how busy in late may to mid june ?

[amykate]

I am going to walk a camino this year late may to mid June. I have been thinking about this for years and had always thought that i would do Camino Frances, however, i now have to go later in the year than originally planned .I don't like the idea of walking in convoy as i believe it might be on the Frances but i would like to meet other people as i will be travelling alone. How busy is the Primitivo likely to be at this point of the year ? can you give me some idea of balance between busy/quiet ?
Also, i am going to be doing some training,is it realistic to do the whole route to Finisterre from Oviedo in 15 days?
Thanks
looking forward to my big adventure.

 

[sillydoll]

Oviedo to Lugo is about 285 km and from there to Santiago is another 110km. The Santiago to Fistera route is about 90km. 485km in 15 days (33km per day) could be pushing it - especially the Primitivo section.

I walked the Camino Frances twice in 2011 - in May/June and September - and can't recall having to walk in convoy at any stage. It does get busier closer to Santiago so the Melide - to Santiago 53km stretch could be crowded and the walk to Finisterre will also be crowded.

Perhaps you could get a bus to el Ferrol when you reach Lugo and walk to Santiago from there. The Camino Ingles is has virtually no crowds and when I walked it a couple of years ago we didn't see even one other pilgrim.

 

[amykate]

Thanks for this. I could probably do the distance if I pushed i but I think I would rather have some spare time to rest or to take it a bit easier and enjoy the experience. I think i will go back to the original idea of Camino Frances. thank you

 

[jurissuits]

Hi,
I wouldn't say I'm an expert but if I was in your shoes I'd choose Primitivo. I made the last part of Frances in early May 2010 (Sarria - Santiago) and it was quite crowded. The only way one can avoid crowds is to start very early (a bit before 7 a.m. you could be the only one on the road..). But you can save a couple of days by going to Finisterra by bus (as me and my colleague did). Anyway the official Camino ends in Santiago, however Finisterre is an additional option. Those burning shoes and clothes is nice view but I don't know if it is worth walking another three days to get there.
Juris

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, amykate,

I won't tell you which route to choose, but let me just say that the Primitivo in late May to mid-June is not likely to be terribly crowded, but likely to have a nice group of pilgrims on it. I walked from Oviedo to Santiago this past June in 12 days. Several years ago I walked it in 11 days. Very few people walk it in fewer days, in my experience. Technically that would give you time to walk the 3 extra days to Finisterre or Muxia.

I LOVE the Camino Primitivo! Buen camino,Laurie