How isolated in September/October?

[Brigidam]

I walked all the French way 3 times, and I would like to do the half Via de la Plata, from Salamanca or Merida from about The 8'th of September. But I am a bit worried about a few things I've read.

1 - The long stretches between the albergues, without any cafés or places to take a break. I read somewhere that you can't even find a stone or anything to sit and rest. I can't walk much more than 25 km a day.

2 - I have also read that you sometimes find yourself being the only pilgrim in the albergues. I like to walk alone, but I also like to meet others sometimes, on the way and in the albergues.

3 - Paved road walking.

I would like to hear the experience from you who walked this part of the Via de la Plata in September/October.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I was hospitalera on the Via de la Plata a few times and I assure you there will be fellow travelers in Sept. and at least early October. The summer heat drives most pilgrims to walk in either Spring or Autumn. There's always a chance you will be alone a night or two, but solitude is an important part of the "alternative camino" experience.

 

[Luka]

I am almost sure you will meet other pilgrims every day in September / October. About the distances, it is true that some stretches are long and most days there are no facilities in between stages. I have always found places to rest. A stone, a bench and sometimes just a field or a tree. Because the N630 is always near, a lot of villages are reachable by bus. This might be an alternative for the few stages above 25 kms.

 

[gracethepilgrim]

It's not as bad as it's reputation After all, I'm doing it for the second time in a few weeks. Why don't you consider starting from Sevilla. The South of Spain is gorgeous and quite different to the CF. Just a thought cheers grace


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[Brigidam]

I really would like to start from Sevilla, but I wouldn't be able to walk more than 25 km. a day. And I don't like the idea of having to take a taxi. By the way, isn't it still quite hot when you start this month?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

This site is one of the better ones for graphically illustrating distances and accommodations:

http://www.gronze.com/camino-de-santiago/caminos/guia-de-la-via-de-la-plata

 

[Brigidam]

Thanks a lot for the info.

30-37 km. will be more than I can walk. I've been trying to find out if there are any alternative accommodations on these long stretches, but I haven't found any yet. I thought maybe there are some hostels that are not to be found on the internet, i.e. without websites. Does anyone no about this?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Gronze site shows intermediate points, and there seem to be some for every long segment. The result may be two days that are too short!

 

[Brigidam]

Yes, you are right.
According to the Gronze site (great site) there are albergues or hostals between the long segments. Then I wonder why there is so much talking about the very long walks on the Via de la Plata on this forum. It has kept me from doing it. Till now. I think I'll just buy a ticket to Madrid and start walking from Salamanca (beginning of September) and see for myself. I know you never know when an albergue is suddenly closed, or if there is a bed. However, I believe I'll manage somehow.
Thank you very much for the info!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

According to the Gronze site (great site) there are albergues or hostals between the long segments. Then I wonder why there is so much talking about the very long walks on the Via de la Plata on this forum.

People get locked into the suggested stages???

 

[Brigidam]

Maybe. Who knows? I'm excited to find out on my way.

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Hi Brigidam,
I never had a problem and only 2 long days but by then I was really accostomed to the walking. There are more options on these stretches now. I actually prepared less for the VdlP than the CF and had no problems. (I’m over 50!)
I was also worried about the ‘hype’ (long stages, less accommodation) before I embarked but really found no issue.
You can read my (very old) blog here if you have time http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/30699/
Cheers, Grace

 

[Brigidam]

Thank you, Grace! I´ll read your blog. I´m glad to hear that you didn't have problems with long stretches. That - and the Gronze site - gave me a lot more courage. I'm aware that the VdlP is very different from the CF. I see that the cafés and groceries are few on the VdlP. I'll just carry more food and water on the VdlP. I chose to do the last part, from Salamanca, because I got the impression from this forum that the first part has more and longer and more deserted stretches. I don't know if I got that right. Besides, I don't have time enough to do all the way this year. Maybe I will next year. However, now I'm looking forward to start walking in the beginning of next month.
I wish you all the best on your way.