Hi everyone
I found a variety of information on this forum useful while I was planning my camino, so thought I'd put some info about my experience on here in case others find it helpful.
I walked the Camino Sanabres from Granja de Morerueula to Santiago, starting on 3rd Oct 2021 and arriving in Santiago on 22nd, with one non-walking day. I'm 57, female, and it was my first camino. I've never walked anywhere long-distance and never carried a backpack before. I was raising money for a charity at the same time, Becky's Bathhouse, an NGO in Greece, working with refugee women.
It was very, very quiet in terms of pilgrims - I think I had 3 or 4 conversations in English the whole way (I only speak holiday Spanish and I came across only a couple of Spanish people who spoke a little English). I had expected that, and it was right for me - I chose the Sanabres as I knew it would be quieter, and I wouldn't cope with masses of people (as with the Frances). (I'm guessing it will get a little busier next year as travel becomes less restricted). It was amazing to experience the incredible landscapes I went through in peace and quiet. A wonderful, unique experience. I did appreciate the lovely chats I did have with the few people I encountered though!
There were times, as a total newbie, that I struggled with the tough terrain (a lot of uphill!) but the payoff is the beauty of the place. I stayed a lot (mostly) in albergues, and that was fine, though I couldn't have done it without good ear plugs and an eye mask. A few times I booked private albergues or small hotels, mostly for wifi access and because of the advice on here to pre-book. It was nice knowing that I definitely had a place to go to sometimes, though there was never a problem with space in the municipal albergues. Only one was not good - it had no heating and was freezing! (Also - the only current accommodation at Campobecerros was dreadful (the albergue is closed), I'd definitely change my route to avoid it next time!). I was happy with the stages I'd worked out, with quite a few shorter days - as a newbie I needed them! This was my route:
Granja de Moreruela, Tabara, Santa Marta de Tera, Vilar de Farfon, Mombuey, Asturianos, Puebla de Sanabria, Requejo, Lubian, A Gudina, Campobecerros, Laza, Alburgeria, Xunqueria de Ambia, Ourense (day off), Cea, Estacion de Lalin, Bandeira, Outeiro, Santiago.
My feet hurt like hell, some days I was exhausted, but it was absolutely wonderful! I'm thinking about Seville to G de M in Spring....
Buen Camino all!
I found a variety of information on this forum useful while I was planning my camino, so thought I'd put some info about my experience on here in case others find it helpful.
I walked the Camino Sanabres from Granja de Morerueula to Santiago, starting on 3rd Oct 2021 and arriving in Santiago on 22nd, with one non-walking day. I'm 57, female, and it was my first camino. I've never walked anywhere long-distance and never carried a backpack before. I was raising money for a charity at the same time, Becky's Bathhouse, an NGO in Greece, working with refugee women.
It was very, very quiet in terms of pilgrims - I think I had 3 or 4 conversations in English the whole way (I only speak holiday Spanish and I came across only a couple of Spanish people who spoke a little English). I had expected that, and it was right for me - I chose the Sanabres as I knew it would be quieter, and I wouldn't cope with masses of people (as with the Frances). (I'm guessing it will get a little busier next year as travel becomes less restricted). It was amazing to experience the incredible landscapes I went through in peace and quiet. A wonderful, unique experience. I did appreciate the lovely chats I did have with the few people I encountered though!
There were times, as a total newbie, that I struggled with the tough terrain (a lot of uphill!) but the payoff is the beauty of the place. I stayed a lot (mostly) in albergues, and that was fine, though I couldn't have done it without good ear plugs and an eye mask. A few times I booked private albergues or small hotels, mostly for wifi access and because of the advice on here to pre-book. It was nice knowing that I definitely had a place to go to sometimes, though there was never a problem with space in the municipal albergues. Only one was not good - it had no heating and was freezing! (Also - the only current accommodation at Campobecerros was dreadful (the albergue is closed), I'd definitely change my route to avoid it next time!). I was happy with the stages I'd worked out, with quite a few shorter days - as a newbie I needed them! This was my route:
Granja de Moreruela, Tabara, Santa Marta de Tera, Vilar de Farfon, Mombuey, Asturianos, Puebla de Sanabria, Requejo, Lubian, A Gudina, Campobecerros, Laza, Alburgeria, Xunqueria de Ambia, Ourense (day off), Cea, Estacion de Lalin, Bandeira, Outeiro, Santiago.
My feet hurt like hell, some days I was exhausted, but it was absolutely wonderful! I'm thinking about Seville to G de M in Spring....
Buen Camino all!
