Best 3 week route for October?

[Kazles]

Hi Forumees,
Given last year's Oct bushfires, is there a route that would be preferable for mid October 2018?
This is my second Camino following a 2 week central CP/VDLP in 2016. I thought of the CF but don't want huge crowds - like Pitt Street as we say down here.
Thanks

 

[surya8]

I would recommend Portuguese from Lisbon, the central route. I walked last year in late Oct, weather was very pleasant, dry and sunny, there are albergues between Lisbon and Porto now, and excellent infrastructure from Porto onwards. Easy walking, no mountains to cross, could be done in runers, although some cobblestones. Beautiful nature, great food, the route is popular but not that busy at that time of the year. Lisbon to Porto usually takes 13 days, Porto to Santiago another 10. Could be faster depending on your level of fitness. You could start from Santarem/Tomar/Coimbra if you don;t feel like walking all the way or if pressed for time. After Coimbra the distances between towns are smaller, before Coimbra is almost 30km every day. Loved Camino in Portugal, miss it badly.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Camino Frances from Burgos will not be too busy in October, and has plenty of beds and stopping points.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

How about the San Salvador-Primitivo combo?

 

[Tincatinker]

I'll second the Salvador/ Primitivo. The weather should still be pretty good - but take local advice when necessary. But autumn/fall in those beautiful forests - and all those lovely edible mushrooms...

 

[Kazles]

Thanks for all the advice - I don't like to rush and like to have a look around, so will factor that in. Am wondering were the awful bushfires an issue for anyone walking last year? Did you encounter them Surya? Thanks again.

 

[surya8]

Am wondering were the awful bushfires an issue for anyone walking last year? Did you encounter them Surya? Thanks again.

Only in one place we saw the burnt land, but that was a short stretch. We didn't encounter any fires either.

 

[lt56ny]

I agree about Portugues route. I walked from Lisbon. But I would recommend starting around Tomar. The route out of Lisbon isn’t very inspiring. Also decide if you will do Central or coastal. I did Central and didn’t regret it. Wanted to do coastal but heard it was expensive. Others who I met in Santiago who just finished walking said it was about the same daily expenses as route from Lisbon to Porto. If you are tired of all the road walking when you get to Porto maybe you should head to the Coast. Buen Camino And one added attraction to Portugal. The people of
Portugal are fantastic, kind and always welcoming.