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Yes, it's very difficult to advise on these things, as it often comes down to individual circumstances, personal preferences etc. Having a Plan B hotel is always good advice, though!
The closest thing to a direct flight from the north is Edinburgh to Vigo by Ryanair, but that is seasonal and ends in October. The best remaining options have been mentioned already.
Remember that you don't have to fly there and back with the same airline. By mixing it up a bit you might find...
But the crops ripening in the fields and the colourful wildflowers by the Way will tell you that all in all it's the start of summer. Be prepared for a few hot days at least, with a hat, suncream and a water system that suits you. Don't be anxious, though - prepare well and you'll have the time...
Hi Chris. From my limited experience there was snow in early March 2012 but none in Mid-April 2011. By April I'm guessing it's fairly unusual to see really disruptive snow, but there will undoubtedly be years where winter has a last hoorah when we all think it's over! Buen Camino!
P.s. It was...
I've not been to Istanbul for nearly 20 years, but at that time Sultan Ahmet was the district to stay in. Near the Blue Mosque, bazaar etc. A range of accommodation, some with rooftop bars where you can watch the ships go through the Bosphorous while listening to the call to prayer. Exquisite.
Hi!
Yes, I agree with Wayfarer. You can decide on Finisterre at the time, if you have time. Also remember that you have the option of taking the Valcarlos route out of SJPP, which allows you to break up the stage to Roncesvalles, and is a bit less arduous. Enjoy all your preps!
Hi! A similar suggestion to Mig's is to walk the last section of the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago then on to Finisterre. Flying into and out of Santiago it's easy to get to/from the start/end. Buen Camino!
Hi!
If you both go with a very flexible attitude you'll have a great time. See how the walking goes and if it's not working out for whatever reason, just change plans. You could continue to follow the route partly by foot and partly by bus. You could even take a week off and visit Seville or...
Good luck your preparations - you'll have a great time. The Way is a good film, but I've always found my relationship with my Camino 'family' to be a bit less 'intense' than the four characters in that. Also much more fluid with people joining and leaving along the Way. And good pilgrims don't...
Hola Sandrita!
I would start somewhere between Leon and O Cebreiro on the Camino Frances, depending on exactly how many days you end up having. Astorga (which is between the two) may also be a good option. If you get John Brierley's guide book that helps with suggested stages to walk each day...
Hi Richy! Good advice above. Ryanair fly to Santiago from Stansted and I think Vueling still fly from Heathrow to La Coruna. Check Easyjet, but I don't think you can fly direct to Galicia from elsewhere in the UK.
Of the two routes already mentioned I'd recommend the route from Sarria over the...
Hi Cathy!
I'd be tempted just to pick up the Camino del Norte to the west of Oviedo/Gijon (maybe at Aviles?) and aim for somewhere like Ribadeo, which has reasonable links to Santiago for your flight home. Otherwise getting to the start could really eat into your time. If you were flying into...
Hi Redhead
Assuming that you walk at a fairly average speed you could end up with a week left over if you start in Leon. And you'd completely miss the Meseta!
Starting in Burgos is possible with average 25kms walks each day. However, that wouldn't allow much flexibility for injury, rest days...
Ourense to Santiago is a nice 5 day walk. It's just over 100kms so you would qualify for a Compostela. This is the last section of the Via de la Plata route. It's nowhere near as busy as the Camino Frances, but there are plenty of other pilgrims at popular times of year and nice albergues...
That's a lovely blessing and really captures the spirit of the Camino and of God in nature.
I love the idea of sharing your stone. You must find something of your Camino to take back to your church. I'm sure something perfect will present itself; either something physical or something that is...
Yes, the planning and preparation can be stressful. Once you're there with nothing but your backpack you know exactly what to do!
I've never done the Portuguese Camino, but I doubt many foreign pilgrims speak the language. Nobody starves there, though.
Hi! I walked the last part of the Via de la Plata (Ourense to Sdc) this year, and thought at the time that it would make a good first Camino. However if you're planning to do a longer Camino in stages it might be better to save the arrival in Santiago for another time. Buen Camino!
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