A number of years ago, I was planning something similar with Spouse who was ahead of me by 3 weeks -- so we said "Let's meet half way and walk half way together"... I flew into Madrid, and we were watching his location relative to mine, and to...
With the assumption that you have more available time than your friend I would say that you should give yourself a few extra days than you would schedule yourself if you weren't going to meet your friend.
Say your friend only has a week off and...
If you've never done this before, several factors likely come into play. You will underestimate the difficulty of the first week. Then you will push too hard to "catch up" to your Plan A. Which is how people develop injuries and blisters. Which...
I suggest allowing 35 calendar days - SJPdP to Santiago. Spend two days at Santiago. Trust me on this. Then, it takes 4 more days to walk to the coast. That's 41 calendar days in all - call it six weeks - 42 days.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Yes. Unless you have problems or sick or rest days, that is average speed. But only you know your level of experience and how fast you can walk. I'd put in a couple of buffer days if possible.
I don't think I would set out in October without something more than a liner. Nor rely that albergues will always have blankets - as some don't and others only in winter. And in October some places won't put the heating on.
I tend to take a silk...
Sure, this happens sometimes.
But why get hot under the collar when a local gets a discount? It's not cheating, it's preferential treatment because you're perceived as the tourist and he's not. You'll be much happier when you let it go.
I guess it comes down to the intent of the individual walking it.
The Camino itself is really just a collection of connected paths that are used to walk to Santiago.
Walking from Berlin there are numerous routes I can take, many of which are...
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