Is it permissible to skip Sarria to Santiago?

[lequimper]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

No.

 

[SabsP]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

No. If you want to obtain the Compostela you will have to walk from Sarria on and get your two sellos per day.

 

[J Willhaus]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

No, you can't get a compostella if you skip the last 100 km. You can skip part of the middle, but not the last part.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I just finished reading the wonderful "Walking With Sam", actor/director Andrew McCarthy's memoir of walking his second Camino Francés with his 19-year-old son, where he talks about dreading the part of the walk between Sarria and Santiago - and how he partially circumvented the crowds by starting out earlier in the day, taking alternate paths where they presented themselves, and staying in towns other than the "usual" ones (I.e., Portomarin, Palais de Rei, Arzua, O Pedrouzo) recommended in most guides.

All of which is to say that there are ways of mitigating the crowds and scramble for accommodations along that stretch if you decide to walk it. Far from being the "least interesting" part of the walk, some of my fondest Camino memories and best walking buddies were made during those last few days. As wonderful as those first few days out of SJPP are, if you have limited time I'd consider starting later in the route (say, Logroño or even Burgos) and walking all the way to Santiago from there. Either way, whatever parts you decide to skip will still be waiting for you the next time you walk — which you probably will

 

[trecile]

The Compostela is a document that says that you walked to Santiago - if you skip the walk into Santiago you don't qualify.

 

[chunter]

The walk is full of celebration and , for me, quite emotional. Met lots of interesting people in those last stages too. Personally, I feel it is part of the experience but we areall different.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If by Burgos you see that you don't have time to finish the Camino in time there are a number of companies that will rent you a bicycle that you can returrn in León or maybe beyond. This gives you a few more days for walking and you still finish the Camino under your own power.

 

[kathyandthomas]

While the entire Frances route is wonderful, the excitement of finishing your walk by going down the stairs, past thr bagpiper and into the plaza facing the Cathedral can't be matched ( it just to me wouldn't seem the same to arrive from the train station.). And incidentally, Galicia is very pretty to walk through. My advice, find a way to make it work.

 

[ian&linda]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last

We walked the whole CF last year and Sarria to SDC was some of the most enjoyable walking. The Galician countryside is so beautiful. If you avoid the set stages you can still find some solitude, although Sarria to Portomarin was like doing the Camino on steroids!

 

[dougfitz]

I have walked to the tomb of the apostle along the four major approaches, ie from Ferrol, Sarria (from SJPP), Tui (from Lisbon) and Ourense. I know that there are people who find Sarria to SDC busy, and suggest it is boring. It is busy, but of all the ways I have walked, it is also the most vibrant and entertaining. It might be easier to have time for quiet contemplation about your pilgrimage on some of the less travelled routes, but that would would not deter me from walking it again. And the scenery, both urban and rural, while different to the earlier stretches of the CF, is hardly boring. Galicia is quite beautiful whichever route you arrive by.

 

[Frankybaby66]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

Not sure how much time you have. If you just don't want the Sarria - Compostela busyness you could just pick up the Camino Invierno at Ponferrada. You could skip a section after the Pyrenees to cater for the time you have available. That way, you get to walk over the Pyrenees, miss the section from Sarria, AND get a Compostela.
Happy planning!

 

[NicP]

Just wondering, but perhaps an equally good question to ask yourself is whether you really need the certificate (and why)?

 

[JustJack]

I found the section from Sarria to SDC to be as busy as I had feared, however I was quite surprised to find that when I stayed off-stage I often walked for hours without seeing another pilgrim, especially early in the morning. Some of my quietest mornings were between Sarria and Santiago, oddly enough. And this part of the camino is really beautiful. I'll walk it again happily.

It will be interesting to see how the crowds change when/if they change the compostela requirement to 200km instead of the current 100km. Will the crowds decrease because not as many are willing/able to walk 200km?
Personally I don't really understand the desire for a compostela, beyond a simple souvenir. But I understand it's important to some, for whatever reason.

 

[Tincatinker]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

By the time you depart St Jean for Roncesvalles you will already have missed the Pyrenees. They’re behind you, obscured by the rising sun as you set out. If you want to hike the Pyrenees you need to choose a different route with a different starting point and a different destination.

If you want to obtain a Compostela you only have to walk 100km into Santiago and obtain two stamps per day on your credencial. Some religious intent or “at least in a sense of search” used to be required but is by no means compulsory. Turning up with the requisite paperwork ought to do it.

Plan for a three or four day walk to Pamplona and busk it from there

 

[trecile]

It will be interesting to see how the crowds change when/if they change the compostela requirement to 200km instead of the current 100km

I think that this rule change is currently a pipe dream, and not anything to be concerned about.

 

[C clearly]

Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees.

I think this might be misguided reasoning! The 25 km part that goes "over the Pyrenees" is over in a day, and it won't be anything special if you have a foggy/cloudy day. The last 100 km takes you to Santiago, which is the culmination of the traditional pilgrimage. If you are mainly interested in a beautiful scenic hike in the mountains, there are many better routes and locations. If you are interested in the cultural experience of the Camino de Santiago, I think the last 100 km is more significant than the SJPP-Pamplona part.

 

[JustJack]

I think that this rule change is currently a pipe dream, and not anything to be concerned about.

It's not something I'm concerned about and I don't think it will impact me one way or another. However if I were to be given a vote on it, I'd vote to extend it to 200km. I'm looking at it from purely a business/tourism perspective, and it would be good to spread the wealth a bit, and have more small towns be able to reap the benefits of thousands of pilgrims walking through.

 

[J Willhaus]

@JustJack the compostela used to be something that demonstrated your ability to stick to something challenging. It also demonstrated committment. Young people used to put it on their resume'. I don't now if that is still the practice or not, but it is/was considered an important accomplishment.

 

[Tincatinker]

, and have more small towns be able to reap the benefits of thousands of pilgrims walking through.

Que? Can you offer up one town that benefits from those thousands? Last year there were passionate protests against the money “squandered” on pilgrim infrastructure when what the local people wanted was schools their children could get to without an hour bus ride. A health centre that didn’t require a two week wait and a taxi ride each way for their ageing parents and parks and recreational areas that weren’t splattered with excrement and half eaten food. Spreading the grief back along another 100km of impoverished rural communities may not win as many prizes as you might think

 

[dbeatriceb]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

You can walk the last 100km into Santiago from various locations. Sarria is not the only option. Take a look at the Sanabres, the Portugues, and the ingles— all enter Santiago from different points. I particularly liked starting the last 100km in Ourense. All the above are quieter than the Sarria to Santiago route. Once you get to Sarria you’d just need to find a bus or other transportation to a different starting point. Of course there is always the option of foregoing the Compostela altogether…

 

[Kasee]

You can walk the last 100km into Santiago from various locations. Sarria is not the only option. Take a look at the Sanabres, the Portugues, and the ingles— all enter Santiago from different points. I particularly liked starting the last 100km in Ourense. All the above are quieter than the Sarria to Santiago route. Once you get to Sarria you’d just need to find a bus or other transportation to a different starting point. Of course there is always the option of foregoing the Compostela altogether…

Also consider taking the Invierno from Ponferrada if you want to avoid the Sarria crowds.

 

[Simperegrina]

Que? Can you offer up one town that benefits from those thousands? Last year there were passionate protests against the money “squandered” on pilgrim infrastructure when what the local people wanted was schools their children could get to without an hour bus ride. A health centre that didn’t require a two week wait and a taxi ride each way for their ageing parents and parks and recreational areas that weren’t splattered with excrement and half eaten food. Spreading the grief back along another 100km of impoverished rural communities may not win as many prizes as you might think

I must admit I got a little hint of this from a lady serving me coffee in a bar in Furelos last month. I was chatting to her in Spanish about seasonal numbers for peregrinos, and she talked a little about special medical support available to peregrinos when locals can’t even get to see a doctor.

It’s not all unalloyed happiness and contentment.

 

[JustJack]

Que? Can you offer up one town that benefits from those thousands? Last year there were passionate protests against the money “squandered” on pilgrim infrastructure when what the local people wanted was schools their children could get to without an hour bus ride. A health centre that didn’t require a two week wait and a taxi ride each way for their ageing parents and parks and recreational areas that weren’t splattered with excrement and half eaten food. Spreading the grief back along another 100km of impoverished rural communities may not win as many prizes as you might think

Similar comments can be made about virtually every form of tourism. There's always a positive and negative side to it. I admit that the older I get the more I start to see the negative consequences, which is probably part of the reason I left the industry after so many years. But there are positives, and I don't think I'd have to look too hard to find locals that believe the influx of pilgrims is a positive force.

If the situation is in fact as bleak is you are suggesting, then perhaps everyone on this site should reconsider their decision to walk caminos in Spain.

 

[Tincatinker]

No, not for a moment. But perhaps the Xunta de Galicia should reconsider their priorities

 

[christy wharton]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

No.. it is for the last 100

 

[WGroleau]

Just wondering, but perhaps an equally good question to ask yourself is whether you really need the certificate (and why)?

Yes, good question. The credencial with all the sellos is sufficient evidence you walked, eh?
But then there’s that bit about sins being forgiven. Or have they removed that wording?

 

[Tincatinker]

But then there’s that bit about sins being forgiven.

Me, I’ve never sinned. But then my old guys wouldn’t even have a concept of sin, nor did Gran. There are parallels in the philosophies- “do right”,”do as you would be done by”, “do unto others…”, “don’t do what’s not done”.

I’ve got my Compostela, like my Cycling Proficiency and my Audit papers they’re evidence of an acknowledgement that I did something once: I doubt St Peter or my gatekeepers or anyone else’s are that bothered about the paperwork.

And all that said what you get the certificate for is collecting stamps. I expect to see a lot of happy philatelists on the other side

 

[Annw]

It's a beautiful walk full of energy, enthusiasm, and interesting peregrinos.

 

[Rita Flower]

Get to Ourense on the Sanabres for your last 100 km. it’s beautiful and not crowded. I see you might be short of time so you may need to skip a bit in the middle.
Buen Camino

 

[Kathar1na]

But then there’s that bit about sins being forgiven. Or have they removed that wording?

There was never any wording about sins being forgiven in the text of the Camino Compostela.

That indulgences and Camino Compostelas are two fundamentally different things has been explained many times before on the forum but equating the two is always still good for a joke. There are plenty of opportunities to inform oneself about the differences.

Here are some easy to remember characteristics:

Camino Compostelas are for everybody. Indulgences are only for Catholics.
Camino Compostelas are awarded for the physical effort of walking, biking, sailing, or riding on a horse. Indulgences don't require any walking, biking, sailing or riding on a horse.

Buen Camino to all.

PS: Edited to correct a spelling error.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TI

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

We have avoided that last 100 km for 11 years. We don't need another Compostela, it simply isn't worth the crowds, noise and......
Just not worth it.

 

[Levi]

We have avoided that last 100 km for 11 years. We don't need another Compostela, it simply isn't worth the crowds, noise and......
Just not worth it.

Well, maybe...maybe it's time to try it? Not always crowded, noisy....
and it is beautiful...and can be wonderful.
(I don't do the compostela thing either).

 

[Rita Flower]

As in life there are always bits of the Camino that are challenging. As much as I learn and experience when walking the quieter routes I also learn so much about myself when I walk among more people. Not always pleasant but always growth promoting.
I am planning my second Francés after 18 years - it’s taken that long partly because of all the stories about the crowds. After talking to many recent Francés walkers I hear that it is possible to find some solitude on the Francés. I am still wondering about the last 100 km.
Am I like the meditating hermit who comes down from their mountain cave only to yell at the first person who bumps them in the market place - or can I maintain my serenity even amongst the crowds. I would like to find out more about myself in this setting.
And maybe others have more sense than me or don’t need that learning any more - and sensibly find a more gentle way into Santiago.
Buen Camino to us all

 

[J Willhaus]

Really, I did not find it so bad. There are ways to avoid the crowds in June and of course in January, the Camino was pretty much deserted.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

The two ways of "skipping" that section after the rest of the Francès would be to walk from Sarria to either Lugo or Monforte de Lemos -- as walking from either town to Compostela on respectively the Primitivo or the Invierno would qualify you for the Compostela. There's the Invierno from Ponferrada too.

The Compostela is not a certificate for hiking, it's a religious document to state that you have accomplished a pilgrimage. And, given the 100K distance required for it, that means that you must demonstrate having walked at least that far to the Cathedral, i.e. the final 100K and not several 100K in some other parts of Spain.

If you have not enough time to walk from SJPP to Santiago, given that a continuous foot pilgrimage has certain advantages, I will always recommend to those with time limits to start from a point closer to Santiago than SJPP.

 

[trecile]

The Compostela is not a certificate for hiking,

Thank you for pointing this out!

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I know pilgrims can just walk the last 100 km from Sarria to gain the certificate, but is it possible to walk from SJPP to Sarria, then skip straight to SdC and still qualify? Partly to avoid what looks like the busiest and possibly least interesting section. Also cos I am short of time and would rather miss the last 100 km than the first 100 over the Pyrenees. TIA.

nope

 

[WGroleau]

There was never any wording about sins being forgiven in the text of the Camino Compostela.

Since I've never had one, nor read anyone else's, I just took their word for it.