5-6 days in July, Camino Sanabres?

[Tiran]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning my first camino right now, and unfortunately it is a short one of 5-6 walking days, and in the middle of July. I know, not the best time, but it is what I've got. I would love to do a really long one in the future.

But I still haven't decided on where to go, so I need a little advice and ideas from all of you!

Some thoughts about what I want with my trip:
1. Since it will be in the middle of July, I want to walk a part where I wont melt away in the sun.
2. I DON'T want to walk Camino Francés, because it seems too touristic (can you say that? English is not my native language...) and crowded. I want to be able to walk alone and reflect, but also have the possibility of company and interesting meetings during the way.
3. I want to experience beautiful scenery, and hopefully also have those genuine meetings with people living in the villages that I pass.

Maybe this is too much to ask, but one can always wish!

I have thought about 3 caminos so far, that I'm interested in:
1. Via de la Plata/ Camino Sanabres, from Xunqueira de Ambia, through Orense, to Santiago.
2. Via Podiensis/The Puy Route. Don't know which part?
3. The Arles Route. Don't know which part there either?

Since I'm on the Via de la Plata forum now, I want to hear ALL your thoughts about Xunqueira de Ambia, through Orense, to Santiago! Will this suit me in July? For example I'm wondering about accommodation, will it be hard to get?

Of course, if you can compare these three routes that I'm thinking of, and recommend me one over the other, this is very welcome! Or if you have thoughts about another camino to take, that would suit me better?

Hope you can help me, all you experienced out there!

All the best!
Maria

 

[marji]

Hi Maria,
I am writing to you from Santiago and yes, it is a busy time on the Camino Frances---but not too hot nor too cold as Goldilocks may say...
During the day on the trail, I did have time to reflect and to be quiet (I also like to walk solo)....it is simply finding the pockets where there are less pilgrims (who are talking)
The first part of Le Puy-Chemin du Puy is beautiful. You could walk to Nasbinal? Aumont Aubrac. Check out the villages on the forum.

I also have an extra week and am thinking of walking from Santiago to Ourense...or possibly further if there is a transport connection to Paris.
Any additional advice from forum members would be greatly appreciated.
I would really love the chance to walk some of the via de la plata as I did not take this way this year.
Buen Camino! :mrgreen:

 

[miguel_gp]

I also have an extra week and am thinking of walking from Santiago to Ourense...or possibly further if there is a transport connection to Paris.

Hi,
Eurolines have bus services to some major cities in France from Ourense, Verin and A (La) Guidina, all on the Via De La Plata or variants of it. They don't list Paris as a direct destination but I'm sure there would be some sort of connection in Bordeaux which is.

 

[marji]

Thanks Miguel...Tourist Info in Santiago told me that I may well get lost walking this direction and suggested that I simply catch the train or bus to Ourense...so I figure this makes sense (even though I feel the Camino is meant to be walked in both directions) and then simply catch a flight from Santiago...

 

[mmm042]

Hi Maria.

I think the Via de la Plata/Camino Sanabres from Xunqueira de Ambia through Orense to Santiago is a great choice! There are many shady parts on this route, and I don't think accommodations should be an issue at all. I've walked the VDLP many times in the spring and fall, and even in these peak seasons it wasn't difficult to get lodging. In the heat of July -- and before Spain's vacation month of August -- you should be fine.

If you have the time, the detour up to Oseira is beautiful (I love the walk back down the most). In fact, if time IS an issue, I'd say start right in Orense and go to Oseira, as the walk from Xunqueira to Orense isn't that great -- it gets very urban and ugly.

Buen Camino!
Melanie

 

[Tiran]

Hello everyone!

Sorry I have been a little quiet in the discussion, but I have had a lot on my mind lately, a lot of planning, writing and organizing. But now everything is set! I will actually not walk any of the three routes I first mentioned. I will walk the last part of Via Gebennensis in France, from Clonas-sur-Varèze to Le-Puy-en-Velay. I got this suggestion from a woman on another forum, and fell for the idea. So now I'm just looking forward to leaving!

But thank you for all your help and ideas!

All the best!