Must stop places VdlP

[AJGuillaume]

In our confinement, we're planning 2021. There's nothing better than to look ahead and hopefully, turn dreams into reality.
We are tossing between walking the Caminho Português, which we were going to walk this year and for which we have a plan, and the VdlP.
For a number of reasons, mainly health ones (one of us can't walk long distances), we like to plan ahead and book. We know that removes a lot of the flexibility, but it gives us certainty, and the planning by asking questions on this forum allows us to factor in what otherwise flexibility would give us.
Such as places where we should stay more than an overnight.
We have already planned more than an overnight in Salamanca, and we have visited Sevilla and look forward to exploring more that beautiful city.
So the question is: where else would you recommend we spend more time (as in a day or two) on the VdlP and the Sanabrés?
Our plan is to start on or around 19 April 2021.
Thank you in advance!
Buen Camino!
Andrew and Rachel
P.S.: expect more questions about how to shorten otherwise long stages on the VdlP!

 

[C clearly]

where else would you recommend we spend more time (as in a day or two) on the VdlP

On the VDLP (I haven't walked the Sanabres), you really should plan an extra day in Merida, in addition to Seville and Salamanca.

 

[OzAnnie]

@AJGuillaume said:
" where else would you recommend we spend more time (as in a day or two) on the VdlP "

On the VDLP (I haven't walked the Sanabres), you really should plan an extra day in Merida, in addition to Seville and Salamanca.

I agree with @C clearly - Sevilla and Merida... imo need time, so much to see.. Other places that have lots to see are Zamora and Caceres.. Zamora has some beautiful photo ops.. If you arrive late and tired... you'll miss out.

 

[P Rat]

Definitely Merida, Caceres and Zamora! You won't regret.
And if you are spending the night in Fuente de Cantos there is lovely private accomodation. I have to appeal to OzAnnie for the name, or get back to you when I find it. But is was really lovely, washing could be handed over to the owner, nice relaxing setting and breakfast included. (Annie, help me out??)
Do not miss the donativo albergue at Fuenteroble.
Then for for one of the last nights I can really recommend Palazo de Galegos, boutique winery (Vedra,near) Oteiro if I remember well. A bit more to pay compared to a lot of other private rooms but was very worthwhile. Off course I don't know what you'll be looking for...
Overload of info, hope it helps. The VDLP is just beautiful!
Buen Camino

 

[Rebekah Scott]

If you can't walk long distances, you may want to reconsider walking the VdeP.

 

[murraydv]

Andrew and Rachel. That is certainly something to look forward to. Having done the VdlP, I would thoroughly recommend it. A few observations.
1, The VdlP is long, very long with a few long stretches. I agree with the towns / cities mentioned above also but, inevitably, you will have the odd occasion where you will feel the need to rest up that little bit longer and will likely have a few unplanned two night stays.
2. April is a nice month but you will likely be walking well into May. The VdlP is hot, it can be very hot in mid to late May. You need to be prepared for that heat, mentally as well as physically, especially if there are health challenges.
3. The VdlP is a relatively quiet Camino. There will be days when you will not meet other people along the way. I had that experience many times and, while it suited me, it doesn’t work for everyone.
4. As well as Albergues and hostels, there are some lovely quaint places to stay along the route if you feel like treating yourselves now and again.

I would go back to the VdlP in a heartbeat and I know that I will do it again some day. Just be well prepared for the conditions.
Buen Camino
Dave.

 

[malingerer]

If you can't walk long distances, you may want to reconsider walking the VdeP.

Please do NOT reconsider! Use buses, taxis etc to fill in the gaps you cant walk and keep on truckin the bits you can! Over a number of years admittedly I traversed Spain from Malaga to Bilbao doing just that! It was fantastic even tho the veedlepee bits tried to kill me on a number of occasions! I was only 65 when I first started camino (The Frances) and am now 82. So far, I still prefer the VDLP over the Frances and the Portuguese routes mainly because I like to avoid the crowds. I have even designed and built my own hip-belt trailer so's I can carry a tarp and extra water for sleeping out. Once I can acquire the wealth and the virus doesn't clog up my health I shall be off to re-do from Salamanca to Astorga. Ya gotta try the chocolate

Walk soft and stay safe.

The Malingerer.

PS If you get bored you can always read my poetry!

 

[OzAnnie]

And if you are spending the night in Fuente de Cantos there is lovely private accomodation. I have to appeal to OzAnnie for the name, or get back to you when I find it. But is was really lovely, washing could be handed over to the owner, nice relaxing setting and breakfast included. (Annie, help me out??)
Do not miss the donativo albergue at Fuenteroble.

Pat, In Fuente de Cantos the name of the accommodation you’re trying to recall is: Apartamentos El Zaguán de la plata.
It’s in ‘gronze’. Pics below.
Vdlp has it all. Springtime is magical for flowers.

 

[OzAnnie]

Andrew and Rachel
Also; if you’ve already visited Sevilla you may have checked out ‘Italica’ the Roman ruins at Santiponce on the outskirts of the city. If not - take a leisurely start from Sevilla in the morning and possibly book the accommodation ‘Anfiteatro Romano’ which is across the road from these Roman ruins. An easy first day.
If you haven’t watched Sara Dooma’s Vlog on Vdlp yet. As you’ve got time on your hands now - check it out. Sara stayed in there in ‘Anfiteatro Romano ‘.

Annie

 

[Deleted member 73526]

We have already planned more than an overnight in Salamanca, and we have visited Sevilla and look forward to exploring more that beautiful city.
So the question is: where else would you recommend we spend more time (as in a day or two) on the VdlP and the Sanabrés?

I suggest that you review this thread for ideas:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/suggestion-on-specific-towns-along-vdlp-for-spending-an-extra-day.32679/#post-669385

(In fact, I suggest that you hit the "report" link at the bottom of this post and ask a moderator to merge the two threads - then start a new one for questions about walking distances.

P.S.: expect more questions about how to shorten otherwise long stages on the VdlP!

If you start a separate thread for this question (or find an existing thread on the same topic and add it there), you'll build a resource for everyone who's interested in this topic, rather than a discussion that's specific to your camino.

 

[Damienw]

Pat, In Fuente de Cantos the name of the accommodation you’re trying to recall is: Apartamentos El Zaguán de la plata.
It’s in ‘gronze’. Pics below.
Vdlp has it all. Springtime is magical for flowers.

That was our room ! They were renovating last spring so we had dash across the courtyard for the
Bathroom! And the small swimming pool which was very bracing in March after the long walk up the mountain from Monesterio ! Very palatial and grande entrance and lobby!

 

[Damienw]

in my opinion I think the best time to walk the Vdlp is in March. The prettiest flowers and warmest days are just bearable in the south below Salamanca. That long roman road to torremejia in particular would be an absolute killer in any warmer month. The rest is a mere walk in the park ! We were very lucky to have walked into Sdc from Outeiro on Easter Friday morning to witness all the parades and processions through to Easter Monday. That was priceless !

 

[P Rat]

Pat, In Fuente de Cantos the name of the accommodation you’re trying to recall is: Apartamentos El Zaguán de la plata.
It’s in ‘gronze’. Pics below.
Vdlp has it all. Springtime is magical for flowers.

That was the one! Lovely. Rooms or shared accommodation available.

 

[C clearly]

If you can't walk long distances, you may want to reconsider walking the VdeP.

Definitely you should consider, but I think it is very do-able by people who don't want long distances - assuming that "long" means more than 30 km. If "long" is more than 25 km, then it gets more difficult. Also, there is a difference between "don't want" and "can't" and you need to understand where you lie. You seem to be two people, so the loneliness factor and concern for being alone in difficult circumstances should be taken care of. If you carry a phone, enjoy a challenge, and are flexible with your plans, there should be no problem to organize most of your days under 25 km. It is helpful if one of you is functional in Spanish.

Here is a thread from 2 years ago that has some good suggestions. In post #41, for example, I have suggested some ways to shorten the stages that often said to be too long. The secret is to have time - you cannot walk the same distance in shorter stages, without taking more days!

 

[AJGuillaume]

If you can't walk long distances, you may want to reconsider walking the VdeP.

This statement makes me realise that I should have worded my query differently, and clearly separated the issue of "long" stages from the request for lovely places to stay longer and rest.

So my thanks to all the forum members who have already suggested places where more than an overnight would be warranted, and to @Raggy for indicating that there was already a thread on the subject (I obviously wasn't chosing the right keywords in my search of the forum).

As for the "long" stages: anything up to 20 to 25km per day would be ok, and stages such as 30 to 35km would be out of the question, in particular as Correos only offers its Paq Mochila service on the Sanabrés. In another thread, I will offer my planned itinerary for comments and scrutiny.

Thank you to @C clearly and @malingerer for confirming we should consider the VdlP, and the encouragement of all the other members of this forum.

I will also follow @Raggy 's suggestion and ask the moderators of the forum to merge this thread (if they see fit) with https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-for-spending-an-extra-day.32679/#post-669385

And as @C clearly nicely pointed out: "The secret is to have time". Fortunately, once we can start walking again, that is something we have: plenty of time!

¡Gracias por su ayuda!
¡Buen Camino!

 

[happymarkos]

Please do NOT reconsider! Use buses, taxis etc to fill in the gaps you cant walk and keep on truckin the bits you can! Over a number of years admittedly I traversed Spain from Malaga to Bilbao doing just that! It was fantastic even tho the veedlepee bits tried to kill me on a number of occasions! I was only 65 when I first started camino (The Frances) and am now 82. So far, I still prefer the VDLP over the Frances and the Portuguese routes mainly because I like to avoid the crowds. I have even designed and built my own hip-belt trailer so's I can carry a tarp and extra water for sleeping out. Once I can acquire the wealth and the virus doesn't clog up my health I shall be off to re-do from Salamanca to Astorga. Ya gotta try the chocolate

Walk soft and stay safe.

The Malingerer.

PS If you get bored you can always read my poetry!

Would love to see your hip belt trailer as my weight carrying is also now restricted.
Thank you
Mark

 

[malingerer]

 

[malingerer]

View attachment 73462

here tis! axle and wheels off a " yummy mummy's sports buggy" She kept the baby and I got the buggy which I promptly chopped for bits! the poles are my Terra nova unipods . The cross struts are broom handles cut down and held to poles with screws and clamps. (Jubilee clips ) (jubilee clips are screwed to broom handles) The rucksack is my Deuter 40+10. Whilst it is a faff to assemble for first run it comes down in a few minutes for field trip i.e. poles just unlock from each section, ruck unclips, wheels are quick release and it all goes in a medium holdall! Esmeralda bless her is Mk ii and Mki was the original chassis of the buggy. It is unbelievably light and strong. You can of course buy these things commercially and Radical Design are brilliant. Esme takes all the weight and is almost unnoticeable when striding along. The tyres are pneumatic which I prefer. There are also older threads on this forum. Have fun! Buen camino whichever way you go.

Walk soft and stay safe.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

here tis! axle and wheels off a " yummy mummy's sports buggy" She kept the baby and I got the buggy which I promptly chopped for bits! the poles are my Terra nova unipods . The cross struts are broom handles cut down and held to poles with screws and clamps. (Jubilee clips ) (jubilee clips are screwed to broom handles) The rucksack is my Deuter 40+10. Whilst it is a faff to assemble for first run it comes down in a few minutes for field trip i.e. poles just unlock from each section, ruck unclips, wheels are quick release and it all goes in a medium holdall! Esmeralda bless her is Mk ii and Mki was the original chassis of the buggy. It is unbelievably light and strong. You can of course buy these things commercially and Radical Design are brilliant. Esme takes all the weight and is almost unnoticeable when striding along. The tyres are pneumatic which I prefer. There are also older threads on this forum. Have fun! Buen camino whichever way you go.

Walk soft and stay safe.

The Malingerer.

forgot to add that hip belt harness I bought from an outdoor shop but again can be cobbled up no problem.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

forgot to add that hip belt harness I bought from an outdoor shop but again can be cobbled up no problem.

The malingerer.

and this is her stripped down! Not a lot of her but all essential and workable. carabiners on harness belt hook onto loops on poles. Yellow bits on ends of poles are day glo bands to give me a bit of security when walking in early hours!

Take care and vaya con dios.

The malingerer.

 

[peregrina2000]

This statement makes me realise that I should have worded my query differently, and clearly separated the issue of "long" stages from the request for lovely places to stay longer and rest.

So my thanks to all the forum members who have already suggested places where more than an overnight would be warranted, and to @Raggy for indicating that there was already a thread on the subject (I obviously wasn't chosing the right keywords in my search of the forum).

As for the "long" stages: anything up to 20 to 25km per day would be ok, and stages such as 30 to 35km would be out of the question, in particular as Correos only offers its Paq Mochila service on the Sanabrés. In another thread, I will offer my planned itinerary for comments and scrutiny.

Thank you to @C clearly and @malingerer for confirming we should consider the VdlP, and the encouragement of all the other members of this forum.

I will also follow @Raggy 's suggestion and ask the moderators of the forum to merge this thread (if they see fit) with https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-for-spending-an-extra-day.32679/#post-669385

And as @C clearly nicely pointed out: "The secret is to have time". Fortunately, once we can start walking again, that is something we have: plenty of time!

¡Gracias por su ayuda!
¡Buen Camino!

Just an idea for you AJ, maybe once you come up with your tentative itinerary and plans, you might want to do a day by day “virtual Vdlp” much like @C clearly has done for the Sanabrés. If you posted one day at a time, many of us could join in and comment on the particular stage, things to do and see, recommended tweaks and detours, etc etc.

I have really enjoyed the Virtual Sanabrés and would love going back to the beginning in Sevilla and moving on from there.

 

[amancio]

When talking about a day or two off in the Vía de la Plata, the typical names spring to mind (in order of preference in my case)

Salamanca (to me, the most stunning monumental city in Spain, and I come from Granada!)
Zamora
Cáceres
Mérida

But you might also find some quaint little place that you just love for whatever reason, you can always simply stay there one extra day. In my case, I would consider places like Zafra, Baños de Montemayor (with lots of SPAS apparently), Galisteo by a cool river, Real de la Jara... all those are places where I would have gladly stayed longer
In any case, Buen Camino!!!

 

[makingtrax]

In our confinement, we're planning 2021. There's nothing better than to look ahead and hopefully, turn dreams into reality.
We are tossing between walking the Caminho Português, which we were going to walk this year and for which we have a plan, and the VdlP.
For a number of reasons, mainly health ones (one of us can't walk long distances), we like to plan ahead and book. We know that removes a lot of the flexibility, but it gives us certainty, and the planning by asking questions on this forum allows us to factor in what otherwise flexibility would give us.
Such as places where we should stay more than an overnight.
We have already planned more than an overnight in Salamanca, and we have visited Sevilla and look forward to exploring more that beautiful city.
So the question is: where else would you recommend we spend more time (as in a day or two) on the VdlP and the Sanabrés?
Our plan is to start on or around 19 April 2021.
Thank you in advance!
Buen Camino!
Andrew and Rachel
P.S.: expect more questions about how to shorten otherwise long stages on the VdlP!

Merrida is amazing and a couple of days there is required to really visit all the sites.

 

[Delphinoula]

I have not walked that far yet on the la plata, but I would like to see Badajoz. It’s a sidestep And I might take a bus if available just to say I‘ve been there.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I have not walked that far yet on the la plata, but I would like to see Badajoz. It’s a sidestep And I might take a bus if available just to say I‘ve been there.

Scroll down to "Mérida >> Lisboa >> Cabo da Roca >> Cascais 10 jours de marche" on the page below. Links lead to diary entries on Pierre-Louis' Facebook page:

Almería -> Cabo da Roca | Ligne de Partage

lpe-asso.org

 

[AJGuillaume]

Just an idea for you AJ, maybe once you come up with your tentative itinerary and plans, you might want to do a day by day “virtual Vdlp” much like @C clearly has done for the Sanabrés. If you posted one day at a time, many of us could join in and comment on the particular stage, things to do and see, recommended tweaks and detours, etc etc.

I have really enjoyed the Virtual Sanabrés and would love going back to the beginning in Sevilla and moving on from there.

Hello Laurie,

That is an excellent idea, although the way we walk, and the way I think I might be able to break the stages down, I think it would take us 60 days...
Or I was thinking of sharing my proposed stages, and then let the plan be scrutinised, and members of this forum comment. I might do that, as @Raggy suggested, by adding it to the thread where @C clearly lists her stages: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/questions-about-via-de-la-plata.57546/#post-682192

The idea of doing a virtual VdlP is appealing...
Thank you Laurie!

 

[peregrina2000]

I think it would take us 60 days...

I don’t think any of us are going anywhere in the next 60 days, but if you’re in a rush you could post two days at a time.

 

[AJGuillaume]

I don’t think any of us are going anywhere in the next 60 days, but if you’re in a rush you could post two days at a time.

You are so right, Laurie!
Ok, tomorrow (Australia time), I'll start our first stage.
I'm looking forward to this!!

 

[peregrina2000]

You are so right, Laurie!
Ok, tomorrow (Australia time), I'll start our first stage.
I'm looking forward to this!!

Having seen a couple of your other very detailed itineraries, I am sure this will be a great help for people who want to walk the Vdlp but who also want to keep the kms down. And there is a whole army of veterans who are poised to jump in with what we hope will be helpful comments, but which are also in many ways just opportunities for us to go back over our own memories of this glorious camino. And that is a very nice distraction in these times, so thanks AJ.

 

[Delphinoula]

just about. 9 km away from Sevillia is Italika as above mentioned, it’s a easy walk out of the City I followed the river and then over the bridge. Across from the entrance of the excavation there is a very nice restaurant. You could walk there and then take a bus back to Sevillia and then start the next leg from Italika again, I was there when the Museum was closed , so maybe inform yourself before you go. It’s sure worth maybe reading up on it and see how this was the center of the world.
If you have not read anything from Washington Irving please do it will bring the royal palace in Sevilla to life.

 

[PaulG]

As well as the places mentioned, at Oriense on the Camino Sanabrés you can enjoy the hot springs. There's little tourist train you can catch out and back again. I also spent an extra night in Mérida to see all the Roman ruins and museum and Salamanca to soak up the atmosphere.

 

[Chris Aston]

Andrew and Rachel. That is certainly something to look forward to. Having done the VdlP, I would thoroughly recommend it. A few observations.
1, The VdlP is long, very long with a few long stretches. I agree with the towns / cities mentioned above also but, inevitably, you will have the odd occasion where you will feel the need to rest up that little bit longer and will likely have a few unplanned two night stays.
2. April is a nice month but you will likely be walking well into May. The VdlP is hot, it can be very hot in mid to late May. You need to be prepared for that heat, mentally as well as physically, especially if there are health challenges.
3. The VdlP is a relatively quiet Camino. There will be days when you will not meet other people along the way. I had that experience many times and, while it suited me, it doesn’t work for everyone.
4. As well as Albergues and hostels, there are some lovely quaint places to stay along the route if you feel like treating yourselves now and again.

I would go back to the VdlP in a heartbeat and I know that I will do it again some day. Just be well prepared for the conditions.
Buen Camino
Dave.

Like many on this thread I loved the VdlP. I walked it this time last year and will walk it again someday. One place I would recommend is make the effort to get to is Caparra, if just for the photo opportunity at the Caparra Arch. For me bypassing Caparra would be like bypassing the Cruz de Ferro on the CF. I walked from Carcaboso to Asturias that day. The book said 28km, my GPS watch said closer to 31.

There are ways to do it in shorter bites. Also consider taxis or pick ups from Asturias. Oz Annie found a clever way to visit the ruins. It is an enjoyable day's walk. Good luck with your venture.
PS I totally agree re visiting Merida, Caceres and Salamanca.

 

[Delphinoula]

Since this all in front of me some day . Do you have maybe a small pic to wet the apetide?

 

[AJGuillaume]

One place I would recommend is make the effort to get to is Caparra, if just for the photo opportunity at the Caparra Arch. For me bypassing Caparra would be like bypassing the Cruz de Ferro on the CF. I walked from Carcaboso to Asturias that day. The book said 28km, my GPS watch said closer to 31.

There are ways to do it in shorter bites. Also consider taxis or pick ups from Asturias. Oz Annie found a clever way to visit the ruins. It is an enjoyable day's walk. Good luck with your venture.

Thank you @Chris Aston !
The Roman ruins of Cáparra seem to be directly on the VdlP, so we'll make sure not to miss them. My plan is to stay at Oliva de Plasencia, so we should only be about 7km from Cáparra. I'll check out @OzAnnie 's clever way to visit the ruins.
¡Buen Camino!

 

[alexwalker]

Thank you @Chris Aston !
The Roman ruins of Cáparra seem to be directly on the VdlP, so we'll make sure not to miss them. My plan is to stay at Oliva de Plasencia, so we should only be about 7km from Cáparra. I'll check out @OzAnnie 's clever way to visit the ruins.
¡Buen Camino!

The Roman theatre in Merida. But there is much more to be seen in Merida.

theatre merida - Google Search

:

 

[Chris Aston]

Since this all in front of me some day . Do you have maybe a small pic to wet the apetide?

I loved the setting. The gate has 4 arches, 2 north south and 2 east west. It was an old Roman trading site. If required, the are toilets and a vending machine dispensing cold drinks if you turn right at the arch and walk through the remaining ruins. Shelter out of the sun for a food stop!

 

[camino07]

We phoned Hostal Asturias from there and they had to do two runs as there was 13 of us. Great historical Centre and also comfortable Hostal with great food. 4 of us got a lift to Aldeneuva next morning and walked to the excellent Albergue at the entry to Calzada de Bejar.

 

[OzAnnie]

Thank you @Chris Aston !
The Roman ruins of Cáparra seem to be directly on the VdlP, so we'll make sure not to miss them. My plan is to stay at Oliva de Plasencia, so we should only be about 7km from Cáparra. I'll check out @OzAnnie 's clever way to visit the ruins.
¡Buen Camino!

We phoned Hostal Asturias from there and they had to do two runs as there was 13 of us. Great historical Centre and also comfortable Hostal with great food. 4 of us got a lift to Aldeneuva next morning and walked to the excellent Albergue at the entry to Calzada de Bejar.

I’m not sure what @Chris Aston means ? about a clever way to visit the arch?
I walked directly there - at one point I crossed a sealed road ... arrow pointing straight across the road takes you to the arch. Wow. The excavations and centre etc are on the right from the arch.
Backtrack to where I crossed the sealed road. ....there is an arrow pointing to right (that is walk along the sealed road to Oliva de Placencia.
I did not take that route as I had booked at Hostal Asturias .. after looking around the Caparra arch and historical excavations area. I waited there (at the car park of the centre) for a pick up to take me to Hostal Asturias... it only took approx 7 minutes I think. I was the only person collected on that run. I Food and accommodation were good.
I remember the group chat that evening that @Chris Aston had walked with. They walked ‘ cross country’ through briars etc from the arch to the same accommodation.. so maybe Chris meant I was clever to get a taxi to the Hostal ?!

I’m not sure what method others who have stayed at Oliva de Placencia take to reach the Arch of Caparra. To my way of thinking- taking a right on that sealed road towards Oliva de P ... takes you in an ‘easterly??’ Direction / trail crossing road takes you direct to the arch.
A young chap who landed at our Hostal on foot later that night - said he’d taken the right turn at road. to Oliva de P - but as it was closed I believe. He had to continue. His phone was flat so couldn’t check his map on the phone. He therefore decided to follow what looked like a major road heading to Salamanca. Luckily he chanced upon us enjoying drinks outdoors at the hotel Asturias en route. I’m not sure if he ever got to see the Caparra arch though.

 

[AJGuillaume]

so maybe Chris meant I was clever to get a taxi to the Hostal ?!

That's certainly something I'll look into...

I’m not sure what method others who have stayed at Oliva de Placencia take to reach the Arch of Caparra. To my way of thinking- taking a right on that sealed road towards Oliva de P ... takes you in an ‘easterly??’ Direction / trail crossing road takes you direct to the arch.
A young chap who landed at our Hostal on foot later that night - said he’d taken the right turn at road. to Oliva de P - but as it was closed I believe.

I had sort of planned to break this stage by staying at Oliva de P, but if the Asturias will come and pick us up at Caparra, It makes it easier for us!

 

[OzAnnie]

I had sort of planned to break this stage by staying at Oliva de P, but if the Asturias will come and pick us up at Caparra, It makes it easier for us!

AJ when the booking was made - they advise you to call them from the arch. When I was finished looking at the excavations I walked into the ‘centre ‘ which was staffed. They were happy to call Asturias for me. No problem at all.
Note: although there is a centre at the arch (toilets etc - there is no bar etc. those cold fridge things that you can buy drinks from with coins. I think another one that dispensed snacks like chips.

 

[Pangloss]

Just reading this thread, I haven't been on the forum for quite while, brought back very happy memories. VdlP is a magical walk, much quieter than other caminos. I would endorse all the comments as to where to spend an extra day, but there are also some lovely little albergues en route which are certainly worth a visit. Mostly you can do 20-25k days without too much planning. The only time I found myself having to do more was out of Caceres: Casar de Caceres is only few kms so went on into an unpopulated part of the camino and ended up having to walk to Canaveral as the one hostel in between (at Embalse de Canaveral) was full. But with a modicum of planning it is easy to keep to under 25kms per day.