Camino de Santiago (Frances) Nov/Dec 2019 Saint Jean Pied de Port - Valcarlos - Roncesvalles

I started my walk in Saint Jean Pied de Port*. The Napoleon Route was closed (1 Nov - 1 March) so I walked the road from SJPdP to Valcarlos the first day. Stayed at the albergue municipal for 10 Euro /incl bf, sort of). The albergue was clean, well equipped, had Wi-Fi, washing facilities. An over all a nice stay.
The next day I had a short walk up to the pass via small trails. From the pass I followed a small serviceroad to Roncesvalles. The blazing is good. No toilets on the trail. Bring TP.
The tap water is heavily chloride. Bring bottled water, at least 2 L/day, more when hot and sunny. Roncesvalles is a big place. Clean. Big kitchen. Mass in the evening. 12 Euro. Bring earplugs.
*Flew from London, UK, to Biarritz, took the bus from the airport to the trainstation and finally train to Saint Jean Pied de Port. Piece of advice: book your stay in advance. My cost 15 Euros...

[@peregrinusjacobaeus]

👍🌸

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

Thank you!

[@clairejohnson7809]

I plan to walk this October. I had heard that most albergues shut in mid October (regardless of covid) so this reassured me that places still remain open.

[@our84]

I am walking the Camino October-November as well. Leaving St. Jean 15 Oct going to Valcarlos for the first stop. I walked the same route Oct - Nov 2016 and while many Albergue were closed I planned ahead and never had a problem. Been Camino..

[@davidkalinowski4642]

I remember it well.

[@dgale1023]

I see its published in December. Is that when you went?

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

Yes, I started in SJPDP in November and finished in December. Did it as a training hike before the CDT.

[@estellagutierrez795]

You are ???

[@ivanmikulicic8266]

Hello threre. What was the approximate temperature on this route? :) Setting up gear, appreciate the info!

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

Hi! It was def cooler, don’t remember being sweaty at all. Had some chilly mornings but for me it was ok.
I’m a thruhiker so just brought my UL equipment including tent, sleeping bag and stove. Some days I didn’t want to stay in the hostels bc of toxic peeps and/or the distance was too short for me. My backpack weighed in on roughly 6 kg not including water and food which you buy along the way. 👍

[@ivanmikulicic8266]

@@BensOutdoorExperience So, watched all the videos in the playlist. :) I have a base wool layer, winter fleece and a rain jacket, noticed you carry a puffer jacket. Do you think it is enough for November for the mountains?

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

@@ivanmikulicic8266 I always carry a light puffy jacket, some mornings and evenings can be cold. 😀