Greetings all posters above.
I've just returned from doing the Camino Ingles in May, so thought I'd share some of my memorable experiences related to the matters you’ve raised.
My route was Ferrol to SdC in 5 days. Doable, but demanding. I too found it difficult to find the starting marker, but had no problem obtaining my first sello from the nearby cafe/bar.
However, I had arrived late on Sunday night into A Coruna and stayed at Hostal Palas, across the road from the bus terminal. Convenient so I could catch an early bus to Ferrol in the morning. Unfortunately, the night-time receptionist I sensed took an immediate disliking to me, I think for not speaking Spanish. On checkout, he refused to take my bag into storage and hold it for me whilst I walked, as pre-arranged at the time of my booking. (I had a large bag for pre-Camino travel & took a backpack whilst walking) He suggested I try at the bus terminal, but at 6:00am in the dawn light there was no one around. Whilst considering my options of where to leave my bag, I noticed the bus to Ferrol so boarded to purchase my ticket, leaving my bag on the kerb outside. Before I could say "boo", after realising the driver spoke no English, the bus door closed and drove off. Stunned, all I could do was to 'wave my bag goodbye', and trust in 'the Camino provides', as I've often seen written in this forum. So challenged, trust it was for me; I gave up getting anxious. Thankfully I had written my email address on bag labels, so on my arrival at Pontedeume, I checked my email to find a message from the National Police, to say they had my bag stored at the Renfe train station. Considerable relief. And I was returning to A Coruna by train after my walk! Yes, the Camino provides.
But wait. There’s more about Hostal Palas.
I returned early the following Saturday to collect my bag, and the Police were most understanding. I now wished to sightsee A Coruna before my flight out that evening. So where to find a locker for the day – none at the train station and none at the bus terminal (only a bag check-in room with inconvenient open hours). So back to Hostal Palas. There I met the lady who took my original booking, and she was adamant she would not hold my bag for the day. I could, however, book a room. I left. I found the Hotel Plaza in the next street, and the young lady receptionist was without hesitation most helpful with my request. Even declining an offer of payment on my return later in the day. Guess which hotel gets my vote!
On my walk to Santiago I found all other locals most accommodating and helpful, even volunteering directions if I was in any doubt. On one occasion I was driven back to the correct route, having missed my exit from Betanzos. All I relied on map-wise was
John Brierley’s guide (no phone GPS, as some appeared to be doing) – although lacking detail, it worked well enough for me.
I walked mostly alone, and saw few other peregrinos until day’s end at an albergue or hostal. I’d not booked but was fortunate to find a comfortable place to sleep every night. I guess there were between 40 or 50 peregrinos passing each day. I missed seeing the botafumeiro swing at the Friday evening mass (19th May), but I understand a generous benefactor may have since come forward to restore its use.
Betanzos is my pick of towns/cities along the way – a lovely village atmosphere centred on the piazza, very friendly people, and with all facilities including hospital. Though not all pharmacists speak English! Needed for attention to a blister.
Buen Camino to all readers,
peter
) and started walking that day. Credential wise you can order from the Forum Shop with Ivar.
