Sections of Camino Frances

[JKR]

I am looking at possible short sections of the Camino Frances. The two sections I am studying right now on Wise Pilgrim are Pamplona to Burgos and Leon to Sarria. I’d love to hear peoples opinions if you think one is more interesting than the other or if services are better in one section or the other. We are two older women and appreciated staying in hotels this year walking the Portuguese route, so trying to find a similar section under 120 miles or so, on the Frances route. Not interested in the last 100km.
I have not studied the other routes yet, so if a particularly interesting section comes to mind, happy to hear.
Thanks.

 

[alexwalker]

Burgos-Leon. The Meseta is my favorite,

 

[Anamiri]

Both are good. From Pamplona you'll have more up and down, from Burgos you'll have more flat. You'll need to stay in the larger towns if you just want hotels, there's less choice of accommodation in the small villages. But private rooms available in most places.

 

[isawtman]

I would go from Leon to Sarria. Why?, because it has two of the most iconic places on the Camino: Cruz de Ferro and O Cebreiro. If you want to decide for yourself, take a look at my videos posted here: http://tmanshikes.com/frances-route-videos/ I have the whole meseta covered in 7 videos and I also have Leon to Sarria covered in a series of 7 videos. Each video is a day's hike. I personally liked the meseta, too and don't see why so many people skip it.

 

[J Willhaus]

I love Pamplona to Burgos. Specifically Logrono to Burgos.

 

[J Willhaus]

I love Pamona to Burgos. Specifically Logrono to Burgos.

Best albergues if you choose to go that route are in Logroño and Grañón. You can't transfer luggage and you can't reserve, but these are by far the most authentic pilgrim experiences between Logroño and Burgos.

 

[lt56ny]

Best albergues if you choose to go that route are in Logroño and Grañón. You can't transfer luggage and you can't reserve, but these are by far the most authentic pilgrim experiences between Logroño and Burgos.

I know what you are saying about an authentic experience but I am not sure how to define that. We know an authentic pilgrim experience in 1650 is sure different from one today. When people ask me about that I always say I have had some of my most memorable and happy pilgrim experiences in some of the worst possible albergues. Those memories, and I am sure you guys have had that too, are as authentic as you can get. I know which albergues you speak of. I will not stay in them because if I do I will never get up in the morning. The same can be said of the albergues in San Anton that have no electricity, wifi or hot water. They have a solar panel but if you get there later in the day that water is cold, or the Albergue de San de San Nicolas where they wash your feet and also has no electricity. There are more to mention that I have stayed at besides these.

Albergue Hospital de peregrinos de San Antón | Albergue de Peregrinos en Convento de San Antón | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue Hospital de peregrinos de San Antón, en Convento de San Antón: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue de San Nicolás de Puente Fitero | Albergue de Peregrinos en Ermita de San Nicolás de Puente Fitero | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de San Nicolás de Puente Fitero, en Ermita de San Nicolás de Puente Fitero: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

or my personal all time favorite:

Albergue parroquial Casa Rectoral | Albergue de Peregrinos en Bercianos del Real Camino | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue parroquial Casa Rectoral, en Bercianos del Real Camino: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

There are so many wonderful and authentic experiences in many wonderful albergues.
I will always insist that it is the people and hospitalarios (I am sure you are included in this group) that can make a lifetime memory.

 

[vernakeoho]

We loved the Meseta both times we walked ... and looking forward to that section again next month.

 

[LTfit]

Best albergues if you choose to go that route are in Logroño and Grañón. You can't transfer luggage and you can't reserve, but these are by far the most authentic pilgrim experiences between Logroño and Burgos.

Although I agree, the OP mentions that they appreciated staying in hotels on the Portuguese. Thin mats on the floor to sleep on (often with only a few inches/cm between you and your fellow pilgrim) which both these albergues have, may not coincide with their requirements

 

[J Willhaus]

Although I agree, the OP mentions that they appreciated staying in hotels on the Portuguese. Thin mats on the floor to sleep on (often with only a few inches/cm between you and your fellow pilgrim) which both these albergues have, may not coincide with their requirements

Yes, not for everyone, but it makes me sad that people miss the community of pilgrims that gather in these kinds of places. I never feel that experience when staying in hotels.

 

[David Tallan]

Both are good. From Pamplona you'll have more up and down, from Burgos you'll have more flat. You'll need to stay in the larger towns if you just want hotels, there's less choice of accommodation in the small villages. But private rooms available in most places.

The options given were from Pamplona to Burgos and from Leon to Sarria. Of the two, I think the option before Burgos is less up and down than the option after Burgos (and Leon) which includes the climb to Cruz de Ferro and descent to Molinaseca, then the climb to O Cebreiro and descent to Triacastela. There are certainly hills between Pamplona and Burgos. But the section being contemplated after isn't the flat Meseta (although that has been recommended) but the mountains joining Leon to Galicia.

 

[JesperK]

Burgos-Leon. The Meseta is my favorite,

Was about to write that. I absolutely love and prefer Burgos-Leon.

 

[Anamiri]

The options given were from Pamplona to Burgos and from Leon to Sarria. Of the two, I think the option before Burgos is less up and down than the option after Burgos (and Leon) which includes the climb to Cruz de Ferro and descent to Molinaseca, then the climb to O Cebreiro and descent to Triacastela. There are certainly hills between Pamplona and Burgos. But the section being contemplated after isn't the flat Meseta (although that has been recommended) but the mountains joining Leon to Galicia.

Just goes to show I didnt read the post properly!

 

[JKR]

Yes, not for everyone, but it makes me sad that people miss the community of pilgrims that gather in these kinds of places. I never feel that experience when staying in hotels.

I had to think about whether to respond to this but in the end I decided I did not want you to be sad. Our pilgrimage was what I needed. I was just recovering from cancer and grieving the loss of my husband of 40 years. (Still am.) We walked and talked with others along the way, but also attended masses and lit candles whenever there was an open church. We visited religious sites as we could, lingering alone for hours on the mountaintop over Padron. My companion, a priest, was able to meet with other clergy. We had deep conversations. In the quiet of our hotel rooms at night we were able to do our Bible study in peace. So, do not be sad, our pilgrimage was a good one, and we hope to repeat it.