4 weeks on the Camino Frances: where to begin?

[MaxHelado]

After excellent advice from the forum on where to walk next, I have decided it will be the Camino Frances.
I will walk for 4 weeks (ish) in September so, where do I begin?
My initial thoughts........

1. I am nearing 70 and this will be my second Camino. I am not a strong walker (but improving) and one purpose of walking is to improve my level of fitness. I will plan on 15k to 20k a day (less if big ups and downs!). Be fabulous if I could walk further later in the journey.
2. I have no desire to begin in SJPP. Beginning with a yomp over the Pyrenees holds no attraction for me.
3. Walking beyond Sarria does not sound very attractive from what I have read about the number of walkers joining there. Also see point 4.
4. I do not have to finish in SdC. Be lovely to do that but only if the last 100k is something special.
5. I am travelling from the UK so easy access to airports/trains at start and finish points would be a bonus!

I am currently thinking of Pamplona as a start point as I love that city and I think the walk to Logroño would be particularly beautiful. The rest of the CF is unknown to me.

So, if you were me........where would you start and where would you stop?

 

[Turga]

You could also consider starting in Logroño and walk to Sarria. That would give you both the Meseta between Burgos and León and the quite beautiful (though more mountainous) section after Astorga. It would also leave you room to plan shorter daily walks.

Buen Camino.

 

[Anhalter]

I think starting from Pamplona is a good idea. I really like the way from there. Depending on how things go, you can get to Leon (~402km), Ponferrada (~520km) or even Sarria (~620km). All of them should have options to arrange your return back home.

 

[J Willhaus]

It will be quite busy in September on the CF. Pamona or Logrono is a reasonable starting point.

 

[CarolamS]

I flew from the UK to Bilbao, stayed overnight then took a bus to Logroño. It was very straightforward and I had no pressure to get a connection. I arrived in Logroño at midday and walked to Navarette for my first night. I had booked the albergue but it would have been better if I'd sent them a confirmation message. I arrived about 3.30 which is getting late in Camino terms!

 

[CWBuff]

If you say you like (nay LOVE!) Pamplona then why start anywhere else? Start there!
As some distances were mentioned - IMHO Ponferrada makes sense. you got 4 weeks so that would average about 18.5km\day which is slightly less than your upper limit but well within the envelope.
Add couple of extra km some day and you might even be able to squeeze a rest day (or 2)
And you can always jump on the bus or train to propel yourself further so to speak
Good Luck & Buen Camino

 

[Former member 92300]

Well, you have no interest in the Pyrenees or the Sarria to Santiago section, so I would recommend starting in either Roncesvalles or Pamplona and seeing how far you go. Even at 70, I am guessing you will likely make it to Sarria - and you can catch a bus to get to the Santiago airport. But if you can't make it that far - there are other bigger towns before Sarria where you can also catch a bus to Santiago or another airport city.

Just a note - going into (or out of?) Zubiri is very rocky - which might be a reason to start in Pamplona. Also - easier to get to Pamplona than Roncesvalles - not that I found it hard to get to Roncesvalles.

If you aren't sure of your comfortable walking distances - I wouldn't plan my accommodation distances in advance if you can avoid it - so you have the flexibility to stop when you feel you need to stop. Walk longer days later if you feel you can.

 

[Curly Cath]

I think starting from Pamplona is a good idea. I really like the way from there. Depending on how things go, you can get to Leon (~402km), Ponferrada (~520km) or even Sarria (~620km). All of them should have options to arrange your return back home.

Yeah this option! I really love the day out of Pamplona you climb up alto del perdon. Also some really pretty villages and bodegas irache before Logroño don't miss it!
I wouldn't skip any just start in Pamplona and see how far you get. I really love the meseta too and it's the bit ppl often skip so tends to be calmer.
I personally take a bus:
From villafria on the outskirts of Burgos into the centre
From central Leon to la virgen on the outskirts of leon
That's just to miss the 2 really built up sections
To make up those few kilometres you can -
Walk the green route after sahagun
Walk the green route after la virgen via Villar de mazarife and through the little villages to astorga

Also I took the boat home to the UK from Santander last time and I really loved this way to travel x

 

[MaxHelado]

Yeah this option! I really love the day out of Pamplona you climb up alto del perdon. Also some really pretty villages and bodegas irache before Logroño don't miss it!
I wouldn't skip any just start in Pamplona and see how far you get. I really love the meseta too and it's the bit ppl often skip so tends to be calmer.
I personally take a bus:
From villafria on the outskirts of Burgos into the centre
From central Leon to la virgen on the outskirts of leon
That's just to miss the 2 really built up sections
To make up those few kilometres you can -
Walk the green route after sahagun
Walk the green route after la virgen via Villar de mazarife and through the little villages to astorga

Also I took the boat home to the UK from Santander last time and I really loved this way to travel x

So you walked OUT of Burgos but not into
And you walked INTO Leon but not out of
Do I have that right?

Boat from Santander is a long time travelling. It's 32 to 36 hours.

 

[MaxHelado]

Well, you have no interest in the Pyrenees or the Sarria to Santiago section, so I would recommend starting in either Roncesvalles or Pamplona and seeing how far you go. Even at 70, I am guessing you will likely make it to Sarria - and you can catch a bus to get to the Santiago airport. But if you can't make it that far - there are other bigger towns before Sarria where you can also catch a bus to Santiago or another airport city.

Just a note - going into (or out of?) Zubiri is very rocky - which might be a reason to start in Pamplona. Also - easier to get to Pamplona than Roncesvalles - not that I found it hard to get to Roncesvalles.

If you aren't sure of your comfortable walking distances - I wouldn't plan my accommodation distances in advance if you can avoid it - so you have the flexibility to stop when you feel you need to stop. Walk longer days later if you feel you can.

Good advice, thank you.
I have no interest in the Pyrenees because it sounds like a hard way to start.
Sarria to Santiago I would avoid because of the crowds but if someone tells me I would be crazy to miss that stretch, other than for the triumphant entrance in to SdC, I would do it.

 

[MaxHelado]

If you say you like (nay LOVE!) Pamplona then why start anywhere else? Start there!
As some distances were mentioned - IMHO Ponferrada makes sense. you got 4 weeks so that would average about 18.5km\day which is slightly less than your upper limit but well within the envelope.
Add couple of extra km some day and you might even be able to squeeze a rest day (or 2)
And you can always jump on the bus or train to propel yourself further so to speak
Good Luck & Buen Camino

Thank you. Good advice.
I hadn't thought about bus or train but why not if it is what my body needs?
Tell me, why Ponferrada? This distance sounds about right but is that why? Or is it (also) a particularly lovely place to be?

 

[MaxHelado]

I flew from the UK to Bilbao, stayed overnight then took a bus to Logroño. It was very straightforward and I had no pressure to get a connection. I arrived in Logroño at midday and walked to Navarette for my first night. I had booked the albergue but it would have been better if I'd sent them a confirmation message. I arrived about 3.30 which is getting late in Camino terms!

Thank you. that's helpful to know. I was thinking of flying into Madrid and then the train out but the Bilbao route looks faster.......and cheaper!
I'll take a look at flights and prices.

 

[Anhalter]

From villafria on the outskirts of Burgos into the centre

Next time skip this bus and take a left before the airport, down to Castanares and follow the river thru a rather nice park right into the center of Burgos.

 

[basquelady]

So you walked OUT of Burgos but not into
And you walked INTO Leon but not out of
Do I have that right?

Boat from Santander is a long time travelling. It's 32 to 36 hours.

We've sailed Portsmouth to Santander and also back a few times. I remember it being around 24 hours. Agree re bus into Burgos and out to Virgen del Camino from outskirts León

 

[CWBuff]

Thank you. Good advice.
I hadn't thought about bus or train but why not if it is what my body needs?
Tell me, why Ponferrada? This distance sounds about right but is that why? Or is it (also) a particularly lovely place to be?

Well yes - the distance seems right to begin with
then there is all the historic stuff starting with Pont Ferrata (the Iron Bridge), Castillo de los Templarios (although there is plenty of talk that is a 'fake' - i.e. completely reconstructed), Basilica de la Encina and couple more churches and Museums. A little bit outside - there is (or 'are') Las Medulas
and then there is food and Bierzo Vino
Finally when its time for you to get out - there is the transpiration service available with all the options. ALSA bus, RENFE train and airports of Leon, SdC, A Coruna and even Madrid - all attainable via other 2
So there you have it P-O-N-F-E-R-R-A-D-A!

 

[MaxHelado]

We've sailed Portsmouth to Santander and also back a few times. I remember it being around 24 hours. Agree re bus into Burgos and out to Virgen del Camino from outskirts León

Brittany Ferries introduced new ships 2 years ago. They are more eco-friendly but much slower.

 

[MaxHelado]

Well yes - the distance seems right to begin with
then there is all the historic stuff starting with Pont Ferrata (the Iron Bridge), Castillo de los Templarios (although there is plenty of talk that is a 'fake' - i.e. completely reconstructed), Basilica de la Encina and couple more churches and Museums. A little bit outside - there is (or 'are') Las Medulas
and then there is food and Bierzo Vino
Finally when its time for you to get out - there is the transpiration service available with all the options. ALSA bus, RENFE train and airports of Leon, SdC, A Coruna and even Madrid - all attainable via other 2
So there you have it P-O-N-F-E-R-R-A-D-A!

Sounds like a great place to finish. Thank you.