• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Recent content by BiggBlue

  1. BiggBlue

    Sleeping bag or just liner (starting Frances at SJPdP on April 25th)

    The first Camino I walked was the French, and I took a sleeping bag, which I used most nights; however, like all sleeping bags, it took up a lot of space in the backpack. On all subsequent Caminos, I simply took a silk liner. The pack volume is very small, and in almost every Albergue, there are...
  2. BiggBlue

    Difficulty comparison: Camino del Norte vs. Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port

    There is no doubt in my mind, that for a first Camino, I would always recommend the Camino Frances, it is very well-supported and has a fantastic infrastructure. The first day from SJPP is easily one of the hardest days on any Camino route. After that, there is only one significant climb that...
  3. BiggBlue

    Question about Via de La Plata from Merida starting November 02, 2023

    I’m planning to start 30th September- though a little concerned that it’ll still be 32C+ for the first two weeks. I’m taking an umbrella as shade is a must on long stretches!
  4. BiggBlue

    Ryanair charging to check poles in Santiago

    When I flew back today from Santiago to London, as I had done many times before, I went to check in my walking poles (which historically had been free of charge) only to discover there is now a charge of €40. In the past, it was complimentary, and even though I can disassemble them and fit them...
  5. BiggBlue

    What is Your Marching Music

    When I am walking my preference is to walk alone, and then later in the day listen to an audiobook, if there is a long slightly featureless path. However often as I come to the end of a long day or when I am feeling tired I have a few go-to, what I refer to as marching songs. Usually, they...
  6. BiggBlue

    Weather in October C. del Norte and C. francés

    I set off from Irun on the 1st of October this year. And arrived in Santiago 34 days later. During that time there were five days when it was wet and chilly, this was more frequent towards the end of the trip as I entered Galicia. In general, the Spanish forecast was fairly accurate in...
  7. BiggBlue

    Reflections of the Camino Norte in October.

    One of the pilrims I walked with for a few days was using Gronze.com and it was in my opinion the best resource. As for blisters, wet socks will increase friction, making blisters more probable. I got my blisters before the rain came, so by that time each troublesome toe, was individually...
  8. BiggBlue

    Reflections of the Camino Norte in October.

    I posted on this forum before leaving for the Camino Norte, wondering if it would be very quiet. I received some helpful input but went expecting it to be very quiet. I arrived in Santiago on the 4th of November and thought I would share some thoughts and reflections from my Camino. First, I...
  9. BiggBlue

    Frances or change of plan?

    I’m currently on the Norte it is way busier than I had anticipated- but is a wholly different experience from CF. The infrastructure is very slim compared to CF. As for Covid if you are vaccinated I’d be less inclined to stress. At my albergue tonight one pilgrim was sneezing so took a test and...
  10. BiggBlue

    1st Oct Start from Irun.............is this Wise?

    Due to a family birthday celebration, I had to delay my planned start on the Norte until 1st October. I read as much as I could and know the route and the potential weather challenges as well. I have 34 days to do it before I have to fly back to London. So having down previous Caminos I realise...
  11. BiggBlue

    Is there a cruz de ferro place on the primitivo?

    When I walked the Camino Frances I carried some of my mother's ashes (she had died a few the previous year) and it had always been one of her ambitions to walk one of the Caminos. I did not think before my walk where I would plan to scatter them. I was of the opinion I would know the right...
  12. BiggBlue

    If you were in a rush, which stages would you skip and why?

    In my travels, I remember people more than I remember places. As I have often said "I would rather be in the wrong place with the right people than the right place with the wrong people". Personally if walking for the experience of opening yourself up to the experience of Camino, Start at the...
  13. BiggBlue

    I never thought I would say this...

    This climb was a bit of a double whammy for me in 2017. First, I remember thinking, when does it end? Even though I could see the top it took what felt like a long time to get there. Then a very welcome rest at the top. After a short distance, the descent appeared and was initially welcomed by...
  14. BiggBlue

    Fun Camino stories

    I have a theory, that if you ever get 'the last bed in the Albergue, is it the bed no one wants, often for very good reason. In fact, the thought of getting the last bed in the Albergue encourages me to get up early and get to my destination in good time. One day on the Meseta I was thinking...
  15. BiggBlue

    Mid-Sept Start Date......Thoughts Please

    John I have looked at all the options and there is no way I can realistically see how it will be practical. There will be numerous challenges and I suspect it will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. I don't give up easily but common sense has made me realise best to postpone!! ☹️

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.
This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top