Plans and dates set - advice please

[Robert Carmichael]

So, I have settled on flying to Madrid Friday August 31 from Toronto which brings me into Madrid early am Saturday September 1. Travel via train to my starting point and walk to Santiago until September 6.
Assuming I am at the starting point X the afternoon of September 1, I could walk a couple of hours to my first stop and I figure I can do 20-25 K per day.
I would have Friday September 7 to enjoy Santiago and make my way back to Madrid for the return trip September 8.
Any comment, advice is welcome and gracefully appreciated.

I hope this trip will be a prelude to future trips covering the entire Camino, I just cannot afford the time yet.
Thanks in advance

 

[caminoagogo]

Hi Robert, I'd say train to Sarria, walk the last 100KM and get your Compostela. You will need two stamps a day for this by the way. The stages would more than likely be Sarria > Portomarin > Palas De Rei > Ribadiso > Pedrouzo Arca > SdC. I hope this helps and Buen Camino

 

[MaryLynn]

Sounds like you have a plan! I think your only problem may be jetlag for the first couple days. I have used rome2rio.com for travel information and planning my Caminos.
I have gone directly from the Madrid airport to the Madrid-Chamartin train station and on to my starting point on the CF without going into the centre of Madrid. Going home, you can fly or take a train (6hrs) from Santiago to Madrid. I have usually stayed overnight in Madrid at the Urban Sea Atocha 113 hotel, a simple and friendly hotel, only a 7min walk to the Atocha train station where you can take an airport bus (30min) or the metro/train (1hr) to the airport in the morning. My flights from Madrid to Toronto have usually departed at ~9:30a.m. Because your timeline is tight, I suggest you have all your tickets in hand before you leave Toronto.
PS. Walking from Logroño to Burgos is a beautiful five-day walk and it would be easier and cheaper to get from Madrid to Logroño and to get back to Madrid from Burgos. Just an idea... I hope this is just the first of many future Camino adventures.

 

[Robert Carmichael]

Thanks, should not my first Camino end in Santiago ? It seems feeling the triumph of those that have done the whole thing may be worth the trip

 

[Momonne]

Thanks, should not my first Camino end in Santiago ? It seems feeling the triumph of those that have done the whole thing may be worth the trip

Not at all. It has taken many of us many return trips to make it to Santiago. Plus, the routes are much nicer further away from Santiago. And until you have been to Santiago you will want to go back and walk some more.

Ok, if for religious resasons the whole purpose of your Camino is to get to Santiago and this is the one and only time you will be able to do so, then by all means, otherwise I would advise spending as much time as possible getting closer, but not arriving.

Plus, it can be quite a downer to arrive in Santiago: loss of walking companions, facing the reality of having to go back to the rat race, all these unknown faces after knowing jist about everyone on the trail. Santiago is a beautiful city, the cathedral mesmerizing, but being there at the end of a wonderful experience can be hard, and sad.

 

[Robert Carmichael]

Thank you for your insights, most helpful

 

[scruffy1]

Only a week but don't be pressured. Take your time, admire the view, enjoy Pamploma and if you make it also Logroño, The Camino is a spiritual journey into yourself - for sure; a lot of fun - of course. Don't hurry down the Camino because it's there. Slow and sure for the Camino is a thousand years old, it will still be here next year, next decade, and after you retire whenever you decide to return,

 

[Robert Carmichael]

Sounds like you have a plan! I think your only problem may be jetlag for the first couple days. I have used rome2rio.com for travel information and planning my Caminos.
I have gone directly from the Madrid airport to the Madrid-Chamartin train station and on to my starting point on the CF without going into the centre of Madrid. Going home, you can fly or take a train (6hrs) from Santiago to Madrid. I have usually stayed overnight in Madrid at the Urban Sea Atocha 113 hotel, a simple and friendly hotel, only a 7min walk to the Atocha train station where you can take an airport bus (30min) or the metro/train (1hr) to the airport in the morning. My flights from Madrid to Toronto have usually departed at ~9:30a.m. Because your timeline is tight, I suggest you have all your tickets in hand before you leave Toronto.
PS. Walking from Logroño to Burgos is a beautiful five-day walk and it would be easier and cheaper to get from Madrid to Logroño and to get back to Madrid from Burgos. Just an idea... I hope this is just the first of many future Camino adventures.

I think I will do this, thanks