El Camino Frances vs El Camino del Norte?

[Aspireworks]

Hey folks! I really wasn't sure where to post this question, so I've posted it into both the El Camino Frances section, and the El Camino del Norte section -- I hope that is alright!

First off, hi! My name is Connor Drake, and I'm planning my first Camino - Super excited! But I'm a bit stuck when it comes to settling on which camino to take.Both sound excellent, and I'm really torn! This is a difficult question to ask, because there are so many factors to consider.

I'm leaning towards beginning near the start of autumn, and I want a trail that offers some time with other pilgrims, but a fair amount of time to myself.

The Northern Way appeals to me because it tends to follow the coast (which I love), is less crowded, and is more challenging. On the other hand, I'm a bit concerned that I won't get anything but coastal views. I want forests and meadows as well. Will I get that on the Northern Way, or am I just looking at coastlines? (As a side question, I would like to end in Santiago de Compostela - Is that pretty impossible with this route? Or can you follow it further to Santiago?)
The French Way has its appeals and concerns as well, though. That seems to offer a wide range of scenery, but almost no coastlines. From what I read, it tends to be pretty crowded (though I think I'll be lessening that to some degree by going in Autumn). It also seems fairly touristy - More so, at least, than the Northern Way - which is a bit of a turn off for me.

This is a very broad question, I know! It was difficult to put into words, but I hope I've given you some idea of what I'm after! So, the long and short of it, what do you recommend, personally? I'd love to hear your stories, especially if you've traveled both!

 

[mralisn]

Hi Connor,

I have walked both routes: 2x CF, 1x CN. I will return to CN in 2014. I think you have considered extremely well. If I were you, I would do the CF first. I say first because it really is something special. I think a great way to start your Camino experience. I loved the CN and as you stated, it is more difficult, longer walks, less refugios, the temptation to stop and swim often, wonderful food! Eventually, the CN will come to join the CF, so you will walk right into SdC.

Keep in mind you can also switch routes fairly easily by bus if you wanted and you weren't feeling fulfilled.

I would recommend CF first, and then reward yourself with an entirely different experience the next time on the CN.

No matter which you choose, the Camino(s) will provide.

 

[zammy]

The Frances of course, for those who do it the first time.

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi Connor
Have walked both ways-also in October, 99% of people who have walked both will always say do the CF first.
the CF is a pilgrimage the Norte is a walk a very beautiful one which has its share of woods and meadows but a walk non the less also it is far far more of a tourist place than the CF,its on the coast tourists go on holiday there :roll:
I read from your other post that you are 21 and hope to more understand yourself as you walk, its a no-brainer Conner
I loved the Norte it gave me so much, but only because the CF opened my eyes and mind first.
have a great Camino Conner its your choice your Camino.
there a link to my blog below with pics of both
Ian

 

[Aspireworks]

Hey folks!

Thanks for the quick and thorough responses! I'm very impressed by the forums so far! After a great deal of research, all of your opinions certainly included, I am going to start off with the Camino Frances. I'm sure the Camino Norte won't be long behind, though!

 

[Tia Valeria]

Hi Connor

the CF is a pilgrimage the Norte is a walk a very beautiful one which has its share of woods and meadows but a walk non the less also it is far far more of a tourist place than the CF,its on the coast tourists go on holiday there :roll:
Ian

Sorry Ian but I disagree, the Norte is also pilgrimage with fellow pilgrims. The number of tourists will depend on the time of year, but in no way stop this being true pilgrimage. There are many really old sections of Camino and chapels at the old 'mid-day' points of the old Camino for saying the Angelus.

Welcome Connor,
I cannot see the post under the Norte section so will use this thread to point you to our blogs on the Camino. Also check out 'TerryB' for info and blog on the Norte between Santander and Oviedo and the Primitivo from there to Santiago.

Then see where your heart calls.

Buen Camino

 

[Sagalouts]

Sorry Ian but I disagree, the Norte is also pilgrimage with fellow pilgrims. The number of tourists will depend on the time of year, but in no way stop this being true pilgrimage. There are many really old sections of Camino and chapels at the old 'mid-day' points of the old Camino for saying the Angelus.

Welcome Connor,
I cannot see the post under the Norte section so will use this thread to point you to our blogs on the Camino. Also check out 'TerryB' for info and blog on the Norte between Santander and Oviedo and the Primitivo from there to Santiago.

Then see where your heart calls.

Buen Camino[/quote]

Hi Valerie
I stand chastised,on reflection I chose my words incorrectly ,of course the Norte is a Pilgrimage and a special place to you and Terry as it is for me.
its just having walked the Frances first it just felt more so
Ian

 

[Tia Valeria]

Freely forgiven Ian and thank you for such a public apology. I agree that the first Camino experience can be the one that speaks loudest, for you the Francés and us the Norte/Primitivo. So good that whichever Camino we walk we are all pilgrims together.
Buen next Camino

 

[AJ]

I have walked both routes: If I were you, I would do the CF first. I say first because it really is something special. I think a great way to start your Camino experience. I loved the CN and as you stated, it is more difficult, longer walks, less refugios, the temptation to stop and swim often, wonderful food! Eventually, the CN will come to join the CF, so you will walk right into SdC.

I would recommend CF first, and then reward yourself with an entirely different experience the next time on the CN.

I have done both too and I agree with mralisn

 

[cornishtim]

I have not walked the CF but completed the Norte last October and had a wonderful experience. The Way is varied and very beautiful - it reminded me of Cornwall where I live. There is coast (with the tourist spots) - but Bilbao and Santiago are also full of interest for the Pilgrim as well. My intention was to walk through Oviedo and the Primitivo but for reasons had to abort that part and continue on the coast. The Primitivo would certainly provide a challenge and the hills and valleys you also seek!
If anything the Way becomes more beautiful and varied as you leave the coast and turn inland for the final ten days of walking along the Norte. It is much less used than the CF which can become a sprint for beds I understand, especially in the high season. On the Norte there were very few Pilgrim walkers but I enjoyed the blessing of a lovely small 'pilgrim family' on the final stretch and for my stay in Santiago. I am sure that the experience will be wonderful whichever way you chose. Good walking.

 

[Tiffany1989]

Hello,

I am planning on walking the camino either may/June or august/September of 2016 so that it isn't too busy.

I wish to start at the camino del norte track and then switch to the camino de frances to gain part of this experience. Can you give me some tips on where it is best up switch and how to please.

Thank you.

Tiffany

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I am planning on walking the camino either may/June or august/September of 2016 so that it isn't too busy.

I wish to start at the camino del norte track and then switch to the camino de frances to gain part of this experience. Can you give me some tips on where it is best up switch and how to please.

May/June and August/September are both fairly busy times!

You can walk the Northern Route to connect to the Ruta Vadienses, which joins the Camino Frances at Mansilla de las Mulas. Getting from Unquera to Potes is not on a recognized camino. Expect an arduous connecting route! https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/ruta-vadiniense-guide-pdf.59/

You can take a bus to Leon from several points on the Northern Route including Oviedo.

 

[Diggeratpctcd]

I was perplexed about which route to take . I decided on going the Camino Frances in September and considering the Camino Norte in reverse from Compestella in October.

Flip flop Camino perhaps