camino for two days?

[Kathy O Regan]

Hi,

Is it possible to just walk a route for two days and end up in Santiago? My mam is reluctant to walk any more than two days...!

Thank you!

 

[stratophile]

Hi Kathy -- welcome to the forums!

There are no rules / regulations preventing you and your mom from starting at any location two days out from Santiago and walking the remainder of the Camino (Francés / Primitivo, Portugués, etc.). The only limitation is that you wouldn't qualify for a compostela from the church since that requires walking further.

If getting a certificate isn't important to you or your mom, though, then just pick which route into Santiago would interest you and your mom the most. Fly into Santiago and then take a bus to your starting location and start walking.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

In my opinion, the last two days on the Camino Ingles, Camino Portugues, and the Via de la Plata (same as Camino Sanabres) are not very interesting. I would suggest the Camino Frances from Arzua, which has regular bus service.

 

[Kathy O Regan]

Thank you both very much!!

 

[stratophile]

Hi Kathy,

One thing to keep in mind: Albergues in communities within two days of Santiago won't be used to people starting their Camino there. Every albergue sets its own rules but many require that you've already walked that day before you are admitted (demonstrated by showing stamps in your credencial). If you plan on staying at an albergue in your starting community (for the night before you start walking) I suggest you contact them in advance and let them know that you are actually *starting* your Camino there. Make sure they understand and accept that you won't be arriving with stamps already in your credencial.

If you are starting your walk on the same day as you take the bus from Santiago (or if you aren't staying in albergues), then that won't be an issue. Also, some albergues (such as many private albergues) do not require proof of walking that day.

Good luck with your planning. Let us know how your Camino goes.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Great point Stratophile.......

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Seems more like a walk than a camino to me. I think a more camino-like walk would be Pamplona to Estella with an overnight in Puente la Reina. This would be about a 24 km walk followed by a 22 km walk and since many leave from Pamplona you don't have that problem mentioned by @stratophile above.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

just walk a route for two days and end up in Santiago

Seems more like a walk than a camino

She is asking about a two day walk ending in Santiago. Is there a reason she cannot get an appropriate and helpful answer?

 

[Tincatinker]

Gently, gently Pilgrims please. Some of us would walk from Ultima Thule if the Albergues were open and some of us just can't do that. Two days into Santiago will be an incredible adventure for some and there is enough accommodation to provide for all comers.

The only answer to the OP's question is yes. They won't qualify for a compostella (unless they're planning 50km days) but that wasn't the question.

@Kathy O Regan I hope you and your mum have fun.

And who knows, maybe mum will discover that she can walk all the way from Dun Laoghaire to Finisterre if she wants to

 

[Kathy O Regan]

Thank you!
I would walk for days and days but it's taken me a long time to get my mam to agree to two days, and like you said, it may just be the start!

Just looking at it here now! Is it into Santiago we would fly to start two days out?

Thanks a mill all!!

 

[Tincatinker]

Fly to Santiago. Bus to Arzua. Walk to Santiago. Fly home.

The inbetween bits will be the best bits....

 

[Kathy O Regan]

Super thank you!!

 

[Former member 49149]

Kathy, I hope it all works out well. Your mam will probably be raging when she gets the taste of it and has to go home so soon! Buen camino to you both!

 

[Tincatinker]

And while you are in Arzua have lunch at the Restaurant Carbelleira, 12 (?) Calle Ramon Franco. Mum will love it and they'll love mum. Galician home cooking served with justifiable pride.

 

[Terechia]

Gently, gently Pilgrims please. Some of us would walk from Ultima Thule if the Albergues were open and some of us just can't do that. Two days into Santiago will be an incredible adventure for some and there is enough accommodation to provide for all comers.

The only answer to the OP's question is yes. They won't qualify for a compostella (unless they're planning 50km days) but that wasn't the question.

@Kathy O Regan I hope you and your mum have fun.

And who knows, maybe mum will discover that she can walk all the way from Dun Laoghaire to Finisterre if she wants to

I'm in the same boat. Hi peregrino! I decided to visit madrid short notice.. I want to experience el camino for 2 days..I understand it's short but I'm not prepared for longer time. Any recommendations of where to start and weather. I'll be flying in to Madrid. 6.4 to 6.14

 

[Terechia]

Super thank you!!

Hi kathy.. how did it work out for you.. any suggestions for me. I'm going solo and haven't done too much research

 

[VNwalking]

how did it work out for you.. any suggestions for me.

She may not be around to answer, @Terechia , but never mind the research - just go to Santiago, bus to Arzua, and have a great time.
Buen Camino!

 

[Dorpie]

Hi @Terechia

Can you stretch to 3 days? For my first trip I walked from Santiago to Finisterre and that was a great way of getting a taste of the camino without spoiling the main event. It's a lovely walk and sunset at the coast is magical.

Buen Camino,

Rob.

 

[Terechia]

She may not be around to answer, @Terechia , but never mind the research - just go to Santiago, bus to Arzua, and have a great time.
Buen Camino!

If I'm coming from madrid..should I head to santiago or arzua

 

[Terechia]

Hi @Terechia

Can you stretch to 3 days? For my first trip I walked from Santiago to Finisterre and that was a great way of getting a taste of the camino without spoiling the main event. It's a lovely walk and sunset at the coast is magical.

Buen Camino,

Rob.

So going backwards? In el camino?

 

[VNwalking]

If I'm coming from madrid..should I head to santiago or arzua

It's easy to reach Santiago from Madrid by train.
And then Arzua is a quick bus trip away.
But I like Dorpje's idea - walk to Finisterre and take the bus back to Snatiago once you get there.

 

[Terechia]

So walk backwards from compostela yo finisterre and take bus back to madrid?

 

[Terechia]

So that's on opposite side of azura? So would I fly to santiago or where should I start at

 

[VNwalking]

@Terechia , please check it out with a map and it will all come clear.
There are 2 suggestions here:

1. Walk from Arzua to Santiago
2. Walk from Santiago to Finisterre.

 

[Dorpie]

@Terechia

The walk from Santiago to Finisterre is something apart from the main Camino. No-one (well nearly no-one) walks from Finisterre to Santiago but many people once they have arrived in Santiago choose to walk on to the coast. It has all the same things as the other caminos, albergues, yellow arrows marking the way and varied scenery, you can even collect stamps for a compostella, though this is not the same one as awarded in Santiago. The walk begins by heading down the stairs from the Cathedral Square and from there the path is well marked.

I think this has an advantage over some of the alternatives in that it's a complete route, it's not as crazy busy as the paths going towards Santiago and it may be easier to engage with your fellow pilgrims as "camino families" (the groups pilgrims often form) may be breaking up/changing/be more open to new people.

Once finished there are regular buses back to Santiago.

Whatever you choose.....Buen Camino,

Rob.

 

[Terechia]

@Terechia

The walk from Santiago to Finisterre is something apart from the main Camino. No-one (well nearly no-one) walks from Finisterre to Santiago but many people once they have arrived in Santiago choose to walk on to the coast. It has all the same things as the other caminos, albergues, yellow arrows marking the way and varied scenery, you can even collect stamps for a compostella, though this is not the same one as awarded in Santiago. The walk begins by heading down the stairs from the Cathedral Square and from there the path is well marked.

I think this has an advantage over some of the alternatives in that it's a complete route, it's not as crazy busy as the paths going towards Santiago and it may be easier to engage with your fellow pilgrims as "camino families" (the groups pilgrims often form) may be breaking up/changing/be more open to new people.

Once finished there are regular buses back to Santiago.

Whatever you choose.....Buen Camino,

Rob.

Thank u so much it makes great sense.. my nerves are starting and with it being so short notice..I appreciate all the help

 

[Terechia]

One more question . In order to receive stamp I have to do 50 km.. where would I start

 

[VNwalking]

In order to receive stamp I have to do 50 km.. where would I start

In order to receive a compostella you need to walk at least 100kms to Santiago.
If you are only walking 2 days never mind about that.

 

[Shaun-Castaneda-Rio]

Hello Kathy
Only a suggestion but if you can go from Melide to Santiago its some beautiful countryside you can have shade and sun, streams, (also rain depending when you walk )
There is a bus from the Airport that goes to Melide cost about 5 Euro and regular.
After next Monday we will be back at home in Castaneda and if you need any help just let us know.

By the way - It does not matter if you walk Two Months, Two weeks, Two days its your time and just enjoy it for what it is.

 

[Terechia]

In order to receive a compostella you need to walk at least 100kms to Santiago.
If you are only walking 2 days never mind about that.

That's true.. I'm going to follow your advice

 

[miguel_gp]

I have walked the Camino Ingles from Coruna in 2 days. They are long days 30+ and 40+ kms but a complete Camino. If a Compostela is important to you then you can combine the Ingles from Coruna with a previous 25km verified walk in your home country.
Whilst that is a practical answer to your question, I don't think that is a great way to walk the Camino Ingles or any other Camino for that matter. It is hard work and does not give much time to take in, photograph and enjoy your surroundings and to contemplate if that is important to you both.. I had very specific reasons and limited time for this choice, combining it with a walk out to Muxia and Finisterre but I have walked the route several times before so sacrificed some of the more enjoyable aspects for practicality.

 

[Terechia]

I'll

Hi @Terechia

Can you stretch to 3 days? For my first trip I walked from Santiago to Finisterre and that was a great way of getting a taste of the camino without spoiling the main event. It's a lovely walk and sunset at the coast is magical.

Buen Camino,

Rob.

I had planned on doing that but I get back late from barcelona. So I wouldn't get to santiago till after noon and my flight leaves early thursd..

 

[Terechia]

Is there a shorter route to finisterre? Or half way and take bus somewhere back to santiago

 

[Terechia]

I'm leaving 1st train out of madrid. Any late suggestions. I fly back thursd am