Best starting point with 21 days

[Sandie]

Hi there, I start my first camino near the end of September, I had initially planned on starting in sjdpp, with over five wks to spare
But now due to family commitments I need to shave it down to just three weeks
Can anyone recommend a good starting point that I can take to santiago de compostela that would be doable within 21 day time frame?
I would like to take in as much as the camino as possible, but as it's my first time I should possibly not try to be overly ambitious either!
Thanks for reading...all information greatly appreciated
Also...can you or do you need to pre book accommodation thanks xx sandie

 

[whariwharangi]

Critical factor: How far can you walk? 20km means 21 x 20 = 420 km.

Critical factor: How do you get there? Regular train and bus service.

So you need a place that meets both criteria.

Sahagun is located 387.5 km from Santiago and has regular service by Renfe train.

 

[Mark Lee]

Burgos.
About 20-21 days from Santiago for a pilgrim walking at an average pace, and I'm sure you can get to Burgos from wherever you are arriving at in Spain.
If that's not doable, Carrion de los Condes is a few days closer, and probably ALSA buses go there.
No, you do not need to pre-book accommodations.
cheers and ultreia

 

[Sandie]

Critical factor: How far can you walk? 20km means 21 x 20 = 420 km.

Critical factor: How do you get there? Regular train and bus service.

So you need a place that meets both criteria.

Sahagun is located 387.5 km from Santiago and has regular service by Renfe train.

Great information. ..exactly what I was looking to establish. ..I would say I am of reasonable fitness...I had intended on doing 25k per day aprox. ..but I will need to factor in rest times too, so now I need to start looking at those good points you've made!
Thank you for your help x

 

[Sandie]

Burgos.
About 20-21 days from Santiago for a pilgrim walking at an average pace, and I'm sure you can get to Burgos from wherever you are arriving at in Spain.
If that's not doable, Carrion de los Condes is a few days closer, and probably ALSA buses go there.
No, you do not need to pre-book accommodations.
cheers and ultreia

Thank you so much, I have been considering starting from burgos!
So I will check out bus services that are available.

Thank you for your helpful response x san

 

[MTtoCamino]

@Sandie So to clarify you have already taken your travel time off going to your start point & returning from Santiago correct? If you have the I would agree with Mark. If not then take 4 days away from 21. That way you have some buffer.
You also can do this like many Europeans walk with no destination in mind from any start point & plan on your return to finish, if there really is such a thing other than death. Oh no I just realized that is a beginning of something else... You will have a high probability of wanting to return. & like many others try different Caminos. From my perspective it was the closest to real freedom I have ever experienced. So maybe just show up however & go. It's all good.

 

[Sandie]

@Sandie So to clarify you have already taken your travel time off going to your start point & returning from Santiago correct? If you have the I would agree with Mark. If not then take 4 days away from 21. That way you have some buffer.
You also can do this like many Europeans walk with no destination in mind from any start point & plan on your return to finish, if there really is such a thing other than death. Oh no I just realized that is a beginning of something else... You will have a high probability of wanting to return. & like many others try different Caminos. From my perspective it was the closest to real freedom I have ever experienced. So maybe just show up however & go. It's all good.

I love this response!
It's a nice reminder of why I have decided on my camino! I like the sense of freedom just walking and seeing where I end up, the lack of schedule and the no burden of feeling like there is a specific means to the end...its really what the camino means for me!
And if I had more time (this time) I would just land and leave wherever the way took me... I do need to plan flights and buses though...so hence the need for some general direction as to where a good reasonable starting point might be!
But I have no doubt I will return ...its funny how your soul can ache for somewhere you hav'nt even been to yet!
Thank you....great response x

 

[MTtoCamino]

I love this response!
It's a nice reminder of why I have decided on my camino! I like the sense of freedom just walking and seeing where I end up, the lack of schedule and the no burden of feeling like there is a specific means to the end...its really what the camino means for me!
And if I had more time (this time) I would just land and leave wherever the way took me... I do need to plan flights and buses though...so hence the need for some general direction as to where a good reasonable starting point might be!
But I have no doubt I will return ...its funny how your soul can ache for somewhere you hav'nt even been to yet!
Thank you....great response x

If you have the call that strong this will have a very strong impact with you.
Buen Camino
Keith

 

[t2andreo]

Yup, definitely Burgos!

You can also get there easily by train or bus from Madrid.

Plan to spend a day or two there before starting towards Santiago.

The city is hugely historic and significant to the history of Spain and of all of Western Europe. It is clearly worthy of a separate tourist visit. Do not allow the opportunity pass you by.

I hope this helps.