10 to 12 days on Camino Frances this November...?

I'm looking into 10 to 12 days

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how far could I get walking around 25km/day

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12 x 25 = 300

bogusia said:

As a mountain lover I would like to cross some 'higher elevations' on my first camino route, would you suggest walking the first part of the camino starting from SJPP or rather from Astorga to Santiago.

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Cruz de Ferro is located at the highest elevation on the camino ... which is probably the original reason for the cairn being located there. Alto do Polo is located at the second highest point on the camino. So if it is elevation you are after then I would recommend starting at Astorga.

You have a reasonable chance of reaching Santiago from Astorga (264 km) in 12 days.

Good question (I think you already know that 25 x 12 is 300 ) - it really depends upon why you want to do the Camino and whether you think you may return ... if you can go back in later years then there is a lot to be said for starting at St Jean and walking until you have run out of time - then your 25 a day isn't a fixed thing, you would be free to walk or not walk, have a short day or a long day, a day off if you need/want one. 12 days would take you to Burgos - a large city with an airport and major line rail station.
You would only 'get' one mountain range, over to Roncesvalles, but you would be walking the Camino, with all its variety and those high places would still be there on later visits.

If you want to 'do' mountain ranges rather than be a pilgrim processing towards Santiago in the traditional way then you could walk St Jean to Pamplona and then jump ahead to walk the other high sections - though, it isn't climbing mountains out there, just pleasant paths rising high ... though ... if it is mountain walking you want rather than the pilgrimage .. there is a west to east (and obviously east to west!) trail that goes across the length of the Pyrenees ....

bogusia said:

Hello,

I'm new to this forum as well as to solo travelling so would really appreciate any advice...!I'm looking into 10 to 12 days walking of Camino Frances this November, starting around the 7th November. As a mountain lover I would like to cross some 'higher elevations' on my first camino route, would you suggest walking the first part of the camino starting from SJPP or rather from Astorga to Santiago, considering this time of the year and weather...? Also, in case of the former, how far could I get walking around 25km/day...?
Apologies for some silly novice questions and thank you in advance for any tips and hints...

Bogusia

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starting in SJPP you would have two days of mountains, then it gets flat (with hills), you would then lose a day or more crossing spain (assuing you want to end in santiago). starting in astorga, you get hills all the way to santiago and a 'small mountain range (1300 metres is not very impressive), which is beautiful but hardly a challenge if you are used to hiking in mountains (doubtful you'll see or get snow). the Camino (at least not the French Way in Spain) is not a mountain route at all but a succession of hills, some flat areas and lots of little towns and hamlets.

as it's november, i would double check the hostels on route and not assume they will be open.

bogusia said:

Hello,

I'm new to this forum as well as to solo travelling so would really appreciate any advice...!I'm looking into 10 to 12 days walking of Camino Frances this November, starting around the 7th November. As a mountain lover I would like to cross some 'higher elevations' on my first camino route, would you suggest walking the first part of the camino starting from SJPP or rather from Astorga to Santiago, considering this time of the year and weather...? Also, in case of the former, how far could I get walking around 25km/day...?
Apologies for some silly novice questions and thank you in advance for any tips and hints...

Bogusia

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Welcome to the forum. I had the same dilemma this September. Ended up walking from St Jean to Burgos in 12 days. It was amazing, averaging about 25km a day. Burgos was a beautiful place to aim for and visit. It will also be a great place to pick up the camino again in the future. Buen Camino

Per you indication of higher elevations preference, I would start in SJPDP, walk thru Puente La Reina. Bus/train to Astorga, walk to Sarria. This is solely based on your stated desire for higher elevations and no mention on Compostela nor cities sightseeing. I think these sections are beautiful.

Walk from st Jean.