed for sunshine the first day! More later.
Only 3 days until I hopefully get my 3rd and final permission!!!
I've walked the Valcarlos Route, stopping overnight in Valcarlos. It's not so bad & definitely NOT the "Sissy Way" some might have you believe. If the weather closes the Route Napoleon & you have to take the Valcarlos Route, you will need to stay on the road. With the exception of the waymark just outside of St. Jean, the waymarks after you rejoin the road at Arneguy take you to a path that is difficult & not well-maintained. So after Arneguy, stay on the road.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info DG. I'm not worried about what others think. I just want to do the Route Napoleon. I would like it to be part of my Camino if at all possible! That said, if the weather doesn't permit it, I will do the Valcarlos route.
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