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This looks like a great idea. But do remember that July will be a hell-busy month as well as hot. You probably will need to book accommodation in advance. And you'll be walking with half the population of Spain!!! It's not my preference to walk with such a crowd obviously, but I'm sure it has...
I found the Valcarlos route a real grind once you hit the switchbacks. Not a fiddle at all. I have text to walk the Napoleon - might do so next time. I was 59 at the time.
I’ve walked from Burgos in early Feb in 2020 (snuck in just before craziness really started) and there were many fewer people than in March when I walked in 2016. But having said that I still managed a little Camino family (2 guys) by the end of my walk but it was a lot more solitary than the...
I also walked in February 2020 (snuck in before covid slammed borders shut) hoping for more snow. It was bizarre! I rocked into Santiago sunburnt! There was NO snow on the mountain ranges you can see on the right as you're heading to Acebo. Very disheartening - the effects of climate change...
My friend had a great massage in Castrojeriz - we simply asked at the bar (using sign language and poor Spanish) and the bar owner called someone then a lady came to walk us up to the masseuse who was a man and did a great job. €15 for 3/4 hr.
I read to the end! Great stuff! I can relate to everything you said. I walked alone but met people who became firm friends but because of different walking paces, and because we were happy to each walk alone, we usually separated, sometimes for days, with no expectation of meeting up again...
About pre-booking - 2 days before Samos, a long way in from SJPDP, I and some people I was that day walking with met a lady from Mexico. She met us because she heard a couple of our people speaking Mexican Spanish. So she joined in. Turns out she had never travelled solo before so had...
Dear Yellowfriend - So many great people have said not to beat yourself up about not enjoying that Camino. I agree. I walked my solo Camino Frances in April last year and had some tough days too where I nearly gave up. Constant side-ways driving rain on 10km of straight soul-less path with no...
Good to know. Would be quite good to have snow rather than rain ... I think! Will ensure I take cold weather stuff for sure. It was pretty cold when I did my first C. Frances in March/April last year too.
What are crowds like in October/November?
What month is the latest you can walk from SJPDP over the mountain rather than up the road. I'm thinking perhaps starting late September or early October. Glad for anyone's thoughts. Last time I did the Frances I started late April so missed out on that mountain walk.
Hi Viranani - I'm starting in SJPDP on Thursday walking via Valcarlos as the Route Napoleon is closed I'm told. I'm looking forward to the 'easier on the legs' start anyway.
Thanks for your good wishes. It's my first camino and I feel like I've been planning for it for ever! Flying out in 2...
You'd think if anyone did an iota of research and stumbled upon this site they would have seen all the info about the closed route Napolean. But, you never know I guess. I'll be in SJPDP in a week and look forward to checking out any such signs.
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