Camino for my 50th

[Rich1]

Hi all.
Firstly, what a great forum - tremendous source of information
Planning on doing the Camino as a 50th birthday present to myself - finishing in Santiago on my birthday May 28th.
Was just thinking Frances but having read more about Norte & Primitivo, I'm now muddled!!
I'm a trail & mountain runner and love getting away for a few days in the hills and mountains here in the UK. I like the solitude and peace during the day, and then a bit a natter in the evening at campsite or youth hostel.
The more I read about the Frances, the more I think it won't give me what I want. A Norte/Primitivo route sounds like it will be quieter - am I right in thinking its a bit more rural too?
Any advice gratefully received

Also posted this on the Norte sub-firum, so apologies to anyone who has to read twice

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Hi all.
Firstly, what a great forum - tremendous source of information
Planning on doing the Camino as a 50th birthday present to myself - finishing in Santiago on my birthday May 28th.
Was just thinking Frances but having read more about Norte & Primitivo, I'm now muddled!!
I'm a trail & mountain runner and love getting away for a few days in the hills and mountains here in the UK. I like the solitude and peace during the day, and then a bit a natter in the evening at campsite or youth hostel.
The more I read about the Frances, the more I think it won't give me what I want. A Norte/Primitivo route sounds like it will be quieter - am I right in thinking its a bit more rural too?
Any advice gratefully received

Also posted this on the Norte sub-firum, so apologies to anyone who has to read twice

Rich1, based on what you say you enjoy, I think you are on to something when picking CdN with Primitivo. It will most certainly be much quieter as you walk, no pilgrims in front of back of you, but everyone meeting in the albergues in the evening. Is it more rural? I have walked the 1st half of CdN, and to tell you the truth I find CF to be more rural. But with the yakking from all these people around you on CF, I prefer a bit less rural (but still not suburbia!), amazing cities here and there, and lovely sites of the sea. Will walk the Primitivo this spring, so cannot comment based on experience, but I am guessing it will not be rural per say (walking through vineyards, etc.) all the way along, but with some fantastic mountain views. I hope I am not wrong ;0)

 

[code_monkey_001]

How much solitude do you want? You could accomplish the same doing the Camino Frances in the off season. I went from Leon to Santiago earlier this month; departing early and walking my normal (above average) pace, I only saw other pilgrims walking 3 of the 11 days, and then only briefly in passing.

You get solitude while walking, but companionship in the evenings as others trickle in - the best of both worlds, in my opinion.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

How much solitude do you want? You could accomplish the same doing the Camino Frances in the off season. I went from Leon to Santiago earlier this month; departing early and walking my normal (above average) pace, I only saw other pilgrims walking 3 of the 11 days, and then only briefly in passing.

You get solitude while walking, but companionship in the evenings as others trickle in - the best of both worlds, in my opinion.

But he wants to be in Santiago on May 28th, which puts him leave late April-early May.

 

[code_monkey_001]

But he wants to be in Santiago on May 28th, which puts him leave late April-early May.

Ah, thanks. I need to read more carefully before posting

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Ah, thanks. I need to read more carefully before posting

Oh, clearly that has never happened to me ;0)

 

[angulero]

Salvador+Primitivo.

 

[nathanael]

Salvador+Primitivo.

Rich1, greetings I did the Camino Norte in 2010 the Holy Year. yes it was a bit more quieter but nevertheless that year that Camino had hoards of Pilgrims. It is much primitive way yet peaceful and very picturesque . The ocean seems to be always there you will enjoy it Buen Camino.

 

[Rich1]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone - really helpful
Not looking for total solitude but don't want to feel like I'm in a procession of hundreds. I like to escape from the noise

 

[Rich1]

Well....after much reflection (& dithering) , I'm all sorted to do the Frances and it feels right
My wife and I watched The Way a few years ago and just looked at each other and said we have to do that, so that was always my driving force. Jenny has just had knee surgery so perhaps we'll do a shortened Frances or Primitivo for her 50th in 2018
Anyway, flights all booked so no turning back.
So excited
Thanks for the advice everyone

 

[lettinggo]

Well....after much reflection (& dithering) , I'm all sorted to do the Frances and it feels right
My wife and I watched The Way a few years ago and just looked at each other and said we have to do that, so that was always my driving force. Jenny has just had knee surgery so perhaps we'll do a shortened Frances or Primitivo for her 50th in 2018
Anyway, flights all booked so no turning back.
So excited
Thanks for the advice everyone

Buen camino

Lettinggo