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  1. Espee84

    Anyone else walking Via de la plata January/February 2020

    ... Yes, although I found most of the albergues on the Via de la Plata offered sheets/duvets and blankets as standard. Having said this, it was very cold at night – even in April.
  2. Espee84

    The VDLP guidebook and some useful advice for future hikers

    Hi all. I walked the VdlP up to astorga in april. I used the Wise Pilgrim app and the Spanish version of Gronze. I added comments to the Wise Pilgrim app as I went along. I hope this up to date info re: alternate routes, village amenities and comments on albergues is helpful for others. It’s...
  3. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    Yes - this is certainly the case. People were walking stages of 1-3 weeks but I didn’t meet anyone who had started later along the route than Seville. @anthikes I must have missed you by a few days. Everyone I had met turned left at Granja and that stretch to astorga was blissfully quiet. I...
  4. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    I agree with all the above!
  5. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    For me there were several stages when nearly 40km in one day were unavoidable. This was partly owing to lack of accommodation available over Semana Santa and also because I was under the impression that the albergue at Alija was closed - necessitating two very long days back to back. I think I...
  6. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    I’ve heard it said that the VdlP is the hardest camino. It was certainly more gruelling than the Frances - primarily because long stages of 30+km are unavoidable and it’s quite common for there to be stretches of 15, 20, sometimes 30km with nowhere to get food or water. According to one...
  7. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    There are a few long stretches of 15km or so and some shorter sections of 6-8km but much of the time when the route follows the road there is a path running along side the road. That said, most of the route is on dusty gravel tracks which are quite hard work underfoot (shoes completely worn...
  8. Espee84

    Via de la Plata - Pilgrim numbers in decline / flatlining

    Just finished in Astorga (today). The VdlP has been *far* busier than I expected with easily 40-60 people on each ‘stage’. To me it has seemed busier than when I walked the Frances in June (albeit a quiet June) last year. My observation is that the current number of albergues, and places in the...
  9. Espee84

    VdlP ‘compostela’

    Fast approaching Astorga, having walked from Seville. Just wondering if there is any kind of ‘Compostela’ or certificate available in Astorga for completing the VdlP. (I am not continuing to Santiago this time). I am guessing not, but thought I would ask anyway. (I gained 4 extra certificates in...
  10. Espee84

    Theft...

    I didn’t stay in Casar de Caceres as I had to stay two nights in Cáceres before I could move on (no beds!) The theft happened in the municipal albergue - and incidentally the friends who told me also said it was ‘un desastre’...
  11. Espee84

    Theft...

    Theft reported in Casar de Cáceres yesterday (18th April). Pilgrim had money and passport stolen. Not sure if this is at all useful - but at least a warning to stay vigilant. VdlP is also insanely busy - real struggle finding accommodation.
  12. Espee84

    Via de la Plata in April?

    Thanks. On the Frances in June/July last year many people were walking in socks and sandals. ‘Heavy’ trail shoes are making my feet hot even in UK spring temperatures - hence looking for alternative. Non waterproof trail shoes seemed sensible for breathability. If there’s heavy rain your feet...
  13. Espee84

    Via de la Plata in April?

    Anyone else experience lots of rain/wet weather in April? Were the paths really that wet and muddy? I was planning to ditch my heavy waterproof trail shoes for lighter weight non waterproof (and hence more breathable) ones in view of the heat.

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