Recommendations to do the first or last part of Frances

BalmainGirl · Apr 15, 2017

Hi - I'm walking part of the Camino Frances from the 29th May for 12 days, and it is my first time walking any of the Caminos. I had decided to do the last 200km's or so from Ponteferrado or maybe a bit before then. But now am starting to feel that starting from St Jean might be a better option. I'm feeling a bit put off by the crowds that will increase in the last 100km, and love the idea of starting out with everyone, even if I'm not finishing (at least for this time). For those that have done the whole walk from St Jean to Santiago, did you enjoy the first part or the last part the most - in terms of scenery and the towns that you went through?
Thanks so much for your help.

dougfitz · Apr 15, 2017

Finishing at the cathedral and finding those who one had met along the way who had also finished was a much more powerful experience for me than any memory from along the way.

scruffy1 · Apr 15, 2017

Don't worry about the crowds. Should you do that last 200k and love every minute, will you find the motivation to return? Fall into the "Been There, Done That" syndrome? Leaving Roncesvalles there is something almost intimidating as you stand near that Santiago de Compostela 790 kilometers sign post - a month later you are totally overwhelmed emotionally, spiritually, and physically as you walk triumphantly into Santiago. I am not putting you down, 200 kilometers is an accomplishment in it's own right but it cannot compare with that first time walk though Porta do Camiño headed for the cathedral and that 790 sign post in your back pocket! My opinion? Start at SJPP and walk as far as you can, see if this is what you really imagined, enjoy all which is offered, the scenery, the art, the architecture, the comaraderie then later, when you have the time, come back to SJPP and do it all!

Mark McCarthy · Apr 15, 2017

If you are planning on coming back to complete your journey then I would start at St Jean. If you are not sure you will come back, then do Ponferrada to Santiago so you get the complete sense of a journey. Whichever way you choose to go, have a great time. Buen Camino!

Hutton24 · Apr 15, 2017

Last time I walked the CF I started in Pamplona. This time I am starting in SJPP and really looking forward to it. There are a few sections I will leave out in the middle. If I had a short time I think I would get to Astorga and walk from there because I loved it more. There are so many great parts to the Camino. What one person loves another will not. I'd suggest doing as much research and reading and watching YouTube vids as you can and then make your mind up. Your fly in/out port is important too. You have to get back to where you need to fly out from so that needs to factor in.
Whatever you decide you will have an awesome time. Make a decision, relax, don't let anyone put you off or try to change your mind - just go, experience it and have fun.
Buen Camino.

Rick M · Apr 16, 2017

I don't think it makes the slightest difference. The Camino is a journey, not a destination. You will find what you are looking for (or not) on any of the stretches from any starting point. If you don't finish in Santiago, its likely that you will one day want that feeling that comes from walking into the square, but that can be in the future. That said, as Hutton24 pointed out, pick a convenient start/stop so you can get there and home with a minimum of fuss.

Any way you choose, Buen Camino!