Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[sulu]

I have done a search and can't find anything on this subject. I am looking to do the Portugues in October, with a friend who would like to leave Oporto along the coast, and walk to Vila do Conde. Has anyone done this? Was it an improvement on walking along the 'official' route?
I have looked at the Google map and it looks like it will be better to get the metro to Matosinhos and walk from there, but it still looks like all road, and much of it through industrial areas. Can anyone help please?
Sue

[jeff001]

According to the directions in Brierley's guide you do not start that far south. He suggests leaving the main route in Guardeiras or Vilar de Pinheiro and following signs to Labruge. From there head to the coast and walk up the beach or the paralell lanes until you get to Vila de Conde. He says the route is not waymarked and "It essentially follows a rather confusing network of small lanes that wind their way around the airport running north, following signs for Labruge and then Vila de Conde."

[mikevasey]

Hi Sue,

Cant tell you what the route is like, i havent walked it yet, but this years edition of the Brierley guide says that the coastal section from Matasinhos follows the coast all the way to Vila do Conde, there is a lot of beach and board-walks, you may have to go on to the road in some places, this is also to give you a rest from walking on the sand.

Which ever option you take, you will probably have to pass a lot of industrial areas.

Mike

[sulu]

Hi!
Thanks to both of you for the replies. I don't think the coastal route sounds very appealing, not that stretch anyway. Either we'll do it as an adventure and post back on what it's like or go for the route traditional
Sue