3weeks on the Frances in October

[karinwalks]

I am starting in Pamplona on October 7th and only have 18 days to walk. I have been told it might be a good idea to start off and then take a bus past the flat "boring" part and finish up with the ascent into O'Cabreiro and on to Santiago. I am trying to make the most of the time that I have. I am looking for the best scenery and the most time away from bigger centers and on smaller paths if possible. Any advise or recommendations? If one were to bus past the central part where would that be exactly? Ie. which towns?
Thanks for any help!

 

[MeganG22]

Uh oh Karin- careful throwing around that "b word"!! There are many strong opinions about the Meseta, and yes, "boring" may be one of them, but it also ends up being the favorite stretch for a lot of people! It is all about personal preference. If you are limited on time and don't WANT to walk the Meseta, I'd say walk to Burgos and then take a bus to Leon and do the rest of the walk to Santiago- three weeks should be enough to do that, though I'm not sure of your walking speed or distance goals per day.

I personally love the walk from Astorga onward- Galicia is not to e missed, very green and lovely. However, all "sections" of the Way really provide their own spirit and experience! You really cannot go wrong whatever you choose. A big question to ask is if you want to make it into Santiago....

 

[Icacos]

Welcome to the Forum.

I suspect the flat "boring" part is what others refer to as the meseta. If you do a search on this Forum under 'Meseta' you will find lots of threads which will give you all the information you need, plus some. Buen Camino.

 

[Arn]

Not sure if Reb has read this post, but I know she would agree with vagando2011's comments on the Meseta. Now, if you really want to bus thru an area...consider the approach to Burgos it's busy, noisy, yada, yada.

 

[karinwalks]

Thanks for the advise. Yes, that is why I put "boring" in quotation marks!! I actually don't have any expectation for mileage and I don't care if I get to Santiago or not! I will read more about the area you have referred to. Thanks for the info!

 

[Iamherdingcats]

Welcome to the Forum.

I suspect the flat "boring" part is what others refer to as the meseta. If you do a search on this Forum under 'Meseta' you will find lots of threads which will give you all the information you need, plus some. Buen Camino.

Meseta is neither flat nor boring! I believe the word is undulating ... Yes undulating, with flat areas.
I was told to bus ahead on that stretch but ever so glad I did not! That is where my Camino Pod or family knitted together. It was the area in which I understood that I was praying with my feet. There was not much externally there to distract the mind but the inner thoughts!
This year I will take up from where I left off, Ponferrda ...
I will complete the walk this year, and much to my chagrin I will not be on Meseta this time.
Enjoy every step of the way!

 

[karinwalks]

Thanks all!

 

[3walkingtoSantiago]

The Meseta was my favorite part of the Camino. Least favorite - Sarria onwards. I prefer walking quietly through fields and small villages to big cities/towns and crowds. To each her own, yes? Buen camino!

 

[basquelady]

I am starting in Pamplona on October 7th and only have 18 days to walk. I have been told it might be a good idea to start off and then take a bus past the flat "boring" part and finish up with the ascent into O'Cabreiro and on to Santiago. I am trying to make the most of the time that I have. I am looking for the best scenery and the most time away from bigger centers and on smaller paths if possible. Any advise or recommendations? If one were to bus past the central part where would that be exactly? Ie. which towns?
Thanks for any help!

We walked from Roncesvalles to SdC last year and will be starting from Pamplona on Aug 21st (DV!) We expect to bus in to Burgos from Villafría again and will also take the bus from Mansilla de las Mulas in to León. There is a local bus service out from León to Virgen del Camino, where there is a great albergue (don't arrive too late though!) We don't really want to walk the stretch from Villafranca Montes de Oca to Burgos, through the Montes de Oca; we found this part a bit tedious because of the proximity of the trees, with no views, so may take the bus for that part too this year. In contrast, I wouldn't want to miss the Meseta, which is so very different from where we live in the north-west of England, close to the Lake District. Until I bought 1:50,000 maps, I really hadn't realised how close we were to main roads, for much of the Camino! This gives a lot more flexibility to your trip than you may realise. There is SUCH variety in "paisaje" that you will be astounded. Sure you'll love it. ¡Buen camino!

 

[karinwalks]

Thanks for the help!! Keep it coming!

 

[Kanga]

Karin, if you want the pilgrimage experience finishing in Santiago, then pick a starting place you estimate is within the right distance, and walk for 3 weeks. A pilgrimage means taking the good with the bad, no picking and choosing. Plus you will become part of a Camino family - something you lose if you skip bits.
If you want a lovely walk, nice accommodation, great food, beautiful scenery, interesting culture, pretty villages - then I'd start in Le Puy en Velay and walk - again for 3 weeks without catching a bus (cause it's all gorgeous).