phildimashq
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- CP coastal then central then spiritual June 22
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This may be useful:Hi folks,
I did my first camino in June this year (Porto to SdC with several detours) and got a lot of great advice off this forum.
Then I had the serious blues on my return, and felt I hadn’t finished walking. It was kinda like I was just getting going in the second week and when I got to SdC I felt I had a lot of miles left in me.
So I’m planning to go back at the end of this month and do a longer walk.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the days to do the whole Camino Frances and I’d rather save that until I have the time to walk the whole route in one trip.
I’m a big fan of mountains and do a lot of hiking at home in Ireland, which brings me to the Caminos del Salvador and Primitivo.
I can have 3+ weeks of actual walking and think this is enough to do both caminos (and maybe continue to Finisterre).
I have done a fair bit of research and read the latest version of Ender’s guide and Elle Bieling’s blog from 2020 as well as scouring the forum here for information.
However, I’m a bit nervy/unsure about the San Salvador camino and am looking for some guidance/reassurance from the good folks on this forum.
So here’s what’s playing on my mind.
I understand that accommodation is quite spread out in places and also that there are certain stages where the availability of food may be very limited.
I only have a few very basic phrases of Spanish so won’t be able to call ahead to ensure an albergue is open, or even to check if they can provide a meal.
I do enjoy walking alone, but am also quite a social person so am also a little worried this route might be too much solo – especially with the language barrier.
My aim is to do the San Salvador in 6 (or even 7) stages, which should still leave me plenty of time for the Primitivo.
So I’m hoping someone can advise me of a potential itinerary where I don’t really need worry or can minimise the worry about places being open and where I’m going to eat.
Thanks a million,
Phil
Just listened to this episode of ‘Spirit of the Camino’ podcast. It details a recently completed Camino del Salvador, and it’s very well done! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/spirit-of-the-camino/id1537858962?i=1000576899014Hi folks,
I did my first camino in June this year (Porto to SdC with several detours) and got a lot of great advice off this forum.
Then I had the serious blues on my return, and felt I hadn’t finished walking. It was kinda like I was just getting going in the second week and when I got to SdC I felt I had a lot of miles left in me.
So I’m planning to go back at the end of this month and do a longer walk.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the days to do the whole Camino Frances and I’d rather save that until I have the time to walk the whole route in one trip.
I’m a big fan of mountains and do a lot of hiking at home in Ireland, which brings me to the Caminos del Salvador and Primitivo.
I can have 3+ weeks of actual walking and think this is enough to do both caminos (and maybe continue to Finisterre).
I have done a fair bit of research and read the latest version of Ender’s guide and Elle Bieling’s blog from 2020 as well as scouring the forum here for information.
However, I’m a bit nervy/unsure about the San Salvador camino and am looking for some guidance/reassurance from the good folks on this forum.
So here’s what’s playing on my mind.
I understand that accommodation is quite spread out in places and also that there are certain stages where the availability of food may be very limited.
I only have a few very basic phrases of Spanish so won’t be able to call ahead to ensure an albergue is open, or even to check if they can provide a meal.
I do enjoy walking alone, but am also quite a social person so am also a little worried this route might be too much solo – especially with the language barrier.
My aim is to do the San Salvador in 6 (or even 7) stages, which should still leave me plenty of time for the Primitivo.
So I’m hoping someone can advise me of a potential itinerary where I don’t really need worry or can minimise the worry about places being open and where I’m going to eat.
Thanks a million,
Phil
Would you mind saying what this link is? I'm hesitant to download unknown files.This may be useful:
Thanks for the great info: I'll be setting out on this trail Sept. 24th and plan on 7 days. I have a short-short day on day 4 (Pajares to Llanos de Someron: 5 km) but this is the extreme downhill section, so I'll count it as a rest day and maybe help out at the albergue, sweeping, cleaning, etc. I too am nervous about reservations, and I will have to ask for help in calling Pajares and Llanos de Someron. I'm 64, so I don't want to push too hard, plus, I walk slowly anyway admiring flowers, animals, clouds...Hi Phil I’m on the Salvador right now. I only met one other person to walk with. He speaks 5 languages so he is quite helpful. However by using Google Translate or by asking someone’s help I was able to book ahead everyday. I carried only a few power bars and peanuts as extra food. I ate double helpings of tortilla patata in every cafe. I booked into accommodations that provided food. Like Bar Mundo, Posada Embrujo, Albergue Cascoxu. I used Wise Pilgrim Salvador app for route finding though in general it’s well marked. I took my time and am on the 6 day plan.
See https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...vo-end-aug-september-2022.76560/#post-1064088
I will update the above thread when I reach Oviedo.
The first 3 days are strenuous. However, in my late 60s , I’m used to mountain walking and am comfortable with the Camino ways. Now in very early September there are no other pilgrims but this may change. Feel free to ask me questions.
Just listened to this episode of ‘Spirit of the Camino’ podcast. It details a recently completed Camino del Salvador, and it’s very well done! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/spirit-of-the-camino/id1537858962?i=1000576899014
Buen Camino!
It’s the local ayuntamiento’s(government’s) website for the Salvador. Quite safe, shows CDS at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 day arrangements.Would you mind saying what this link is? I'm hesitant to download unknown files.
I only have a few very basic phrases of Spanish so won’t be able to call ahead to ensure an albergue is open, or even to check if they can provide a meal.
Specifically what places are you talking about? It is true that there are some stages where you will have to choose between long stages and short stages, but you are never forced to walk long stages if you don’t want to. Ender’s guide and several posts on this forum give you great ways to break it up into as many is eight or nine days, but that’s probably excessive for you.I understand that accommodation is quite spread out in places
That is an out of date version of Ender’s guide. There is a 2022 version that incorporates a lot of changes. The OP said that he has seen Ender‘s guide, so I’m hoping that the references to the current one. But I put in the link just in case. Someone needs to notify the Town hall of Pola de Gordon so they can update!lapoladegordon.es/fijos/fijos3/pdf/pdf1_1.pdf[/URL]
Someone may want to correct me but Pajares and Llanos de Someron are on opposite shoulders of the valley. You might want to examine this more closely and pick one or the other. I vote Llanos.Thanks for the great info: I'll be setting out on this trail Sept. 24th and plan on 7 days. I have a short-short day on day 4 (Pajares to Llanos de Someron: 5 km) but this is the extreme downhill section, so I'll count it as a rest day and maybe help out at the albergue, sweeping, cleaning, etc. I too am nervous about reservations, and I will have to ask for help in calling Pajares and Llanos de Someron. I'm 64, so I don't want to push too hard, plus, I walk slowly anyway admiring flowers, animals, clouds...
I didn't know Wise Pilgrim had this trail! Thanks again.
Laurie, to my great surprise the Albergue in Pola de Lena no longer has a WhatsApp connection even though Gronze states WhatsApp is the preferred method of communication. I double checked it this morning with Merce, the hospitalera through FB who confirms NO WhatsApp, no reason provided.I’ve said this many times, but more than 90% of the cell phones in Spain use WhatsApp.
How strange! But very good to know. They have only been open for about a month after more than two years closed, so I wonder if there is new management or something.Laurie, to my great surprise the Albergue in Pola de Lena no longer has a WhatsApp connection even though Gronze states WhatsApp is the preferred method of communication. I double checked it this morning with Merce, the hospitalera through FB who confirms NO WhatsApp, no reason provided.
I will try to find out further. It seems she prefers a phone call.I stayed last year in La Payareta in a single room and it wasn’t too expensive. There were several peregrinos there and the staff is very nice (it’s owned by the people in the bar down the street and they will throw in breakfast).Did she tell you what methods of reserving she prefers
Hi folks,
I did my first camino in June this year (Porto to SdC with several detours) and got a lot of great advice off this forum.
Then I had the serious blues on my return, and felt I hadn’t finished walking. It was kinda like I was just getting going in the second week and when I got to SdC I felt I had a lot of miles left in me.
So I’m planning to go back at the end of this month and do a longer walk.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the days to do the whole Camino Frances and I’d rather save that until I have the time to walk the whole route in one trip.
I’m a big fan of mountains and do a lot of hiking at home in Ireland, which brings me to the Caminos del Salvador and Primitivo.
I can have 3+ weeks of actual walking and think this is enough to do both caminos (and maybe continue to Finisterre).
I have done a fair bit of research and read the latest version of Ender’s guide and Elle Bieling’s blog from 2020 as well as scouring the forum here for information.
However, I’m a bit nervy/unsure about the San Salvador camino and am looking for some guidance/reassurance from the good folks on this forum.
So here’s what’s playing on my mind.
I understand that accommodation is quite spread out in places and also that there are certain stages where the availability of food may be very limited.
I only have a few very basic phrases of Spanish so won’t be able to call ahead to ensure an albergue is open, or even to check if they can provide a meal.
I do enjoy walking alone, but am also quite a social person so am also a little worried this route might be too much solo – especially with the language barrier.
My aim is to do the San Salvador in 6 (or even 7) stages, which should still leave me plenty of time for the Primitivo.
So I’m hoping someone can advise me of a potential itinerary where I don’t really need worry or can minimise the worry about places being open and where I’m going to eat.
Thanks a million,
Phil
The only issue I can see, though I’ll stand to be corrected, is stretching a 5 day Camino to 7 days though I’m sure someone can.
Hi Phil I’m on the Salvador right now. I only met one other person to walk with. He speaks 5 languages so he is quite helpful. However by using Google Translate or by asking someone’s help I was able to book ahead everyday. I carried only a few power bars and peanuts as extra food. I ate double helpings of tortilla patata in every cafe. I booked into accommodations that provided food. Like Bar Mundo, Posada Embrujo, Albergue Cascoxu. I used Wise Pilgrim Salvador app for route finding though in general it’s well marked. I took my time and am on the 6 day plan.
See https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...vo-end-aug-september-2022.76560/#post-1064088
This may be useful:
Just listened to this episode of ‘Spirit of the Camino’ podcast. It details a recently completed Camino del Salvador, and it’s very well done! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/spirit-of-the-camino/id1537858962?i=1000576899014
Buen Camino!
That is an out of date version of Ender’s guide. There is a 2022 version that incorporates a lot of changes. The OP said that he has seen Ender‘s guide, so I’m hoping that the references to the current one. But I put in the link just in case. Someone needs to notify the Town hall of Pola de Gordon so they can update!
If you’re interested, I posted every day in the “Live from” section of this forum. Enjoy!
I definitely recommend this as you’ll hear if you listen to the podcast. ¡Buen camino!Realistically, I think I'll be aiming for six days - probably split stage 3 into two days as I've heard it can be a very long day and the daylight hours will be short when I'm doing the walk
Join the Facebook Camino Salvador group. The pilgrims are posting daily right now so live conditions/feedback. I too will walk mid October 2022 alone (hoping to meet others) and seems accommodation is NOT an issue when you walk it in 5-7 stages ;as I plan to do then continue in the Primitivo).Hi folks,
I did my first camino in June this year (Porto to SdC with several detours) and got a lot of great advice off this forum.
Then I had the serious blues on my return, and felt I hadn’t finished walking. It was kinda like I was just getting going in the second week and when I got to SdC I felt I had a lot of miles left in me.
So I’m planning to go back at the end of this month and do a longer walk.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the days to do the whole Camino Frances and I’d rather save that until I have the time to walk the whole route in one trip.
I’m a big fan of mountains and do a lot of hiking at home in Ireland, which brings me to the Caminos del Salvador and Primitivo.
I can have 3+ weeks of actual walking and think this is enough to do both caminos (and maybe continue to Finisterre).
I have done a fair bit of research and read the latest version of Ender’s guide and Elle Bieling’s blog from 2020 as well as scouring the forum here for information.
However, I’m a bit nervy/unsure about the San Salvador camino and am looking for some guidance/reassurance from the good folks on this forum.
So here’s what’s playing on my mind.
I understand that accommodation is quite spread out in places and also that there are certain stages where the availability of food may be very limited.
I only have a few very basic phrases of Spanish so won’t be able to call ahead to ensure an albergue is open, or even to check if they can provide a meal.
I do enjoy walking alone, but am also quite a social person so am also a little worried this route might be too much solo – especially with the language barrier.
My aim is to do the San Salvador in 6 (or even 7) stages, which should still leave me plenty of time for the Primitivo.
So I’m hoping someone can advise me of a potential itinerary where I don’t really need worry or can minimise the worry about places being open and where I’m going to eat.
Thanks a million,
Phil
There are 2 large San Salvador FB groups. Ender’s, author of the recently updated Salvador guide that Peregrina2000 translated and available here on the forum, is listed as Camino del salvador lower cases as just written. The other is CAMINO DEL SALVADOR all caps by Gregori.Join the Facebook Camino Salvador group.
The cathedral is closed for touristic visits on Sundays. There is nothing to prevent you attending mass and visiting the camara sancta as a pilgrim if that is your desire and inclination. If you only wish to visit as a “tourist” then you’ll have to try for Monday morning. Opens 10:00am
If you want to stay in Benduenos on Friday, then the day before you don't have to go as far as Llanos... (Llanos-Benduenos is only 10k) You can stay in Pajares instead... or have both options open and see how you feel.Option B:
I loved the description of Benduenos albergue in Nick's podcast and if it is back open when I am on the camino this might be an option on Friday 7th.
I read that some pilgrims who spend the morning to visit the Naranco churches (a few kms away from Oviedo city centre) will stop at Escamplero at the end of day 1 (12k). Then Escamplero-Cornellana (day 2).The alternative is to visit the cathedral on Monday morning and then hike to Grado on the Primitivo but I think that's a bit of an ask in terms of time.
Can you just walk in to Cámara Santa? I thought it was by ticket only?nd visiting the camara sancta as a pilgrim
It took me about 6.5 h to walk to Grado. Leisurely walk with a couple of stops along the way. From Miraflores the town before Grado to Grado was beautiful in May 2019 with flowers and newborn animals, donkeys, horses, cows but the sun was blazing and no shade for that entire stretch.And the second question is - would it be feasible to visit Oviedo cathedral on a Monday morning and still have time to walk to Grado?
On another of your questions: Oviedo to Grado is 26km. If you’re leaving the city by 11:00am it’s very doable. So is the shorter day to Escamplero but via the beautiful Naranco monuments
Llanos - I also had reservations there. But, I arrived, alone, at 1:45pm. The forecast was for rain, there is literally nothing else in the village, and the Albuerge didn't open its doors until 5pm. At that point I decided to walk on to Bendueños (I has spoken with Sandra the day before and knew she had availability and was flexible - I could come or not, she didn't mind either way). This was a very long day, and the hardest part for me was the downhill from Llanos on the pavement - my knee were barking a bit, so I rested on the guardrail a few times. Also, the Llanos hospitaleros totally understood why I had moved on, and were not angry.
Hi Phil, we are walking almost the exact same time! I’m a day behind you, depending on when I leave León. Hope to see you on the Camino…check with Sandra at Bendueños before you leave to see if she’s open.
Wow, thanks again Bob - I'm going to note those down (still haven't really started to "plan" my stages for the primitivo yet)I would really recommend staying at Bodenaya since this is David's last season and he's a bit of a legend! San Juan de Villapañada and the Castro schoolhouse were two other absolute favorites, oh, as was "Heidi's Place" which doesn't show up in a number of the apps, but was amazing for my last night prior to walking into SdC.
Most Albergue operators will expect you to have a credencial. Readily available in Leon.Hello. I am planning to walk this camino from Leon to Oviedo in October and I am not sure is it necessary to have a credential of this camino if I want to sleep in albergues, maybe someone knows the answer? Thanks a lot
Albergue del Convento de las Carbajalas, Pl. Santa María del Camino, 3Thanks a lot for you answer. I will start my camino in the morning after night trip from madrid to leon by bus, can you advice me please where I can find to buy credecial in the morning after I will arrive to Leon? Thank you very much for your help
Yes, there will be staff / volunteers about at that time.Thanks. So I can buy credenial from this albergue at 8 a.m. just before start walking camino del salvador ?
Albergue-Residencia San Francisco de Asís is open 8 am to midnight. Gives you option to get credencial the night beforewhere I can find to buy credecial in the morning after I will arrive to Leon
thank you very much it will be easier from now after I know where to find itAlbergue-Residencia San Francisco de Asís is open 8 am to midnight. Gives you option to get credencial the night before.
than
thank you very much it will be easier from now after I know where to find it
If you want to stay in Benduenos on Friday, then the day before you don't have to go as far as Llanos... (Llanos-Benduenos is only 10k) You can stay in Pajares instead... or have both options open and see how you feel.
So:
Poladura - Pajares (14k)
Pajares - Benduenos (16k)
Benduenos - Mieres (22k)
for a 6-day Salvador
I read that some pilgrims who spend the morning to visit the Naranco churches (a few kms away from Oviedo city centre) will stop at Escamplero at the end of day 1 (12k). Then Escamplero-Cornellana (day 2).
I read your 2016 Salvador blog posts and that inspired me to do this year’s!I just walked the San Salvador (for the second time!) in July; my first time was in 2016 and this time around was even more beautiful than I'd remembered! (it probably helped that I had perfect weather)
The stages that @LavanyaLea lists was exactly what I did this summer: 6 stages, staying in Pajares, then Benduenos, then Mieres. I thought it was perfect, and I was so happy to get to stay in Benduenos (but I also really like Pajares, too, it's just such a beautiful spot!)
I'm not sure if it will be of any interest, but I've been posting videos over on YouTube of my summer pilgrimage; the San Salvador was in the middle of a longer Camino walk and so I've just now started putting up those videos. More to come in the next week or two! You may not want to see too many visuals ahead of time, but if you're interested, here's the link to the first video:
Good point. I cannot book albergue in Poladura . It’s full on my date in September. Just hoping the Muncipal won’t be full. Certainly having second third ideas if I should do this as places appear booked outIf you want to stay in Benduenos on Friday, then the day before you don't have to go as far as Llanos... (Llanos-Benduenos is only 10k) You can stay in Pajares instead... or have both options open and see how you feel.
So:
Poladura - Pajares (14k)
Pajares - Benduenos (16k)
Benduenos - Mieres (22k)
for a 6-day Salvador
I read that some pilgrims who spend the morning to visit the Naranco churches (a few kms away from Oviedo city centre) will stop at Escamplero at the end of day 1 (12k). Then Escamplero-Cornellana (day 2).
What is your date for Salvador?Good point. I cannot book albergue in Poladura . It’s full on my date in September. Just hoping the Muncipal won’t be full. Certainly having second third ideas if I should do this as places appear booked out
I start from leon on 22nd septWhat is your date for Salvador?
I’m possibly going to go the lower route now . So not Poladura but Villamanin . They have large hostel thereWhat is your date for Salvador?
I also didn’t get a booking for la robla as I do not Spk Spanish for phone. I booked Gordon from leon as first day instead in a panic. I have realised it’s 34/38 Km! I’m being a bit stupid as not fit recovering from op! But previously walked a lot…… so still going! But I see a train goes leon to la robla in mornings …. And it would be strange as I never take transport on camino/walks but I might do that and walk to gordon from there to give a more break in first day. I am doing the Primitivo too . And as I said May do the Villamanin route too as a hostel bootable there….. make life bit easier at the moment!What is your date for Salvador?
Apart from the municipal, there are 2 private hostels in La Robla. Pension Mundo and Hostal Ordoñez . I contacted Ordoñez via WhatsApp so have not needed to speak directly - contact is +34 652 921 630I also didn’t get a booking for la robla as I do not Spk Spanish for phone.
Hi Lynn, I'm staying in Pension Mundo at the start of October. I also don;t have enough spanish for a phone call so I asked a Spanish friend of mine to ring and ask for their whatsapp number. Then I was able to communicate using google translate and make my bookingI also didn’t get a booking for la robla as I do not Spk Spanish for phone. I booked Gordon from leon as first day instead in a panic. I have realised it’s 34/38 Km! I’m being a bit stupid as not fit recovering from op! But previously walked a lot…… so still going! But I see a train goes leon to la robla in mornings …. And it would be strange as I never take transport on camino/walks but I might do that and walk to gordon from there to give a more break in first day. I am doing the Primitivo too . And as I said May do the Villamanin route too as a hostel bootable there….. make life bit easier at the moment!
I would not recommend the route via Villamamin under any circumstances. It is a total highway walk, along side a busy road with lots of trucks coming towards you. On my first Salvador, we missed the turn at the water shed and wound up in Villamanin. From there to Pajares was a nightmare, and this was on a Sunday. If it had been on a weekday it would’ve been much worse.I also didn’t get a booking for la robla as I do not Spk Spanish for phone. I booked Gordon from leon as first day instead in a panic. I have realised it’s 34/38 Km! I’m being a bit stupid as not fit recovering from op! But previously walked a lot…… so still going! But I see a train goes leon to la robla in mornings …. And it would be strange as I never take transport on camino/walks but I might do that and walk to gordon from there to give a more break in first day. I am doing the Primitivo too . And as I said May do the Villamanin route too as a hostel bootable there….. make life bit easier at the moment!
Thank you I managed to book hostel Ordonez via WhatsAppApart from the municipal, there are 2 private hostels in La Robla. Pension Mundo and Hostal Ordoñez . I contacted Ordoñez via WhatsApp so have not needed to speak directly - contact is +34 652 921 630
Might see you out there - I'm planning to start from Leon on October n16 (depending on how long it takes me to get from SJPP to Leon along the Frances!). Also planning to continue on the Primitivo.I am planning to walk the San Salvador, alone, in the second half of October, then on to Olviedo for a few days and the Primitivo to Santiago. I was an experienced mountain walker, but have largely given up mountain walking since I discovered the caminos. I shall walk at least six days on the San Salvador, as I shall have extra time heading for Santiago and then my flight home. I am ten years older than @neverlost4good , so I am planning to spread out my days on the San Salvador as much as possible.
Yesterday I watched Efren Gonzalez's videos on the San Salvador and was quite inspired by the beautiful scenery. But I don't intend to push as much as he did.
I’ll start from Leon Oct 21 or 22 depending on weather. Planning a 6 day Camin to Oviedo but remaining flexible to adjust for weather and having company over the mountains. Thereafter I will continue on the Primitivo. Keep me iup to date with your start date. Buen Camino !Might see you out there - I'm planning to start from Leon on October n16 (depending on how long it takes me to get from SJPP to Leon along the Frances!). Also planning to continue on the Primitivo.
Keep us updated so we can live vicariously! Or, post in the LIVE section (but let us know here that you're doing that)! Buen Camino!Once again, thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement.
I've a taxi picking me in 4 hours to go to the airport and catch a 6 am flight to Madrid. Get to Leon on Monday and will be on the San Salvador on Tuesday morning all going to plan.
We saw a pilgrim on the Primitivo, who had to bail out of the Salvador because on his first night in La Robla, he got bitten by many bed bugs in Pension Mundo. This was last Friday.Once again, thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement.
I've a taxi picking me in 4 hours to go to the airport and catch a 6 am flight to Madrid. Get to Leon on Monday and will be on the San Salvador on Tuesday morning all going to plan.
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