What did you love best about walking la Plata?

[JillGat]

I feel drawn to walking La Plata next time I'm able to do a Camino. I've heard from some people that they found it boring, grueling, ran into logistics re. finding water, places to stay, etc. But I've heard from others that it was their favorite Camino. I want to hear what you loved about it.

One reason this camino interests me, besides the Roman history along the way, is that it passes through the homelands of some of the Spanish conquistadores and families that settled in my part of North America; Albuquerque, New Mexico. In fact the town in Spain, "Alburquerque" is not far off the route and I would love to stop see where the namesake duke lived who was responsible for our town's name.

So tell me what made it special for you.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi
Do it..... it’s got everything. Camaraderie (if you choose it); open spaces to lose yourself if you prefer; history ; churches ; .......and...
I won’t go on... you’ll love it.
Even more going on if you are on it before and after Holy Week.
To reply to your post .. I’d need to write a book.
I can’t say I found it boring or gruelling. Of course you’ll encounter climbs and flat areas but overall (in spring - beautiful flowers . /poppies , lavender , bushes of rock roses ‘Jara’. A lot of off road through parktype land. Plenty of pig farms, horses , cows etc. Logistics: Sevilla is easy to get to from Madrid. It could be a logistical fete to get to the spanish ‘ Alburquerque.’ you mentioned was named after your Duke town in New Mexico of Albuquerque.. (note: recommend to others that NM - great place to visit- put it on the list if you’re visiting USA).
Water.. I can’t comment for walking in summer season but I had no problem over April/May 2019.
Always had plenty of water, still in my bottles at end of day. Now this could also change if you are someone that walks extra extra long stages. Walking average days of 20-27 (occasionally I had a stage just over 30ks).. gives plenty of time to stop and re-fuel or picnic.

Have a look at the recent posts by @AJGuillaume
He has now got 2 posts (links) to a virtual camino of the Vdlp. So much research and info in this virtual camino to get you started.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-walk-on-the-vdlp-planning-while-in-confinement.67424/page-4#post-857065

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/vdlp-from-zamora-and-camino-sanabrés-virtual.67902/#post-859216

Ps off topic. /did you eventually get to join the bike ride ? Was it the Silk Road ? from memory.

I hope you get to enjoy the Vdlp.
Buen camino
Annie

 

[JillGat]

Hi Annie,
No, my moto trip through the Pamir mountains on the Silk Road through Tajikistan was cancelled because of Covid. It is postponed until next June, so I plan to do it then! Thanks for your info. about La Plata.

 

[malingerer]

Hi
Do it..... it’s got everything. Camaraderie (if you choose it); open spaces to lose yourself if you prefer; history ; churches ; .......and...
I won’t go on... you’ll love it.
Even more going on if you are on it before and after Holy Week.
To reply to your post .. I’d need to write a book.
I can’t say I found it boring or gruelling. Of course you’ll encounter climbs and flat areas but overall (in spring - beautiful flowers . /poppies , lavender , bushes of rock roses ‘Jara’. A lot of off road through parktype land. Plenty of pig farms, horses , cows etc. Logistics: Sevilla is easy to get to from Madrid. It could be a logistical fete to get to the spanish ‘ Alburquerque.’ you mentioned was named after your Duke town in New Mexico of Albuquerque.. (note: recommend to others that NM - great place to visit- put it on the list if you’re visiting USA).
Water.. I can’t comment for walking in summer season but I had no problem over April/May 2019.
Always had plenty still in my bottles at end of day. Now this could also change if you are someone that walks extra extra long stages. Walking average days of 20-27 (occasionally I had a stage just over 30ks).. gives plenty of time to stop and re-fuel or picnic.

Have a look at the recent posts by @AJGuillaume
He has now got 2 posts (links) to a virtual camino of the Vdlp. So much research and info in this virtual camino to get you started.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-walk-on-the-vdlp-planning-while-in-confinement.67424/page-4#post-857065

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/vdlp-from-zamora-and-camino-sanabrés-virtual.67902/#post-859216

Ps off topic. /did you eventually get to join the bike ride ? Was it the Silk Road ? from memory.

I hope you get to enjoy the Vdlp.
Buen camino
Annie

Agree with all of this! It was the space that captivated me. Because of age and infirmities I had on occasion to use buses and taxis as well as my two feet just to get to habitacions. I even thumbed a few stages. Its a route my heart cries out for especially beginning from Malaga. Cordoba remains one of my favourite cities. Go! Take your time! Let it seep into you.

All the best,

The Malingerer.

 

[DonCamino]

Hi @JillGat ,

the VdP is boring, some people say. Some say „so we have seen everything, let‘s go home“ after 100 or 200 kms, ho ho.

The Plata was my meditative Camino! Quiet, calm, relaxing. It was not boring at all. Depends on your motivation, what you are looking for, your feelings and present situation. On the Frances or the Portugues (from Porto) for example you can find ‚everything‘, on the Plata you can find a meditative walking on historic paths ... i think.

It was not hard to find a bed, food, water, ... . SOME stretches were longer, ok. And one day i carried 3.5 liters of water, walking 27 kms from one to the other albergue through vineyards, vineyards, vineyards with nothing but me. And, have an eye on the time of the year: you can get up to 40 degrees C like i had a day in May, not in August!

A really goood Camino in my eyes! (Did it in 2 parts over 2 years, Seville to Salamanca 500 kms and Salamanca to SdC 500 kms plus Muxia and Finisterre 120 kms).

So long
DonCamino

 

[JillGat]

And yes, as someone mentioned above... if any of you have a chance to visit New Mexico, USA, let me know. I can give some interesting history tours. New Mexico was colonized by the Spanish way before the English landed in Jamestown.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

It doesn't surprise me to learn that the "original" Albuquerque is in Badajoz province in the Extremadura region. Many of the conquistadors came from that region. There are monuments to Hernan Cortes in Medellin, Francisco Pizarro in Trujillo, Pedro de Valdivia in Castuera, Hernando de Soto in Badajoz, and the list goes on... Why should that be the case? Perhaps because this region was so poor and the men were drawn to (or driven to) find opportunities in the new world.

If that is your interest, you should certainly contact the Badajoz Jacobea association before you set off. They are a friendly and active camino association and I expect that they will help you if you want to do something different - routing through Albuquerque for example.

I loved the Via de la Plata for the solitude in the wide open spaces, the history, and the kindness of the local associations and ordinary people that I met. Of course, there's history everywhere, but I found it fascinating to walk through places where the different religions and cultures that have shaped Spain are layered on top of each other - from prehistoric settlements, through Roman,Visigoth, Moorish, and more recent times.

 

[Houlet]

I loved it, it is very different from the Camino Frances and is not for the person who wants to have a choice of cafes every five km and to walk only fifteen km stages. There are some long stages, there are less people, and less infrastrucure but in many ways it gets you closer to real Spain.

 

[Aidan21]

Hi Jill,

You will simply have to do it and then make your own mind up. No two people will feel exactly the same about it. For darn sure it is different from the Frances which I found to be more receptive to the needs of the pilgrims. Frequently when walking the VdlP I would get to the place I intended to stay and of course it was siesta time and everything was shut, so be sure and have some food with you. However there are some wonderful sights. I have attached my all time favourite photo from my Caminos. I nearly missed it as it was behind me as I was walking out of Merida just before sunrise. Just Magic!!!

Aidan

 

[murraydv]

Hi Jill.
For me, it is the one Camino that I have to go back and do a second time. As Aidan21 said, you have to do it to know what it means to you.
On a practical level, it is a relatively quiet camino, Look at the attached poster, the VDLP is fourth from the right, At the top of each Camino are circular lines comparing how busy each Camino is in terms of people numbers. Compare the VDLP to Camino Frances (towards the left). Other than that, just watch out for the heat, so the time of year is important. July and August would not be for the faint hearted. But it's a wonderful Camino and I am definitely going back. By the way, this poster of all the main caminos (11 primary and 41 secondary) is available online and it's a work of art. (postersantiago.com) Buen Camino Jill. Dave.

 

[ortemio]

My best memory of Via de la Plata was ( honestly ) the day it was over,
the worst albergues of any camino,crowded and dirty, disgusting showers,
the heat, it was never under 40C, even at night ,
I was very happy when it was over.... yikes

 

[John Sikora]

I've only walked the first half of the VDLP but have walked the CP and CF. The VDLP is unique, lonely, beautiful, contemplative, and scary at times. But it was the best. I was lucky enough to walk during the late Spring so all the wildflowers were in bloom. The food runs from pretty good to terrible but that's life, isn't it. What I also enjoyed was the people I met. Walking the VDLP is not for those that want to party. The days can be long and you can get dog tired. But you meet similar minded people just enjoying being alive. It's not painful, not grueling. There are enough taxis and buses and trains available if you need them to either take a break or let yourself repair. You don't get bragging rights when you walk the VDLP, you just get confidence and serenity.

 

[Pelegrin]

It doesn't surprise me to learn that the "original" Albuquerque is in Badajoz province in the Extremadura region. Many of the conquistadors came from that region.

Not all the regions of the Kingdom of Castile were allowed to go to America. The Galicians from 1760.

 

[peregrina2000]

@AJGuillaume had a recent thread about planning a short stage Vdlp, https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...the-vdlp-planning-while-in-confinement.67424/
And @c clearly’s did one about planning a Sanabrés https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...n-the-camino-sanabres-march-april-2020.67029/

As I participated on those threads, I have gone back over my three times on the Vdlp down in the weeds — those threads will give you lots of micro level comments about what we love about the Vdlp.

But as far as your question goes, which is more from 30.000 feet (AHHHH, will I ever be at 30,000 feet again?!), I would say that the three most outstanding aspects of the Vdlp for me are, in no particular order:

— the wild flowers (if you like brown fields, by all means walk outside of spring, but if you want the wildflower beauty, spring is the time to go)

— the dehesa (the unusual terrain inthe southern part, defined in wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehesa — lots of wetlands (and hence wild flowers), boulders, scrub oaks, jara bushes, it is just a spectacular part of Spain, IMO, again in spring)

— the monumental cities you walk through — Sevilla, Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, Ourense — that is a walking tour through some of Spain’s most beautiful places with lots of antiquity to visit

With careful planning, there is absolutely no issue for those who don’t like long stages. There are people but not too many people. Pilgrims and the Vdlp are a known quantity along the way, yet the towns are not yet jaded and overrun with pilgrims. It is just a five star option IMO.

If you want conquistadores (now called “descubridores” as if that fools anyone), you should consider Medellín (on the Mozárabe but an easy day trip from Mérida, birthplace of Hernán Cortés) and Trujillo (about 35 km east of Cáceres, birthplace of Pizarro). Both of these towns are good for a day’s visit, more so Trujillo than Medellín, though Medellín’s castle is very nicely restored. Trujillo’s plaza mayor is one of Spain’s loveliest, and there in the middle sits a big statue of Pizarro.

I do not think you will regret taking a chance on the Vdlp! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[lt56ny]

I loved reading what everyone wrote. Even the one really negative comment. I was planning to walk in October but obviously being an American and living in Mexico this will not happen. I probably will not walk without a vaccine either. Hoping for late February but right now just hoping. The VDLP is something I have wanted to do for a long time and this time is the right time to do it.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

I feel drawn to walking La Plata next time I'm able to do a Camino. I've heard from some people that they found it boring, grueling, ran into logistics re. finding water, places to stay, etc. But I've heard from others that it was their favorite Camino. I want to hear what you loved about it.

One reason this camino interests me, besides the Roman history along the way, is that it passes through the homelands of some of the Spanish conquistadores and families that settled in my part of North America; Albuquerque, New Mexico. In fact the town in Spain, "Alburquerque" is not far off the route and I would love to stop see where the namesake duke lived who was responsible for our town's name.

So tell me what made it special for you.

I loved the feeling of falling into the hands of God on La Plata. The vibes of the route and the pilgrims that manage it have a unique balance all their own: stillness and exertion.

 

[austinpilgrim]

I’m not sure if it was my favorite Camino, but it was by far the most interesting—for all of the reasons above. i walked from Seville to Astorga last spring. The scenery, wildflowers, Roman ruins, cities, livestock (baby livestock), The VDLP is no one’s first Camino. While there are fewer pilgrims, there are, nevertheless, lots of stories per pilgrim.

 

[lindam]

Yes, the VDLP is a memorable Camino for many reasons as described by others (e.g., the wonderful Spanish cities one passes through, the architecture, the wide open spaces, the lovely people along the way, etc.). My husband would tell you it is his favourite Camino. I am surprised that no one has made mention of the wonderful sheep's milk cheese and Toro wines from the Extremadura region. That wine and cheese combination in itself might be enough to make me want to walk the VDLP again!

 

[alhartman]

Of the 10 or so walks I have done along French and Spanish routes, it is close to my ‘least favorite”. But that is not really a bad review. I walked in fall of 2010 finishing in SdC just in time for “The Way” to open 23 November. I walked after finishing about 35 days on Vezeley (easy train to Seville) so I was well enough conditioned that the longer stages did not bother me much. I loved the solitude; met maybe 7 pilgrims in 35 days and had no ‘family’. The big negatives were (1) no real accurate guidebook (using Cicerone’s 2005 Raju guide) which was both outdated and hard to use with my map oriented thinking, (2) The November infrastructure was virtually non-existent, and (3) I walked it solo.

I speak only survival Spanish. No restaurants open, few mercados, I literally subsisted on GORP; always hunting for albergue keys (tourist offices, mayors, neighbors, churches) so spent 2 nights curled on church porches. The logistics would have improved even with another Spanish-impaired walking companion. I spent a fair amount o time ''lost' using the old Raju guide. I was a bus touragrino thru Merida, Caceres, and Salamanca—and they are amazing cities. And IMO Zamora/Ourense/Santiago is one of the prettiest walking stretches anywhere (some do not relish the climb out of Ourense--I loved it).

So, the negatives were all of my making and are easy to plan around 15 years later. It was a great solitary adventure, and the bad weather (lots of horizontal rain), no hot showers, no albergue heat were all minor inconveniences. And I also got to spend 3 days in Sanabria to heal a tired Achilles—another great town. It is definitely the best route for history!!

And Italica in Santiponce is the film location for GOT dragon pit!! (also locations in Seville, Caceres, and Zafra)

Even though my experience was not my best, I would recommend the route—especially the old Roman cities and the walk from Zamora. Not sure I would attempt again (hating both hot and cold weather will make my date selection critical), my time is running out, so probably Madrid will take precedence if………………..

 

[trecile]

The VDLP is no one’s first Camino.

I met a young woman at our local Camino group that was going to do the VdlP for her first Camino. Unfortunately, I haven't seen her since she returned to find out how it went for her. She was a fluent Spanish speaker, so I'm sure that helped quite a bit.

 

[C clearly]

I felt that I was walking through Spain. (That is not meant as a trivial statement.)

There were no extremes, but there were enough challenges to make it interesting, In springtime, I loved the dehesa and the wide open spaces, the opportunity to speak Spanish, the right amount of socializing, and the variety of history and activities.

 

[JLWV]

By the way, this poster of all the main caminos (11 primary and 41 secondary) is available online and it's a work of art. (postersantiago.com) Buen Camino Jill. Dave.
View attachment 78112

very interesting poster. To be looked at in full size. Tks Dave. J-L.

 

[alexwalker]

A fantastic Camino. Just do it. Peaceful. And rewarding.

 

[Elle Bieling]

I did the Via from Salamanca, just last fall. I loved it and hated it, for various and mostly personal reasons. October was quite hot still and I wish I had seen the wildflowers that many of you describe. Instead, I saw a lot of brown fields. But the experience was indeed, for me the real Spain. I know enough Spanish to get what I needed and to lead a group of four - therein resides most of the reasons that I hated it. If you can stand more information, I have half of my experience written in my blog at PilgrimageTraveler.com/Via de la Plata. My final answer?? Just do it. It is an experience of a lifetime, if you walk your own pace and are flexible.

 

[Pelegrin]

I think that the concept of a Spain associated only to the identity signs of the VDLP regions now is being overcome.

 

[C clearly]

I felt that I was walking through Spain.

I think that the concept of a Spain associated only to the identity signs of the VDLP regions now is being overcome.

You are correct that the identity of Spain is much more than the VDLP regions. I have gained a lot of understanding of that over recent years, but I still enjoyed walking through that somewhat stereotypical part. More of what I was trying to say was that I felt that I was walking through towns and regions of Spain, seeing remnants of history, while watching people go about their daily lives unaffected by me. On the Frances, for example, I always felt that I was on a pilgrim path and everything around me was affected by the pilgrims.

 

[iscrotie]

Having walked the Frances three times I then went to the Vdlp. I was planning to go there for the third time this fall starting from Grenada. But it would seem that is not to happen until next year which perhaps is the way it was always meant to be as it would be my 75th birthday gift to myself.
I would recommend doing the Frances first. The longer occasional days and solitude are not physically difficult but if you haven’t walked long distances before I think they could be a mental challenge. Having said that I love it, the landscape and the people all equal a marvellous journey of peace.
Travel lightly and please be well

 

[Mel Camino]

The VDLP is no one’s first Camino.

The VdlP was my first Camino, walked and relished in the spring of 2018. I loved it fiercely, though I have no comparison. I’m almost afraid to walk a second Camino because I imagine it would only be a disappointment. Only time will tell if I take that risk.

I loved the VdlP for all the reasons everyone else has cited. There were moments of heartache as well as unadulterated joy, only adding to the experience. I was going through a major life transition, and the VdlP served as an allegory of real life and revealed to me what I needed to know in preparation for my next life chapter.

Buen Camino!

 

[Liz Drew]

Hi
Do it..... it’s got everything. Camaraderie (if you choose it); open spaces to lose yourself if you prefer; history ; churches ; .......and...
I won’t go on... you’ll love it.
Even more going on if you are on it before and after Holy Week.
To reply to your post .. I’d need to write a book.
I can’t say I found it boring or gruelling. Of course you’ll encounter climbs and flat areas but overall (in spring - beautiful flowers . /poppies , lavender , bushes of rock roses ‘Jara’. A lot of off road through parktype land. Plenty of pig farms, horses , cows etc. Logistics: Sevilla is easy to get to from Madrid. It could be a logistical fete to get to the spanish ‘ Alburquerque.’ you mentioned was named after your Duke town in New Mexico of Albuquerque.. (note: recommend to others that NM - great place to visit- put it on the list if you’re visiting USA).
Water.. I can’t comment for walking in summer season but I had no problem over April/May 2019.
Always had plenty still in my bottles at end of day. Now this could also change if you are someone that walks extra extra long stages. Walking average days of 20-27 (occasionally I had a stage just over 30ks).. gives plenty of time to stop and re-fuel or picnic.

Have a look at the recent posts by @AJGuillaume
He has now got 2 posts (links) to a virtual camino of the Vdlp. So much research and info in this virtual camino to get you started.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-walk-on-the-vdlp-planning-while-in-confinement.67424/page-4#post-857065

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/vdlp-from-zamora-and-camino-sanabrés-virtual.67902/#post-859216

Ps off topic. /did you eventually get to join the bike ride ? Was it the Silk Road ? from memory.

I hope you get to enjoy the Vdlp.
Buen camino
Annie

I feel drawn to walking La Plata next time I'm able to do a Camino. I've heard from some people that they found it boring, grueling, ran into logistics re. finding water, places to stay, etc. But I've heard from others that it was their favorite Camino. I want to hear what you loved about it.

One reason this camino interests me, besides the Roman history along the way, is that it passes through the homelands of some of the Spanish conquistadores and families that settled in my part of North America; Albuquerque, New Mexico. In fact the town in Spain, "Alburquerque" is not far off the route and I would love to stop see where the namesake duke lived who was responsible for our town's name.

So tell me what made it special for you.

I loved the semi isolation of towns. It’s a route with less numbers of pilgrims so amenities aren’t what you see on the busier caminos. For example there were a few instances where cafes in the town I was staying in didn’t open until mid morning which is far too late to get going.
I also loved speaking my very basic Spanish as English is t widely spoken.
the variety of the walk is outstanding!
however, I didn’t factor walking through snow (in May) but it was just for one day and I smiled all the way.
Do it!

 

[Whispering Ted]

It is a truly great Camino: history, scenery and culture. Avoid the brain-baking heat of summer in the south; even in May, it was taxing. It is best walked in the northern hemisphere spring, as it gets more pleasant as you head north. Sevilla, Merida, Caceres, Salamanca, Zamora, Ourense, and finally a wonderful way into Santiago de Compostela. Less crowded, more opportunity for contemplative walking through rural Spain, a wonderful experience.

 

[Mycroft]

I feel drawn to walking La Plata next time I'm able to do a Camino. I've heard from some people that they found it boring, grueling, ran into logistics re. finding water, places to stay, etc. But I've heard from others that it was their favorite Camino. I want to hear what you loved about it.

One reason this camino interests me, besides the Roman history along the way, is that it passes through the homelands of some of the Spanish conquistadores and families that settled in my part of North America; Albuquerque, New Mexico. In fact the town in Spain, "Alburquerque" is not far off the route and I would love to stop see where the namesake duke lived who was responsible for our town's name.

So tell me what made it special for you.

Hola, JillGat from southern NM!

 

[mick53]

I have walked 8 or more caminos and the Vdlp is my favourite and the first one I would do again.
If you have not visited Andelucia before allow a few days either before or after the walk.
To enjoy it you must start in early spring as it can be unbearably hot ... the walking and the accommodation!
Why is it my favourite?
... it's 1100km, I love long walks
... less road walking than other caminos
... the Roman history and ruins
... the Moorish influence is southern Spain
... not nearly as crowded, the Spanish are not fed up with too many tourist pilgrims
... some great new hostels and plenty of private accommodation if that's your preference
... better food than the mass feeding on the Frances
... some great scenery e.g snow covered nearly mountains
... I could go on...
DO IT!!
Mick from Oz

 

[Whispering Ted]

I have walked 8 or more caminos and the Vdlp is my favourite and the first one I would do again.
If you have not visited Andelucia before allow a few days either before or after the walk.
To enjoy it you must start in early spring as it can be unbearably hot ... the walking and the accommodation!
Why is it my favourite?
... it's 1100km, I love long walks
... less road walking than other caminos
... the Roman history and ruins
... the Moorish influence is southern Spain
... not nearly as crowded, the Spanish are not fed up with too many tourist pilgrims
... some great new hostels and plenty of private accommodation if that's your preference
... better food than the mass feeding on the Frances
... some great scenery e.g snow covered nearly mountains
... I could go on...
DO IT!!
Mick from Oz

I agree totally, Mick. Whispering Ted, also from Oz and a veteran of 11 Caminos

 

[Pelegrin]

When I did Tui - Santiago 2 years ago a couple from Massachusetts who had done the Francés told me that for them the Galician people looked more relaxed than the other regions on the Francés.
I told them that if they liked relaxed people go to do the VDLP.

 

[Whispering Ted]

I still remember the relief crossing the river to Tui after having walked from Porto on the Camino Portugues - suddenly all the Camino habits picked up over the years worked, after the puzzling differences of language and practices in Portugal.

 

[Donna Sch]

The VdlP was my first because I wanted to follow the Roman road and it did not disappoint. The people, the history, the food, the scenery, the joy. The hard moments taught me a lot about myself and the 5 years since have been very different to what I think they would have been. And the beauty of the VdlP in summer...all golden. @Mel Camino your second camino will be different. I did the Levante and Invierno next with my partner in late winter/early Spring which is as different as you can get from doing it solo in June/July. Being on the Camino is special no matter which route you are on.
@murraydv I love that poster. Unfortunately they don't send to Australia

 

[murraydv]

The VdlP was my first because I wanted to follow the Roman road and it did not disappoint. The people, the history, the food, the scenery, the joy. The hard moments taught me a lot about myself and the 5 years since have been very different to what I think they would have been. And the beauty of the VdlP in summer...all golden. @Mel Camino your second camino will be different. I did the Levante and Invierno next with my partner in late winter/early Spring which is as different as you can get from doing it solo in June/July. Being on the Camino is special no matter which route you are on.
@murraydv I love that poster. Unfortunately they don't send to Australia

The VdlP was my first because I wanted to follow the Roman road and it did not disappoint. The people, the history, the food, the scenery, the joy. The hard moments taught me a lot about myself and the 5 years since have been very different to what I think they would have been. And the beauty of the VdlP in summer...all golden. @Mel Camino your second camino will be different. I did the Levante and Invierno next with my partner in late winter/early Spring which is as different as you can get from doing it solo in June/July. Being on the Camino is special no matter which route you are on.
@murraydv I love that poster. Unfortunately they don't send to Australia

Hi Donna. I was in touch with Diego in Italy, the author of the poster. He is looking into shipping to Australia for you. He asked if I would forward his email contact to you and you can communicate directly with him. If you send me your email address to my email address, I will pass on his email directly to you.
My email address is david@roundtable.ie

 

[mahz]

I agree with most: the VdLP is a wonderful Camino.
Nevertheless, I think that a cruzial point needs to be kept in mind: Spring is the best time of the year for this Camino. Summer is a risky time. Way too warm weather can really ruin your experience.

And by the way, a great albergue on this route could still use some help.

Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, organized by Shabel BA

“ He ordenado a mis ángeles que te guarden en el camino” con esa frase trad… Shabel BA needs your support for Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra

www.gofundme.com

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I've only walked the first half of the VDLP but have walked the CP and CF. The VDLP is unique, lonely, beautiful, contemplative, and scary at times. But it was the best. I was lucky enough to walk during the late Spring so all the wildflowers were in bloom. The food runs from pretty good to terrible but that's life, isn't it. What I also enjoyed was the people I met. Walking the VDLP is not for those that want to party. The days can be long and you can get dog tired. But you meet similar minded people just enjoying being alive. It's not painful, not grueling. There are enough taxis and buses and trains available if you need them to either take a break or let yourself repair. You don't get bragging rights when you walk the VDLP, you just get confidence and serenity.

A lovely summation of your journey John.
May I ask what you meant by 'scary at times'?

 

[JillGat]

Having walked the Frances three times I then went to the Vdlp. I was planning to go there for the third time this fall starting from Grenada. But it would seem that is not to happen until next year which perhaps is the way it was always meant to be as it would be my 75th birthday gift to myself.
I would recommend doing the Frances first. The longer occasional days and solitude are not physically difficult but if you haven’t walked long distances before I think they could be a mental challenge. Having said that I love it, the landscape and the people all equal a marvellous journey of peace.
Travel lightly and please be well

I've walked the Frances twice and the Portugues.

Is March too early for the wildflowers?

 

[domigee]

A lovely summation of your journey John.
May I ask what you meant by 'scary at times'?

For me it would be the cows Hundreds (actually probably thousands) of them!

 

[JillGat]

I remember from many many many years ago when I hitchhiked around Spain at age 18, seeing a field of bulls raised for the bullfights. Unbelievably big.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Great thread @JillGat ...thanks for posting it!
As a combo of the VdlP & Mozarabe is in the Top 2 of my 'When They Let Me Back Out There' List, it's nice to read of everyone's overall feeling & thoughts rather than getting bogged down in specifics.

 

[hel&scott]

Hi Jill, still not gone, well I guess you have an excuse at the moment, but the road will still I'll be there for you when this madness passes and I hope you will find it just as special as the rest of us.

As another old sole on the Camino forum you have probably already read why we love this route so much. And is the only Camino I have consented to rewalk. But to be honest the first time it was for the challenge, Scott was also keen on the pigs! The second time was for the memories. It didn't dIsapoint, and it taught me more about myself then I care to reveal.

 

[Albertagirl]

The best part of the VdlP for me was the Sanabres. The VdlP was my most difficult camino for two reasons: the climate: way to hot, all the way from Seville to Salamanca, although I did not start until October, and the people. These were not the Spanish people, but some difficult interactions with other pilgrims, one of whom followed me from Salamanca for hundreds of kilometres, trying to extract more cash from me, after I helped him out, and two pilgrims who declared their favour for this beggar over me, although I don't think they ever gave him a cent. The whole experience was protracted and unpleasant. But nonetheless, some of my most wonderful experiences occurred as I walked there: the morning star that shone under the curve of the aquaduct at Merida a little before dawn, a wonderful walk on a plateau near the border of the Sanabres, where I was so attracted to the three little villages, the countryside, and the flocks of deer that fled past me that I would have liked to settle down there forever. Next year, if all goes well, I plan on walking the Levante from Valencia, and I look forward to the section of the VdlP north from Zamora.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

...some difficult interactions with other pilgrims, one of whom followed me from Salamanca for hundreds of kilometres, trying to extract more cash from me, after I helped him out, and two pilgrims who declared their favour for this beggar over me, although I don't think they ever gave him a cent. The whole experience was protracted and unpleasant.

I feel for you @Albertagirl ...just awful having to always look over your shoulder, not linger, be on constant alert, etc. How did you shake him off in the end? Skip ahead by bus, take on a longer stage or just 'natural attrition'?
I admire you haven't allowed that dreadful situation to cloud your overall experience; you realised it was separate to the trail itself...good for you!
Unfortunately it's clocking up another notch for 'no good deed goes unpunished'...& you'll probably be, understandably, less likely to extend a helping hand in the future.
I wish all good things for you on future trails.

 

[Albertagirl]

I feel for you @Albertagirl ...just awful having to always look over your shoulder, not linger, be on constant alert, etc. How did you shake him off in the end? Skip ahead by bus, take on a longer stage or just 'natural attrition'?
I admire you haven't allowed that dreadful situation to cloud your overall experience; you realised it was separate to the trail itself...good for you!
Unfortunately it's clocking up another notch for 'no good deed goes unpunished'...& you'll probably be, understandably, less likely to extend a helping hand in the future.
I wish all good things for you on future trails.

As for how I shook him off, I stayed for two nights at Casa Camino In Riego del Camino, with the three young women who were managing it at that time. One of them had noticed, when we went out the first morning, that he was lurking outside their gate waiting for me to go out. I just continued on with her, ignoring him. But I had told them about him and they refused his request to stay there the next night, saying they were closed. I was actually their last guest. So they advised me not to go to Granja de Moreruela but to continue on the same side of the main highway and join up with the Sanabres later. This seemed likely to work, as he had told me he was going to Benaventa on the Astorga route to pick up some money sent by his family. But of course he lied. In the next village, I saw him coming out of a home and he followed me. I went into a bar, and when he called out my name and tried to follow me, I slammed the door in his face. I saw him again trying to stay with the monks at Oseira, who had heard my story and rejected him. But we did not speak, The last time was in Santiago, where I saw him sitting in the chapel of the Pilgrim Office. I am now inclined, for safety reasons, to refuse financial aid to self-proclaimed pilgrims who appear to be hobos. But I have since spent time and made a couple of donations, to a homeless woman walking south along the camino for the winter, who was very reluctant to accept anything from me. So I guess it's been ladies "yes" and gents "no" from this incident on.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

As for how I shook him off, I stayed for two nights at Casa Camino In Riego del Camino, with the three young women who were managing it at that time. One of them had noticed, when we went out the first morning, that he was lurking outside their gate waiting for me to go out. I just continued on with her, ignoring him. But I had told them about him and they refused his request to stay there the next night, saying they were closed. I was actually their last guest. So they advised me not to go to Granja de Moreruela but to continue on the same side of the main highway and join up with the Sanabres later. This seemed likely to work, as he had told me he was going to Benaventa on the Astorga route to pick up some money sent by his family. But of course he lied. In the next village, I saw him coming out of a home and he followed me. I went into a bar, and when he called out my name and tried to follow me, I slammed the door in his face. I saw him again trying to stay with the monks at Oseira, who had heard my story and rejected him. But we did not speak, The last time was in Santiago, where I saw him sitting in the chapel of the Pilgrim Office. I am now inclined, for safety reasons, to refuse financial aid to self-proclaimed pilgrims who appear to be hobos. But I have since spent time and made a couple of donations, to a homeless woman walking south along the camino for the winter, who was very reluctant to accept anything from me. So I guess it's been ladies "yes" and gents "no" from this incident on.

There are many precautions we must take as solo female walkers...but we don't let it stop us nor we will be afraid. Your story shows how many people came to your aid in one way or another...& thankfully that is the norm rather than the exception.
Sempre avanti @Albertagirl ...always forward.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

The VDLP is no one’s first Camino.

In 2017, VDLP was my first Camino.
(Mozarabe from Almeria to Merida -> VDLP to Granja -> Sanabres to SDC)

On that trip, I made friends with two Germans who walked the VDLP from Salamanca as their first Camino.

 

[JillGat]

How does the Mozarabe from Cordoba to Merida compare to La Plata from Sevilla to Merida?

 

[Deleted member 73526]

How does the Mozarabe from Cordoba to Merida compare to La Plata from Sevilla to Merida?

I have not walked from Seville, but here are a few data points

Mozárabe from Córdoba
Total distance = 241km
Greatest distance between lodgings = 35km (Villaharta to Alcaracejos - Stage 3 from Cordóba. Can be split into two with taxi service offered by lodging in Villaharta)
Second greatest distance between lodgings = 30.2km (Hinojosa del Duque to Monterrubio de la Serena. Alternative routing with shorter stages has been discussed in the forum)
Max altitude = around 750m (between Villaharta and Alcaracejos)
Other challenges = Shallow river crossing on foot (or a walk by a busy road) after Yelbes
Cultural highlights - Córdoba, Roman amphitheater at Medellin, Proto-historic archeological site at La Haba
Cities = Don Benito
Landscapes = Hilly and green between Córdoba and Alcaracejos. Flat cereal growing land from around Hinojosa to Campanario. Dehesa (with extraordinary sight of Magacela rising above the plane) around Medellin. Rice fields and lush landscapes from Medellin to Mérida.
Accommodation = 60/40 municipal albergues / private lodgings. Some terrific albergues in Castuera, Campanario etc.
Waymarking = Mostly excellent except on the final stage before Mérida.
Association = Córdoba and Badajoz - both very active

VDLP from Sevilla
Total distance = 217km
Greatest distance between lodgings = 30km (Castilblanco de los Arroyos to Aldenueva - Stage 3 from Seville)
Max. altitude = 712m (Monesterio)
Cultural highlights - Seville, [Someone else will have to fill this part in]
Cities = None
Landscapes = Similar dehesa? More pata negra piggies?

 

[JillGat]

From Raggy's description, the Mozárabe from Córdoba sounds very interesting.

 

[OzAnnie]

From Raggy's description, the Mozárabe from Córdoba sounds very interesting.

Hi @JillGat
I’m sure most if not all, of the routes are very interesting and beautiful in their own way ., but have you yet walked the plata ? Would you be prepared to miss Sevilla to Mérida? So special I think.

IMHO I would cover the section Córdoba to Mérida when walking the Mozárabe from possibly further afield?

Good luck choosing - all part of the excitement/pleasure.

Buen camino
Annie

 

[JillGat]

Hi @JillGat
I’m sure most if not all, of the routes are very interesting and beautiful in their own way ., but have you yet walked the plata ? Would you be prepared to miss Sevilla to Mérida? So special I think.

IMHO I would cover the section Córdoba to Mérida when walking the Mozárabe from possibly further afield?

Good luck choosing - all part of the excitement/pleasure.

Buen camino
Annie

I'll be happy whichever I do, I'm sure!

 

[DonCamino]

And by the way, a great albergue on this route could still use some help.

Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, organized by Shabel BA

“ He ordenado a mis ángeles que te guarden en el camino” con esa frase trad… Shabel BA needs your support for Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra

www.gofundme.com

thank you for this idea, done,

 

[Larry OHeron]

Hi Jill,

You will simply have to do it and then make your own mind up. No two people will feel exactly the same about it. For darn sure it is different from the Frances which I found to be more receptive to the needs of the pilgrims. Frequently when walking the VdlP I would get to the place I intended to stay and of course it was siesta time and everything was shut, so be sure and have some food with you. However there are some wonderful sights. I have attached my all time favourite photo from my Caminos. I nearly missed it as it was behind me as I was walking out of Merida just before sunrise. Just Magic!!!

Aidan

Aidan,
I also left Merida just before sunrise. The aqueducts were stunning in the rising sun.
Larry O

 

[trecile]

I still remember the relief crossing the river to Tui after having walked from Porto on the Camino Portugues - suddenly all the Camino habits picked up over the years worked, after the puzzling differences of language and practices in Portugal.

Yes, and the end of the cobblestones!

 

[OzAnnie]

I agree with most: the VdLP is a wonderful experience

And by the way, a great albergue on this route could still use some help.

Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, organized by Shabel BA

“ He ordenado a mis ángeles que te guarden en el camino” con esa frase trad… Shabel BA needs your support for Ayuda al Albergue de Fuenterroble de Salvatierra

www.gofundme.com

Do you know whether this gofundme has yet reached its target ?

 

[malingerer]

For me it would be the cows Hundreds (actually probably thousands) of them!

my "treat/luxury item" that I carry is a small pair of folding binoculars, Very handy for the wildlife/ architecture and yes, fields full of critters with horns that somehow I have to get thru or navigate a way round. Not being fleet of foot I would rather go round than challenge!

walk soft ( this is pilgrim speak for leg it! )
stay safe ( another version of ""leg it""/ muy pronto!!)



samarkand.

 

[AZgirl]

Do you know whether this gofundme has yet reached its target ?

It is about 4895 of 5700. Though it does say they have already been able to fix their hot water

 

[AZgirl]

I really loved the via. I think it has been my favorite Camino so far. I love Roman history and there is some great sites. I will say I was in the best shape of my Caminos when I started this route, so that may color my memories as I didn't have that pain or ibuprofen habit I had on the others. I felt it had a nice mix of enough pilgrims at night yet during the day you could go a long time one for reflection. I went in may/June and there were stunning wild flowers. Also the sanabras was stunning and such a contrast to the beginning. I do want to walk the part from Zamora to the Frances to see what it is like.

 

[jungleboy]

Very interesting to read about everyone’s experiences in this thread (but sorry to hear about yours, @Albertagirl).

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida? (Missing Seville itself would not be a factor as I have already been there several times.)

 

[Albertagirl]

Very interesting to read about everyone’s experiences in this thread (but sorry to hear about yours, @Albertagirl).

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida? (Missing Seville itself would not be a factor as I have already been there several times.)

@jungleboy
I cannot answer your question, because I have not walked the Mozarabe, to make the comparison between the two beginnings of the walk. If you are comfortable walking day after day in the temperatures in the mid 30's, you might get more out of the first part of the VdlP than I did. I started from Seville on Oct. 3rd and the heat did not ease off until I reached Salamanca, the halfway point on the VdlP, on Oct. 26. Merida is halfway to Salamanca and my memory is that, aside from Seville, it was the first really interesting city after Sevilla, so you might choose to walk the Mozarabe to see what you find along that route. I am planning to walk the Levante, joining up with the VdlP at Zamora, and I find myself regretting that I shall not again be spending time in Merida. Whatever you choose, Buen Camino.

 

[alexwalker]

Very interesting to read about everyone’s experiences in this thread (but sorry to hear about yours, @Albertagirl).

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida? (Missing Seville itself would not be a factor as I have already been there several times.)

I think you should start in Sevilla. 20 kms ahead is Italica, well worth seeing.

As for Merida, it is a Roman treasure throve. In ancient times, it was a pensioner town for Roman soldiers. It is incredible.

Merida theatre pictures - Google Search

Merida bridge pictures - Google Search

Have a couple of resting days there, IMHO.

 

[jungleboy]

I think you should start in Sevilla. 20 kms ahead is Italica, well worth seeing.

As for Merida, it is a Roman treasure throve. In ancient times, it was a pensioner town for Roman soldiers. It is incredible.

Thanks. I probably should have mentioned that I’ve also already been to Itálica and Mérida (and Zafra, for that matter!).

 

[Pinker to]

Lovely.

It is as boring and captivating as the well known meseta is. Open spaces provoking quiet and inspiring times that let you switch off from reality and break away.

Something in between from the busy frances or the portuguese to those other lesser trodden paths like mozarabe, lana or catalan.

 

[C clearly]

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida?

Of course, you will miss what you will miss, no matter which part you choose. If you have time to walk from Almeria or Malaga, I'd say that joining the VDLP at Merida would still get the best of the route.

 

[Mycroft]

I loved it, it is very different from the Camino Frances and is not for the person who wants to have a choice of cafes every five km and to walk only fifteen km stages. There are some long stages, there are less people, and less infrastrucure but in many ways it gets you closer to real Spain.

I am not much into crowds and tend to hit the grocery to buy food each day (used to to cook my dinner in the albergue kitchen but as I now understand, kitchens are closed!), so wonder if you mean that groceries are not available and if I were to walk VdlP I would need to plan to eat out.

 

[OzAnnie]

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida? (Missing Seville itself would not be a factor as I have already been there several times.)

A difficult question because you’ve been to a few places on this section already @jungleboy ;
But ........... I loved this section ; possibly being Semana Santa 2019 added to the wonder. Many of the smaller villages had their parade at night.
I love to connect with the whole route - and to leave this section out would feel (to me) like walking the Norte and leaving out the first half.
It will depend on the time you have available and your personal research. You live closer now and I’m sure your decision will be the right one for you.
Buen camino
Annie

 

[peregrina2000]

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida?

Sorry, you cannot plan another camino while you are walking one, it’s just not fair to those of us who are homebound.

But I would say that as between the Mozárabe from Almería to Mérida and the Vdlp from Sevilla to Mérida, the Mozárabe has the advantage of being a lot longer, having some pretty mountain walking (with glorious almond groves in spring), Córdoba and Granada (but you may have been there too). Guadix is a nice town, and the many castles of Moclín, Alcaudete, Alcalá el Real, Medellín, and probably a few I’ve forgotten are really nice. If it’s either/or, I’d go for Mozárabe. And you still get the best of the dehesa after Mérida. But I do love the whole Vdlp, you can’t go wrong either way.

 

[NualaOC]

Oh heck, the last thing I need right now is another Camino on my wish list ........

 

[malingerer]

Oh heck, the last thing I need right now is another Camino on my wish list ........

I wish you would all go away! kindly leave the vdlp alone! It is for the elect ( meaning me ) I will NOT BE HELPFUL and tell you of the wonderful pilgrim free gorgeous wild places with nary a human in sight and the hawks circle in curiosity
as you follow a hare out of sheer whimsy down a path unmarked. I refuse to tell you of the silence so deep you can hear the grass grow and listen to your guardian angel smile. NO ! just head for the overcrowded pilgrim autobahn where even the chinches have to queue for a bed! You'll love it up there where you don't even have to carry your ruck! And besides, DONT start from Malaga! Its a long steady plod of a climb just to get out of the place! We cant have that now, can we?.

Apart from that,

Buen Camino!

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[jungleboy]

A difficult question because you’ve been to a few places on this section already @jungleboy ;
But ........... I loved this section ; possibly being Semana Santa 2019 added to the wonder. Many of the smaller villages had their parade at night.
I love to connect with the whole route - and to leave this section out would feel (to me) like walking the Norte and leaving out the first half.
It will depend on the time you have available and your personal research. You live closer now and I’m sure your decision will be the right one for you.
Buen camino
Annie

Thanks Annie. Having been to places before as tourists is an interesting one, as we’re discovering on the CP at the moment. Having been to Tomar and Coimbra already meant that we didn’t feel pressure to go hard on the ‘must-see’ places in those towns and could instead do some more low-key exploring of other sites, which was fruitful in both cases.

I agree in general on doing whole routes, I just don’t know if that’s important enough to warrant taking transport from Mérida to Seville and adding nine-ish more stages to what would already be a pretty epic camino!

Interesting ideas to ponder though!

 

[jungleboy]

Sorry, you cannot plan another camino while you are walking one, it’s just not fair to those of us who are homebound.

Sorry! But it’s obligatory to plan the next camino during the last few days of the current one!

But I would say that as between the Mozárabe from Almería to Mérida and the Vdlp from Sevilla to Mérida, the Mozárabe has the advantage of being a lot longer, having some pretty mountain walking (with glorious almond groves in spring), Córdoba and Granada (but you may have been there too). Guadix is a nice town, and the many castles of Moclín, Alcaudete, Alcalá el Real, Medellín, and probably a few I’ve forgotten are really nice. If it’s either/or, I’d go for Mozárabe. And you still get the best of the dehesa after Mérida. But I do love the whole Vdlp, you can’t go wrong either way.

Thanks for this, it’s all very useful. The way we are thinking about it at the moment, it wouldn’t be either/or, it would definitely be the Mozárabe and then it’s whether to take transport down to Seville and restart there or not. Leaning towards not doing that at the moment but everything can (and probably will!) change! This is all just very preliminary thinking about next spring.

We’ve been to Granada and Córdoba twice each (that’s starting to become a theme!) but nowhere else on the Mozárabe so it’s nice to hear about these other recommended places, and I’m always up for a castle or 4!

 

[OzAnnie]

My question is: if you walked the Mozárabe to Mérida and then continued on the VdlP, would you miss out on a lot of good stuff on the VdlP by not doing the stages from Seville-Mérida? (Missing Seville itself would not be a factor as I have already been there several times.)

I agree in general on doing whole routes, I just don’t know if that’s important enough to warrant taking transport from Mérida to Seville and adding nine-ish more stages to what would already be a pretty epic camino!

@jungleboy
I had misinterpreted your question -
Ie- to do Vdlp from Sevilla in your case means going backwards from Mérida first.
- I doubt I would do that either; after walking the Mozárabe to Mérida- (I hadn’t realised you were planning to walk the Mozárabe regardless). I thought you were asking ‘which’ route to Mérida.
Keep moving forward!!! Towards Santiago . . So envious of your fitness.

 

[peregrina2000]

The way we are thinking about it at the moment, it wouldn’t be either/or, it would definitely be the Mozárabe and then it’s whether to take transport down to Seville and restart there or not.

Oh, I thought that might have been what you were getting at. Since time is no object, there’s no reason not to head back to Sevilla, but it might interrupt the flow. The typical 8 days from Sevilla to Mérida don’t really have any show-stopping days, but the park on the way into Almadén de la Plata is pleasant. Leaving Monesterio (capital of jamón, so you could give that a miss) there is a nice dehesa stage. Several water crossings that can be “fun” before Fuente de Cantos. Fuente de Cantos is birthplace of Zuburán, and there is/was/will be a small museum in his home (no originals, though, I believe). Zafra is pleasant, some good food, a parador, pretty squares (it is called the Little Sevilla, which is at about the same level of hyperbole as calling Santarém the capital of gótico). Going into Villafranca there is a really nice albergue turístico, http://www.albergueturisticolaalmazara.com/, in an old olive oil press, out in the middle of nowhere, pleasant and relaxing. (Sorry, I can’t insert the link into the text for some reason on my ipad). The walk from Villafranca to Mérida is two or three days of flat ag fields. I enjoyed every bit of it, there is a lot of local intrigue in Villafranca, lots of nice people all along the way, and the café bars are all open VERY early (by 6:30) — not for pilgrims, but for truckers and others who want to get their work day started before the scorching starts.

I guess it just depends on whether you want to think of it as walking two caminos or one. If the former, go back to Sevilla..

 

[Kanga]

I enjoyed the walk from Seville to Merida. I walked in spring and the wildflowers were stunning. I want to walk the whole of the Plata again, taking the Sanabrés option.

 

[amancio]

To me, Via de la Plata, in spring time (end of march to mid may perhaps) is an ode to life, at times it feels like you are in the middle of a Disney movie: life is budding all over, green grass, trees are covered with leaves again, water runs and flows gently, flowers of every colour, texture and scent accompany you along the way, black piglets, milking lambs, goat kids, calves, colts... they all tell you a new year in life is starting, one more time. And birds, hundreds of birds around you, the glorious mornings in the dehesa forest with all the birds chirping away. This is, for me, La Plata, LIFE coming back after the crude winter. The walk bewteen Almadén de la Plata and Real de la Jara is particularly stunning in that sense. And it is only 3,5 hours away by car for me!

 

[Robo]

My best memory of Via de la Plata was ( honestly ) the day it was over,
the worst albergues of any camino,crowded and dirty, disgusting showers,
the heat, it was never under 40C, even at night ,
I was very happy when it was over.... yikes

What time of year did you walk?

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I’m not sure if it was my favorite Camino, but it was by far the most interesting—for all of the reasons above. i walked from Seville to Astorga last spring. The scenery, wildflowers, Roman ruins, cities, livestock (baby livestock), The VDLP is no one’s first Camino. While there are fewer pilgrims, there are, nevertheless, lots of stories per pilgrim.

It was my first Camino but I was the only one. I chose this Camino because the Frances seemed to crowded to me. I liked the VdlP because of the landscapes, and the beautiful cities like Sevilla, Merida, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense

 

[jungleboy]

I guess it just depends on whether you want to think of it as walking two caminos or one. If the former, go back to Sevilla..

Late reply but this is an interesting way to think about it. I hadn’t really considered the one vs two angle before but thinking about it now I would see it as one camino which helps cement the idea that I would prefer to just keep walking from Mérida once the Mozárabe joins the VdlP.

Anyway, this big camino in whatever form it takes is the current idea for next spring but who knows what will happen between now and then?

 

[MesaWalker]

Jill, I stumbled across this thread now 2 1/2 years later. Did you go on the VdlP, and if so did you get to Alburquerque? The reason I ask is that my wife and I are also from Albuquerque, NM and I happened to be researching the namesake city in Spain and learned that it isn't too far from the VdlP, which we plan to walk this fall.

If you went, how far away from the VdlP is Alburquerque? Did you walk or take some sort of public transport? Was it worth a visit? Thanks for any input!

Separately, for anyone else on this thread, we are tentatively planning to walk the Via Serrana (at Jungle Boy's suggestion - thank you!) to Sevilla, and then on up the VdlP, leaving from La Linea during the second week of September. My question for anyone who has walked the VdlP in the fall - it is going to be unbearably hot for the first few weeks? Are we fools? We had planned to walk it in the Spring but the timing for our personal plans just didn't coincide with a Spring piligrimage.

 

[AlanSykes]

The VDLP is no one’s first Camino.

The VdlP was my first camino, and my second, and where my (possibly unhealthy) addiction to spending 6-10 weeks every autumn walking across Spain was born. It had been a few years since I'd last walked any of the southern sections, but when I arrived in Zafra on the Plata after walking the Camino del Sur last October it felt like coming home. Other caminos I've walked have been more spectacular, or historic, or dramatic, but the Plata really has everything, from Celtiberian, Roman, Visigothic and mediaeval roads, bridges, churches and temples, through glorious landscapes, tasty wines, cheeses, breads, pimientos and jamóns. It's a lot busier than when I first walked it, but the aromatic winding dehesa between Mérida and Cáceres is still for me the essence of the camino.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

The VdlP was my first camino…..

Mine too, with similar results.

 

[JillGat]

Jill, I stumbled across this thread now 2 1/2 years later. Did you go on the VdlP, and if so did you get to Alburquerque? The reason I ask is that my wife and I are also from Albuquerque, NM and I happened to be researching the namesake city in Spain and learned that it isn't too far from the VdlP, which we plan to walk this fall.

If you went, how far away from the VdlP is Alburquerque? Did you walk or take some sort of public transport? Was it worth a visit? Thanks for any input!

Separately, for anyone else on this thread, we are tentatively planning to walk the Via Serrana (at Jungle Boy's suggestion - thank you!) to Sevilla, and then on up the VdlP, leaving from La Linea during the second week of September. My question for anyone who has walked the VdlP in the fall - it is going to be unbearably hot for the first few weeks? Are we fools? We had planned to walk it in the Spring but the timing for our personal plans just didn't coincide with a Spring piligrimage.

Hi! No, I had a couple of life interruptions and then Covid hit, so La Plata is still on my wish list. Re. Alburquerque, my plan had been to take a taxi or public transport there from Caceres. Alburquerque is a very small pueblo and on Google Maps, I think it would be fun to see. Another thought was to fly into Badajoz, which looks like a very interesting place, and visit Alburquerque before starting my walk. While walking the Camino Frances a few years ago, I met a Spanish man at a rest stop whose last name was Alburquerque! And while walking the Portugues, I saw a street named Albuquerque, misspelled just how we do it! Do you still live in ABQ?

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Jill - have just seen that the Plata remains on your wish list.

How I loved it. There’s a quiet joy every day walking through the stunning landscapes and hardly ever seeing another person. I found that it’s as though time was in complete rhythm with my footsteps - that everything else in the world was outside of what I was experiencing in that moment - sometimes the feeling was so strong it made me cry with utter happiness. It was something I never felt on the CF or the VF.

I too walked in Spring - last year in fact. The wildflowers that posters above wrote about were in abundance and everything, everything was beautiful. Here’s an example -



Buen Camino for your next camino, whichever one this may be -

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[camino07]

Hi Jill - have just seen that the Plata remains on your wish list.

How I loved it. There’s a quiet joy every day walking through the stunning landscapes and hardly ever seeing another person. I found that it’s as though time was in complete rhythm with my footsteps - that everything else in the world was outside of what I was experiencing in that moment - sometimes the feeling was so strong it made me cry with utter happiness. It was something I never felt on the CF or the VF.

I too walked in Spring - last year in fact. The wildflowers that posters above wrote about were in abundance and everything, everything was beautiful. Here’s an example -

View attachment 141510

Buen Camino for your next camino, whichever one this may be -

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

Same here Jenny. There is something about the VDLP that makes it my favourite .I have walked it three times now and everything you said in describing it is so true also just the right amount of likeminded pilgrims to meet up with here and there. I think I was a couple of days ahead of you but heard about you.
Heather

 

[JennyH94]

Same here Jenny. There is something about the VDLP that makes it my favourite .I have walked it three times now and everything you said in describing it is so true also just the right amount of likeminded pilgrims to meet up with here and there. I think I was a couple of days ahead of you but heard about you.
Heather

I heard about you too, Heather! It’s such a shame our paths didn’t cross. We would have had much fantastic conversation on those magical paths had we walked together.
The bush telegraph on the Plata was epic! The stories we heard about people I know we both met were simply and completely wonderful - two were real characters! They would (separately) pop up in the most unexpected places and the joy of meeting them again was very real - the coincidences were astonishing!
For me, the Plata became a place where angels gathered - those three angels know who they are. I hope you met angels too Heather and that your Plata caminos were everything that you might have hoped and wished for.
Cheers from Sydney -
Jenny

 

[MesaWalker]

Hi! No, I had a couple of life interruptions and then Covid hit, so La Plata is still on my wish list. Re. Alburquerque, my plan had been to take a taxi or public transport there from Caceres. Alburquerque is a very small pueblo and on Google Maps, I think it would be fun to see. Another thought was to fly into Badajoz, which looks like a very interesting place, and visit Alburquerque before starting my walk. While walking the Camino Frances a few years ago, I met a Spanish man at a rest stop whose last name was Alburquerque! And while walking the Portugues, I saw a street named Albuquerque, misspelled just how we do it! Do you still live in ABQ?

Thanks for the update. We do still live in in ABQ. We may have seen the same street in Portugal - I think in Porto on the way towards Casa de Serralves.

We're planning to do a sea-to-sea walk this fall - La Linea to A Coruña. We'll need to get in shape for that. I'm not sure whether we will add a detour to Alburquerque and/or Badajoz into our schedule, but both look interesting. Thanks for the tips, and good luck to you!