3 weeks in October. Where to start? Which route to take?

[tommycamino]

Hi everyone. A bit of a timeless question and one I've seen before. I have 3 weeks (21 days, maybe 22 to be precise) of walking starting in early October and I'm wondering what might be the best route for me. I am reasonably fit, 28 years old but it would by my first ever Camino.

1) Burgos to Santiago de Compostela
Pros) Sense of achievement in reaching Santiago de Compostela in one continuous journey.
Cons) The Meseta could be a gruelling way to start the Camino.

2) SJPP to Burgos or Sahagún.
Pros) I've heard that the Pyrenees are beautiful. The sense of adventure of starting something new.
Cons) No sense of accomplishment of reaching Santiago de Compostela.

3) SJPP to Santiago de Compostela, skipping a few points on the bus or train
Pros) Sense of achievement in reaching SdC.
Cons) Loss of sense of journey in a continuous walk.

4) León to Finisterre
Pros) Avoids starting on the Meseta. Reaching the sea.
Cons) You're nearly at the end of the road at León. Misses some of the best bits of the Camino Francés.

5) Salvador and then Camino Primitivo
Pros) Should work well in the timeframe. I hear it's stunning.
Cons) It could be hard to find accommodation in October. It might be a shame not to start with the Camino Francés.

From all of the other threads I've read, everyone says to follow your own path. Personally, from a Camino I'm seeking a sense of reflection, achievement and adventure too. I *think* I would like to finish in Santiago de Compostela for that reason.

Thanks in advance for all of your feedback. I'm not even sure I will even be able to find the time but I've been dreaming about walking the Camino for a while now.

 

[SabsP]

Hi and welcome on this forum.
Hope you will find lots of information here.

For a first Camino I personally believe the Camino Francés is the best option, certainly in terms of possible stops and places to sleep /eat.

Option 1 Burgos to Santiago appeals the most to me seeing you will have the continuation. Then again I never saw the need to cross from St-Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles.

Why would the meseta be gruelling? IMO the meseta is gorgeous. Seeing you will walk in October it will be less hot too. Perfect for walking.

Happy preparations.

 

[roving_rufus]

My first ever camino was 2 weeks from Leon to Santiago when I was 29 and I really loved that sense of reach SdeC. I didn't feel the need for Muxia or Finiserre. The meseta from Burgos is a reasonable starting point -much easier than the early days from SJPdeP! Just take the first few days slow as others will have built up their stamina and may do longer distances. So I'd plump Burgos to SdC.

 

[tommycamino]

My first ever camino was 2 weeks from Leon to Santiago when I was 29 and I really loved that sense of reach SdeC. I didn't feel the need for Muxia or Finiserre. The meseta from Burgos is a reasonable starting point -much easier than the early days from SJPdeP! Just take the first few days slow as others will have built up their stamina and may do longer distances. So I'd plump Burgos to SdC.

Comfortably doable in 3 weeks if your body isn't adapted to the long distances?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I suggest starting in Sahagün, three days east of León. It is the unofficial halfway point of the Camino Francés and it gives you a few days on the meseta.

I wrote a bit on this in another recent thread where a good starting point for walking was asked. So, if you don't mind, see my post there and maybe read the whole thread.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/my-first-camino.76074/#post-1053455

 

[roving_rufus]

Comfortably doable in 3 weeks if your body isn't adapted to the long distances?

I did Leon to SdeC in less than peak form as had nasty flu less than 2 months before- so was just starting to build up stamina again. I did a few days of 30km but most were 20-25km. Burgos to SdC is possible but an resource I have found helpful planning so you can look at daily distances- first put in start and end points and second page let's you add stages (and easy to play about on this page)

Planificador - Camino de Santiago - Godesalco.com

Perfiles altitudinales, planificación de etapas y archivos GPS para el Camino de Santiago.

godesalco.com

 

[JerryStroebele]

I am with SabineP on this. The Meseta is neither grueling nor boring. If you wish to end in Santiago start in Burgos. Be sure to take time to visit the cathedrals. Buen Camino.