A really big group - possible?

[ula86]

Hi all,

a friend of mine is thinking about organising a Camino (~100 km) for about... 200 people (Scouts d′Europe, to be precise) next summer. It sounds crazy, I know. But maybe they could pull it off if they divided into smaller groups, or went different routes, or slept in tents...? I only did Camino del Norte and I know that it was hard to find a place to sleep for much smaller groups, but there are more albergues on the Camino Frances. What about camping sites?

ANY ideas/advice would be much appreciated

 

[Rebekah Scott]

the big groups I have seen always carry tents, and almost always have some sort of backup vehicle to carry the needed equipment. They put a huge strain on infrastructure wherever they come to rest.

 

[sillydoll]

You could contact the pilgrims' office to ask if any of the infrastructure set up for the Holy Year - tent towns, gymnasiums, school halls - will be able to accommodate you.

peregrinos@archicompostela.org

 

[annakappa]

Has your friend ever done the Camino - especially the last 100 kms - and especially during the peak months? It's bad enough finding a bed for 1 or 2 people after Sarria, let alone for a group of 100! The only way, in my opinion, would be in tents and be totally self-sufficient (by that I mean, don't pitch your tents and then go to the nearest albergue to use their facilities) Anne
PS I just walked the Sanabrés from Ourense (last ca 100 kms) in October. There was only one albergue that could take a large number of Pilgrims - and the albergues were few and far between and not much in the way of other facilities either (bars, shops, etc)..

 

[CaroleH]

A really big group???
...... would be very unpopular with all the other pilgrims!! (Just my opinion)

 

[ula86]

Yes, I know. That's why they want to split up into several groups, sleep in tents and carry gas bottles for cooking food. I know they have experience in this kind of trips, so that shouldn't be a big problem. I was just wondering if there are enough camping sites.