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Thank you very much for your kind reply and for the general considerations, I have appreciated very much !
I have only limited experience with the NCN, having ride only a small part (about 150 miles) of NR 1, but I am familiar with other long distance routes along Europe. I this respect I am used to follow the signed path only for about 85-90%. I don't dislike indeed main roads and shopping areas … plenty of pubs ...
Cacioricotta
All NCNs are signed in both directions. However, there may variations on the quality of signage along the way.
The NCN is often noted for slavishly avoiding any major roads/routes where possible and, due to that, being circuitous and fiddly. Not all of these segments are either necessary or particularly nice. For instance it may route down some dingy, litter strewn alley at the back of a shopping precinct to avoid the main road which is only busy during rush hour. Sometimes it will route you down unpaved bridle paths which, particularly at this time of year, are very mucky and virtually unrideable. Of course in contrast to that, some bits are absolutely brilliant and you wouldn't see them if you were plotting a route without it. So, unless you're a compulsive completionist with a sturdy sense of humour, I wouldn't advise sticking religiously to the route, particularly as you pass through larger urban areas or connect across a field between two roads. A bit of interpretational license could well make your trip a lot more enjoyable.