Hi Joe,
I am planning on two weeks mid April 2022. Any recommendations on a starting points? Did you book your hostels in advance? I know the weather can be a bit tricky that time of year. Any tips or advice welcome.
Thank you.
Best,
Lucy
Lucy:
I would recommend starting in Leon, for the Frances, if you want to finish in Santiago. The weather in April could range from the 20's in the mountains to the 90's on the Meseta. It will rain in Galacia so rain gear or if you prefer a Pancho will be a necessity. As far as accommodations, based on the pent up demand to walk a Camino this coming Spring will probably be crowded. I do not book ahead but Based on demand and issues that will still remain with Covid, I think it is probably wise to do so. The issue with booking ahead, imo, is it does not allow you to be flexible in your journey. That said, it gives comfort to many knowing they have a bed. I would try doing it one day ahead and after a few days determine if necessary.
The Primitivo could be another option but it is a little more challenging route.
If you do not need to finish in Santiago, you could walk the Madrid.
These choices all depend somewhat on your level of fitness.
Get good shoes and break them in. I would also never hike without rain gear. There is good light weight rain gear. So if you have a local REI or equivalent type store, go talk to them and they should be able to help you get what you need.
I would also recommend you learn some basic Spanish. Take a class or two at local community college or work with Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone etc.
Covid has changed the Camino, imo. I would have, in the past, suggested you get good shoes, rain gear, pack light and just let the Camino be your guide. That said, with Covid, reduced accommodation, increased popularity of the Camino and everyones differing comfort zones. The comments above would be my current thoughts.
I will probably be walking again in the Spring and our paths might cross. I just received my CR code and will be leaving Sunday for Spain.
Buen Camino Lucy and I hope I have been helpful.
Feel free to ask me any other questions you have or have your thread separated to get a broader response as suggested by Trecile.
Joe