Advice for family with only a few days

[KrayolaFam]

I hope my question doesn't offend any pilgrims... I see that some are bothered by families and want you to know that we are respectful of all the reasons for walking the camino and simply cannot do the entire walk now. We are a family of four. Daughter is 17, son 11. We can take limited time and only have a few days in Spain. After much research, my kids really want to spend their time on the camino. Can anyone recommend what part we should consider that would be possible as day hikes? Their hope is to sketch, to write and to experience. Thanks.

 

[grayland]

First...I don't think anyone here is "bothered by families" and you will be welcomed no matter what stage you choose to walk.

Maybe it would be good to give an idea as to which part of Spain you will be able to easily reach.
It is very easy to walk for only a few days on the Camino Francis as there is very good bus service that would be available to return you to wherever is needed.
But...the Camino Frances is long and we would have to have an idea which part you could reach without wasting too much time traveling.

 

[tyrrek]

Yes, just get to the Camino with as little wasted time as possible. Maybe focus on the social side of the Camino, and meet pilgrims in cafes, restaurants, albergues etc. so your children can hear the experiences, see/photograph the faces (and feet!), landscape etc. to sketch at their leisure. Nobody will mind at all, in fact families often seem to report preferential treatment. It is Spain, after all.

Even if you can't make it to the most picturesque parts of the Camino it will be fun just to join in for a while and meet a few characters from around the globe.

Buen Camino!

 

[Kiwi-family]

My experience of walking with children is that families are treated very well (mind you, it seems everyone is treated well on the Camino!)
I would second the advice to spend as little time travelling and as much time walking as you can. Perhaps DON'T finish in Santiago after walking only a few days - save that for another time when you might return and do a longer walk and then the feeling of accomplishment arriving at the cathedral is something more special.
How many days will you have?