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)
We walked from Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro (age 66) carrying our packs and didn’t find it that bad at all. Uphill, yes - but we are from the prairies where hill training was not available - all we had at our disposal was stair climbing and we didn’t do that much of it. We were fit enough to...
I would not want to do the section from Riego de Ambros to Molinaseca in snow or rain. It was challenging enough in good weather, but not what I would call dangerous if you watch your step.
We walked that path when the weather was perfect and it was challenging enough! I wouldn't want to do it if it's wet, snowy or muddy. I would agree with taking the road in these conditions.
We tried to book a private room in O Cebreiro but most of the places weren’t answering our repeated emails or were fully booked. We contacted Casa Carolo by phone and they booked us a room. We had a very nice stay there. I feel comfortable recommending it.
I’m betting you’ll do it more than just once. We went at age 66 and it was wonderful. All I could think about when I got home was “where will we do the next one!” But between Covid and a severe ankle injury it now may never happen. So start planning, do it while you can, maybe be discover...
We walked from Leon to Santiago so I can’t comment on all of the CF. I didn’t use poles (I like to do a lot of photography so would have found them to be a nuisance) but I really would have found them helpful on steep downhill (such as El Acebo to Molinaseca) and just descending on all those...
We did Leon to Santiago in 19 days. Many days we could have walked a lot further. We broke it down as follows: Leon to Villar de Mazarife, Hospital de Orbigo, Murias de Rechivaldo, Rabanal, El Acebo, Molinaseca, Componaraya, Villafranca del Bierzo, Vega de Valcarce, O Cebreiro, Biduedo, Samos...
It depends on what she wants out of the walk. If she wants to explore and enjoy the surroundings, 14 walking days is certainly enough. Otherwise it may be more than she needs. We walked from Leon to Santiago in 19 days - more than enough time for that distance and we could have gone much further...
We had the same experience with Casa Navarro in 2017 - they never replied to any of our emails or phone calls and we saw no other way to reserve a room. We ended up booking at Casa Carolo - we were hesitant because we had seen negative comments online, but our experience with them was good. We...
Hospederia Monastica Pax.
Very nice and well located with friendly staff, next to albergue and on a square. Great location for exploring. If you’re planning to be there on a weekend, ask first about festivals - there was one in the square when we stayed there - interesting to see but our room...
I never once felt like quitting but there were some things I wished I had known as I prepared. For example, I was used to walking long distances and never had a problem with that, but I was not used to walking long distances every single day for weeks. I had to shed some things I had initially...
It sounds like you have done your research. Be kind to yourself! Be aware of your fears but don’t let them control you - focus on going with an open, positive mind. Don’t let the destination overwhelm you, instead focus on the journey. Plan accordingly and realistically as to what you think you...
The worst part starts at Riego de Ambros and ends at Molinaseca. This is where there is solid rock and loose stones, all downhill. It was challenging in places from Acebo but easier to navigate. I was 66 when I did it, arthritic knees, blisters on my toes and no poles but I made it, albeit...
When we walked the CF in 2017 we only pulled out the rain gear once, as we entered Sarria. The rain lasted 10 minutes, hardly worth pulling it out. Lots of morning fog. Generally warm weather and mostly sunny.
At age 66 my husband and I did this stretch. It is well worth doing on the trail - just be forewarned that there is considerable ascent and descent. With proper planning relative to your fitness level you should allow time to enjoy it. We did not find it to be a problem. The most difficult...
Maybe it depends on what your reasons are for doing the Camino, what your goals are and what your outlook is as well as that of your partner. Personally, I found an element of peace on the Camino that I've had nowhere else, and it was not what I was seeking. And it is so beautiful! On a daily...
In 2017 my husband and I walked the Camino Frances. Like you I was worried about how it would go for us but it ended up being a wonderful experience, a highlight of our lives! I would do it again in a heartbeat.
We were there in 2017, several emails, no replies. We stayed somewhere else as it was fairly busy at the time and after all that climbing we wanted to be sure we had accommodation for the night.
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