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Best guide book for CP?

LynneR

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
CF '16, '18
Researching guide books and I've come across a couple on Amazon that look good, but I'd like some input before I make a purchase.
I see there is a Brierley (I had a copy of the CF version and it served me well), but I also see one by Katrina Davis.
Both look good, but have any of you used a book that you would recommend?
Thank you.
Lynne
 
More 2024 Camino Guides available
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I used the Brierley one and it was very good. Also, CP was very well marked and accommodation was easy to find along the route, so I didnt needed to use the guide much to find things.
I don´t know aboout Katrina, but the other one I heard was good too was Wise Pilgrim.
 

Hi, Lynne. . .

It may help to know what features of a guidebook that you particularly find useful: route finding, historical information, cultural notations, accommodation and eating recommendations, etc.
 
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When I walked the CP in 2015, I think Brierley was the only (English) guidebook available. Although no guidebook is perfect (there will always be errors), let's just say that the main topic of conversation at dinner of a night was about the strongly-worded emails we were going to send when we got home...!
If the Kat Davis guidebook had been published back then, I would have gone with her.
Kat is a very experienced solo female traveller & long distance walker. Her second guidebook, on the Kumano Kodo in Japan, will be released soon.
If you want to get a 'feel' for who she is and how she travels/writes, she has a blog called 'Following the Arrows' you could read to help you decide.
Kat is currently hiking the PCT in the US. She knows her stuff!
Bom Caminho
 
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Oh!! Great! I actually viewed your website already. Didn't notice that you have a guide but I will check it out. Now I know you are a great resource! Thanks so much. I am new to CP and planning to walk on the coast, then take the Variante Espiritua into Santiago. Can you tell me how many days I will need. From what I can tell, the coastal walk adds some days. And the VE adds how many?
Again, thank you for responding. I am happy to find a good guide book and experienced CP pilgrims!
Lynne
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
It took us 11 days to do the Coastal. I believe the Variante would add a few more days, but I am not sure.
 
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@LynneR , I would divide guide books into two categories.

My first category would include Brierly, Rother and similar guides. These I would read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. Even make notes to keep on my tablet for reference when underway.

My second category would include Michelin guide 16x.
These are lightweight. On the first facing page there is an elevation profile and a selection of hostels for a stage. On the other is a Michelin map at an adequate scale for the same stage and a thumbnail showing how this stage fits into the overall progress. At the back are street maps for major towns.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
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