Could I use a buggy/stroller on the Santiago to Finisterre route?

[Mhcamino]

Hi I completed the French route in 2021 but would love to walk the last few days to Finisterre. This time I will have a 7/8 month old baby with us. What is the terrain like? Could I use a walking buggy/stroller or would I need to carry him in a carrier everyday?

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Hi I completed the French route in 2021 but would love to walk the last few days to Finisterre. This time I will have a 7/8 month old baby with us. What is the terrain like? Could I use a walking buggy/stroller or would I need to carry him in a carrier everyday?

I estimate that about 45% of the route is by natural pathways, through woodland, fields etc,. quite hilly in spots.. perhaps you could do a push and carry depending on the terrain?....be careful....

 

[CTLawGal]

Having just completed Santiago to Finisterre (and Muxia) in May, my recollection is that there was a fair amount of paved roads along the route and that many of the unpaved paths could possibly be covered with a stroller, but as noted there are some hilly spots. The first part of stage leaving Santiago is probably not well suited to a stroller as I recall the terrain through the woods as being more uneven. So a combination of both is likely necessary, but a carrier is likely not needed for long stretches where the stroller can handle the terrain (I would think larger wheels with a thick tread would be better than most “travel” strollers for this purpose, but you may want to try yours on uneven paths to see how well it works). Also, at 7/8 months you’ll need to know that your baby’s neck is strong enough at that age to support his/her head while being in a carrier for extended periods over rough terrain and might want to consider checking with your pediatrician about how long an infant can remain in a carrier and if any precautions needed to make sure the baby stays well hydrated.

 

[Mhcamino]

Thank you so much for your honest replies. These are all things I will need to consider as babies safetly is foremost importance. If I feel it isn't doable I won't go

 

[LTfit]

And to add, there is a steep downhill after Corcubión which is definately not suited for a stroller.

 

[CWBuff]

I most certainly DO NOT knock down what everyone said above. I will absolutely agree that departure from SdC going uphill and that descend after Corcubión into See will present, shall I say, challenges (plus IIRC the Negreira - Olveida stage, however you decide to walk and\or break it down, has its share of ups and downs).

That said during my Francés walk I came across a German couple with 3months old - we did Pyrenees together, last I saw them was IIRC in Los Arcos, then I moved on forward; and an American couple with a 4yo and a 6mo old shortly before La Faba - so the Famous O'Cebreiro asend
Both couples were using buggy/strollers and both made Santiago... and IMHO the challenges of Camino Finisterre pail in comparison

And THAT SAID, ultimately it's your decision all in all considering

Good luck and Buen Camino