Hi all! I would really appreciate your help. I started my Camino in Leon and unfortunately injured my back (I think I pulled it
) so now I’m forced to wait and heal around Astoria for a couple of days, which means I will shorten my walk by 2 days to make it to Santiago in time. (Btw I wish I took it easier on the first day, I think I overdid it and regret it now). Any suggestions please as to what parts between Astorga and Santiago are “ok to skip” (if it’s been possible, by bus or car...?)? And what parts I should definitely not miss? Thank you so much.
As one who has walked three Caminos with a bad back (Bulging disc) I can sympathise.
Just turning the wrong way or bending to pick something without 'engaging' my back up can lock up my back, with no walking for a week!
As with all these things, have you sought professional medical advice? This of course is outstanding in Spain and often very low cost or free.
I have found Spanish Physios to be excellent at getting me moving again. And teaching a couple of relevant stretches to do!
And whilst I have no idea of your condition and am not a medical professional, I discovered for my own condition the answer was quite simple. Very strong pain killers, to keep me and the back muscles moving. The worst thing it seemed was to nurse it along and try not to move too much.......
Best of luck and I hope things work out OK for you.
As for skipping bits. You could taxi from Rabanal up to Foncebadon.
From there you could walk an easy 6-7 kms over the top past the Cruz de Fero.
Then at the coffee caravan past Monjardin, taxi down to Molineseca.
There are taxi signs all along the path there......
Certainly as
@dougfitz pointed out, the climb up to O Cebreiro is quite tough. A bit like Day 1 out of St Jean........ You taxi up that.
I would just work on getting yourself fixed up as best you can, and preparing yourself for the final stretch from Sarria. Which is all relatively flat in comparison. Just a couple of short hills.