Primitivo around August 19

[GigiO]

Hi,

I'll be dropping my daughter off in Barcelona for college on August 15 and think I'll need to stick around there for a few days to get her settled in. Then I plan to make my way to Oviedo to walk the Primitivo. I'm training, trying to prepare and reading blogs, watching Youtube videos and buying gear. I'm all in! I have questions and will likely have more so I appreciate this forum and the kindness of the folks who are willing to share. For the record, I'm from Florida so I have to find some hills to hike. the landscape will be my biggest challenge, I'm sure. But it's also the draw.

 

[LilleTyksak]

Hi,

I'll be dropping my daughter off in Barcelona for college on August 15 and think I'll need to stick around there for a few days to get her settled in. Then I plan to make my way to Oviedo to walk the Primitivo. I'm training, trying to prepare and reading blogs, watching Youtube videos and buying gear. I'm all in! I have questions and will likely have more so I appreciate this forum and the kindness of the folks who are willing to share. For the record, I'm from Florida so I have to find some hills to hike. the landscape will be my biggest challenge, I'm sure. But it's also the draw.

I have only walked Primitivo once - 2019 September. This year might be even more difficult to predict than usually…

How many days do you plan to walk?

In reality it depends on how flexible you are… which means be open for alternative accommodation like a floor, private, maybe even outdoor… or willing to take a taxi (you could be driven back the following day).

Have you walked other caminos?

I am walking with a friend this year, who isn’t an experienced hiker, so I have decided to book everything - we walk in early July.

 

[GigiO]

I have not done any previous casinos, but I consider myself pretty flexible. I've got generous time -- up to 20 days. I figured if I finish and still have time (and stamina!) I could continue on the Finisterre, but that is not a firm part of my plans.

 

[LilleTyksak]

I have not done any previous casinos, but I consider myself pretty flexible. I've got generous time -- up to 20 days. I figured if I finish and still have time (and stamina!) I could continue on the Finisterre, but that is not a firm part of my plans.

If you feel adventurous you can either book 1-3 days ahead or just go… and then decide later if you feel you “have” to. Actually it depends on how you feel about not knowing where to sleep and that you might have to walk extra x km… but it will probably be hot, hot, hot!

And other things can challenge you… water in the feet or knee issues.

You know yourself, mentally and physically better than us…
I probably would book ahead, it’s also a relatively “short” camino…

but I can also understand the desire to walk without bookings, as I have done on some of my caminos, crazy feeling of freedom, and on a new camino, adventure.

 

[AlainC]

I did the Primitivo in September 2017, so some things have changed. I was 64 y/o at the time and in average physical shape. You should be prepared to walk an average of 25 Km (that’s 15.5 miles) per day. Some legs are shorter but some longer (20 or 25 miles). You should not have a problem with reservations until you get to Melide. It gets busy after that. 20 days is enough time that you can take a rest day somewhere. I recommend Lugo. There is plenty to see, like the ancient Roman wall and the Cathedral. Buen Camino.

 

[LilleTyksak]

Some legs are shorter

Hehehe, just believed you wrote about me

 

[pjacobi]

More important than hills is the length(time) of the hike. A one hour hike is not enough for practice! You need to eventually be able to do 4-8 hour practice hikes with a full pack. This will teach you how to maintain your water intake, food for electrolytes and care for your feet.

If you have health problems during practice hikes, see you local doctor. That is a lot better than having to stop your Camino to go to a foreign hospital.


-Paul