First Camino - how much should I plan?

[piqueaboo]

Hi everyone,

I'm flying to Santiago next Saturday and was planning to take a bus out to Sarria, sleep at a hostel and start walking on Sunday until I return to Santiago. I have never done anything like this before so I am following most of the advice I've read online.

Here is the route I plan on following: Sarria - Portomarin - Palas de Rei - Arzua - Rua-O-Pino -Santiago

Here are a couple of questions I still have, I would be grateful if you have any advice/comments:

1. Should I pre-book hostels? I know it's winter and some hostels will be open, should I plan in advance, or just find something every day upon my arrival?

2. I plan on bringing very few things, among them a sleeping bag and thermal clothing & jackets, is there anything that I should bring that I may not have considered?

3. Getting to Sarria: I read online about 2 busses that will get me all the way there, are there other options you may know about that I hadn't considered?

Thank you in advance
Juliette

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Hi everyone,

I'm flying to Santiago next Saturday and was planning to take a bus out to Sarria, sleep at a hostel and start walking on Sunday until I return to Santiago. I have never done anything like this before so I am following most of the advice I've read online.

Here is the route I plan on following: Sarria - Portomarin - Palas de Rei - Arzua - Rua-O-Pino -Santiago

Here are a couple of questions I still have, I would be grateful if you have any advice/comments:

1. Should I pre-book hostels? I know it's winter and some hostels will be open, should I plan in advance, or just find something every day upon my arrival?

2. I plan on bringing very few things, among them a sleeping bag and thermal clothing & jackets, is there anything that I should bring that I may not have considered?

3. Getting to Sarria: I read online about 2 busses that will get me all the way there, are there other options you may know about that I hadn't considered?

Thank you in advance
Juliette

1. you're staying at the larger towns/villages - there should be places open and beds available. however, expect most cafes/bars and smaller albergues along the trail to be closed, so i wouldn't chance it, or at least call in advance if you change your plans.
2. it should be wet/muddy, keep dry
3. lots of buses to lugo, and then to sarria

Buen Camino!

 

[Kiwi-family]

Sounds like you’re ready!

 

[Remigija]

Hi Its so much information, but I cant find anything about shortest ways..maybe you know where should I start to walk to comino if I can walk 4 or 5 days, not longer, is it possible ?

 

[piqueaboo]

1. you're staying at the larger towns/villages - there should be places open and beds available. however, expect most cafes/bars and smaller albergues along the trail to be closed, so i wouldn't chance it, or at least call in advance if you change your plans.
2. it should be wet/muddy, keep dry
3. lots of buses to lugo, and then to sarria

Buen Camino!

Thank you !

 

[onwayhome]

Hi everyone,

I'm flying to Santiago next Saturday and was planning to take a bus out to Sarria, sleep at a hostel and start walking on Sunday until I return to Santiago. I have never done anything like this before so I am following most of the advice I've read online.

Here is the route I plan on following: Sarria - Portomarin - Palas de Rei - Arzua - Rua-O-Pino -Santiago

Here are a couple of questions I still have, I would be grateful if you have any advice/comments:

1. Should I pre-book hostels? I know it's winter and some hostels will be open, should I plan in advance, or just find something every day upon my arrival?

2. I plan on bringing very few things, among them a sleeping bag and thermal clothing & jackets, is there anything that I should bring that I may not have considered?

3. Getting to Sarria: I read online about 2 busses that will get me all the way there, are there other options you may know about that I hadn't considered?

Thank you in advance
Juliette

Plan as much as you feel comfortable with, though as you say a lot will be closed in the winter. If you want to do minimal planning maybe book a first night and take a phone with calls and data. See if someone at your albergue knows what is actually open on the route ahead and then decide.
Check out the weather forecast just before you go, it should give some indication of how sunny, wet or cold it might be, and might guide how much you pack, though weather likely to be very variable!
Have a great Camino.

 

[domigee]

Hi Its so much information, but I cant find anything about shortest ways..maybe you know where should I start to walk to comino if I can walk 4 or 5 days, not longer, is it possible ?

Hi! In 4 or 5 days you can walk the Camino inglés, from Ferrol to Santiago or walk from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía. Depends on how many kms you want to/can do in a day, really.