Beginning my journey...

[Redhead]

Hi, I am leaving Austin on the 9th of sept and have 20 days to walk to Santiago. I fly into Madrid, where should I start with the time I have to walk?? Help I leave in three days!!

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Redhead, You could walk from Sahagun in 20 days, or perhaps better Leon, both readily accessible by train from Madrid. Leon is a beautiful city, you will be able to pick up a Credencial from the Albergue or the Cathedral and in your time frame should reach Santiago with time to enjoy the city and make an easy return to Madrid.

Unless you are very fit and a very experienced walker start slowly!

Buen camino

 

[Redhead]

Thank you, that was my thought Leon!! So excited to begin!!

 

[Arn]

Redhead,
Welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2014.
I trust you have been researching the Forum and planned accordingly.
However the Camino leads...you can expect an experience like no other. We look forward to you keeping us in the loop.

Oh, BTW...three days is plenty of time to remove everything from your pack and removing anything you think you "Might" need. The Camino is NOT wilderness camping.
The last night before you leave...repack again. This time REALLY taking anything out you think you might need.
I and the rest of the Forum, I am sure, would be interested in the specific "might need" items you are wise enough to remove.
In my case, I removed a corkscrew.
Buen Camino,
Arn

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Redhead
Assuming that you walk at a fairly average speed you could end up with a week left over if you start in Leon. And you'd completely miss the Meseta!
Starting in Burgos is possible with average 25kms walks each day. However, that wouldn't allow much flexibility for injury, rest days etc.
The solution might be to start in Burgos but get a bus or train between Sahagun and Leon. This would give you the best of the Meseta in addition to the beautiful walk from Leon to Santiago.
Alternatively, start at Leon as planned, and after Santiago continue to Finisterre, do the Camino Ingles, or the last 100kms of a different route.
Loads of options. Buen Camino!