tyrrek
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- SJPP-SdC (4-5/2011), Ferrol-SdC (9/2011), Pamplona-SdC (3-4/2012), Camino Finisterre (10/2012), Ourense-SdC (5/2014)
I just walked this route in the last week or so, and it struck me that it would be a great option for those looking for a short 'introduction' to the Camino. It's a pretty route, not too challenging after the initial climb out of Ourense, and with some options for distances to walk each day. There were still plenty of relatively short ascents and descents to test yourself a bit. Ourense is easy to get to with direct trains from SdC or Madrid etc.
I was able to stay in albergues every night with no overcrowding (8th-11th May) each costing 6 Euros a night except one private one costing 8 Euros. There were enough cafes/bars along the way to rest and refresh.
I had plenty of company after the first day's walk (when I only saw 2 other pilgs in a bar), but it was certainly possible to walk alone if I wanted.
The only possible downsides were that I didn't meet any others who had just started in Ourense, and almost everyone (including myself) had walked at least one Camino before, so you wouldn't be sharing the learning experiences. Also, most people seemed to be from the older age group, which could put some younger pilgrims off a bit. Galicia in May is probably at its prettiest and greenest in May, with the colourful flowers contrasting against the grey stone houses. I was also blessed with perfect weather and almost no rain, but would other forum members agree that it would generally make a good 'starter Camino?'
I was able to stay in albergues every night with no overcrowding (8th-11th May) each costing 6 Euros a night except one private one costing 8 Euros. There were enough cafes/bars along the way to rest and refresh.
I had plenty of company after the first day's walk (when I only saw 2 other pilgs in a bar), but it was certainly possible to walk alone if I wanted.
The only possible downsides were that I didn't meet any others who had just started in Ourense, and almost everyone (including myself) had walked at least one Camino before, so you wouldn't be sharing the learning experiences. Also, most people seemed to be from the older age group, which could put some younger pilgrims off a bit. Galicia in May is probably at its prettiest and greenest in May, with the colourful flowers contrasting against the grey stone houses. I was also blessed with perfect weather and almost no rain, but would other forum members agree that it would generally make a good 'starter Camino?'