terryenroute
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances '13, VDLP '16, Salamanca to Santiago/Finesterra/Muxia '17, Madrid/San Salvador '19.
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Yes. 5 years agoWe are 2 pilgrims (Canadian and an Aussie) starting out from Madrid the morning of Sept 07. Plan on doing the Madrid/Frances/Invierno combination. Anyone else?
Nice to see you'll be on the road againHI Terry, I’ll be starting the same day! (hopefully) Flying in 6th Sept on Qatar.
Staying at The Hat. PM me if you like. I’ll be using Whatsapp.
We must meet up then! I am arriving on the 4th and will message you.HI Terry, I’ll be starting the same day! (hopefully) Flying in 6th Sept on Qatar.
Staying at The Hat. PM me if you like. I’ll be using Whatsapp.
If you fly to Bilbao you can just start walking either Norte or Olvidado (to Villafranca del Bierzo).Hello, I flew into Madrid yesterday, and had forgotten how much I love Spain. The plan was !, Madrid get to Pamplona and on to SJPDP, BUT, now I think fly to Bilbao, have a look, and either start walking there or get to Pamplona and start there. Is there any reason to go to SJPDP? I haven’t booked any accomodation yet, and I have a small wheelie bag I wanted to send on. I want to see everything, Zaragoza , Pamplona, Bilbao and do the walk..........
Well I promised to write about my camino Madrid. As I’ve been dogged with a pesky foot issue I’ve held off posting in case I have to abandon ship.
Bloomin heck, what next!
Suffice to say I’m doing ok and staying in touch with Terry and Paul. We’re a day apart.
Im now in the cute Albergue in Villeguillo on my own. Bliss
Unfortunately there is a bubble of 7 now so I zoomed ahead for a quiet night.
From tomorrow we’ll all catch up again.
Im loving this camino. The countryside changes every couple of days.
Fuenfria was a challenge and I nearly froze my tips (fingers) off ! Is this September?
So I’ll maybe do a summary post when I finish.
All I can say is - love love love it (oh,and give yourself a few extra days in Segovia - preciosa
Cheers grace
My wife and I start Madrid tomorrow, September 22. Any advice from those on this thread who started earlier this month would be most welcome. We're in good shape, having walked the Ignaciano from Loyola to Logrono before hopping a bus to come to Madrid. That walk is very tough; we are anticipating a less challenging Camino.We are 2 pilgrims (Canadian and an Aussie) starting out from Madrid the morning of Sept 07. Plan on doing the Madrid/Frances/Invierno combination. Anyone else?
I see we have another afficionado of that bar in VilleguilloAnthony you’ll love this camino. Im in Leon now having finished in Sahagun yesterday (horrrrrrrrible to meet the hoardes after the peace of Camino Madrid)
Advice: contact Ray and Rosa a day or two before you get to Manzanares and make sure you’re in contact via Whatsapp. They go out of their way to accommodate pilgrims and even pickup if convenient. They offer a home cooked meal (donate as you would ) with home grown veggies.
In early Sept the youth hostels in Cercedilla were closed so I stayed in a Hostal Aribel. Basic but at far end of the long Village. Tip: buy your lunch/snacks for the Fuenfria summit from the Dia as you enter Fuenfria. It’s a long walk back otherwise and not much choice at the Hostal Aribel end of town. Eat at the lovely restaurant upstairs, oposite ( a little to the left) if you are standing in the doorway of the train station
Tip: stay in Segovia for at least 2 nights. It’s an awesome wee city to wander and the food ( specialties cochinillo and ternera).
I can recommend restaurant José María.
I’ve heard the Albergue in Zamarramala is nice
I stayed in Santa María la Real de Nueva. Albergue a bit small (4 of us) and town is sweet. Limited supplies. Great walk through pine forests. These days are wonderful. Easy walking.
Next stop was Villeguillo where I had the entire Albergue to myself. It’s a tiny pueblo but the bar is a hoot. If you pre- order the owner will make your dinner at any time. Bar open all day.
Alcazaren was a really clean and pretty Albergue. A couple of bars. The first one as you enter before arriving at iglesia De Santiago has food and a lovely local rose wine
Pick up the key for Albergue from Bar Real ( right on camino in the village)
Favourite pueblo and Albergue: Penaflor de Hornija. Get key from the only bar (Hornija) in main sq. Everyone we met was so friendly. The way after here takes a strange route zig-zagging through hundreds of wind towers under construction- if you follow the arrows. Either use your own or other downloaded paths to take a more direct route. Probably 3km more following the arrows.
The next gorgeous place is Rioseco. No Albergue at the moment but I stayed at Hostal Castilla. Central but a bit lacking in... in... well, in everything. It was a bed and cheap
The next day is beautiful along the right of the canal. Very easy Walk to Cuenca where there is an awesome bar/ restaurant.
Stayed a bit further on in Villalon. Hospitalero in the Albergue all the time. Big and well equipped kitchen. Strange town. The bars don’t really serve food. It’s a town of many older people. Stock up on food in one of the supermarkets for the next day if you’re going all the way to Grajal as there are no bars for 30 km.
If you stop in Santervas the Hospitaleros will prepare you a dinner ( depends on donations from pilgrims day before)
So the highlight was the village of Grajal- the palace Albergue and the amazing bar/ restaurant. Try to arrive for the menu del dia.
Next day a doddle to Sahagun. A train leaves for Leon just before 2pm.
Enjoy, Grace
In early Sept the youth hostels in Cercedilla were closed so I stayed in a Hostal Aribel. Basic but at far end of the long Village... Eat at the lovely restaurant upstairs, oposite ( a little to the left) if you are standing in the doorway of the train station
I didn’t note the name, sorry. The lady in the farmacia nearby just said I should walk around the corner and head upstairs when I see the open door.I have stayed both in the Aribel and the youth hostal Villa Castora. I really liked the albergue juvenil, they had set aside a few double rooms off to the left and saved them for peregrinos. Maybe that is no longer the case, but I would definitely try for that. It’s in a very nice wooded location as well, great for lounging around.
And, like you, I also had a great meal in the nice little restaurant, upstairs. I am trying to find the name, both to jog my own memory and help others. There seem to be two close to the train station, the Helio and the Gomez.
I think it was the Gomez, what do you think Grace?
Enjoy your Camino! I will be following in your footsteps beginning on 26 September
So, based on the map and what you said, it must be the Gomez. Thanks, Grace.I didn’t note the name, sorry. The lady in the farmacia nearby just said I should walk around the corner and head upstairs when I see the open door.
Fantastic! We're in Segovia now, spending two nights. We also stay ed in the Aribel. We will follow your advice the rest of the way. Interestingly, we had planned to stay at the same towns you indicated except that we are taking the afternoon bus from Alcazaron to Valladolid where we will spend the evening and next morning before taking a bus to resume our camino. Thanks soooo much.Anthony you’ll love this camino. Im in Leon now having finished in Sahagun yesterday (horrrrrrrrible to meet the hoardes after the peace of Camino Madrid)
Advice: contact Ray and Rosa a day or two before you get to Manzanares and make sure you’re in contact via Whatsapp. They go out of their way to accommodate pilgrims and even pickup if convenient. They offer a home cooked meal (donate as you would ) with home grown veggies.
In early Sept the youth hostels in Cercedilla were closed so I stayed in a Hostal Aribel. Basic but at far end of the long Village. Tip: buy your lunch/snacks for the Fuenfria summit from the Dia as you enter Fuenfria. It’s a long walk back otherwise and not much choice at the Hostal Aribel end of town. Eat at the lovely restaurant upstairs, oposite ( a little to the left) if you are standing in the doorway of the train station
Tip: stay in Segovia for at least 2 nights. It’s an awesome wee city to wander and the food ( specialties cochinillo and ternera).
I can recommend restaurant José María.
I’ve heard the Albergue in Zamarramala is nice
I stayed in Santa María la Real de Nueva. Albergue a bit small (4 of us) and town is sweet. Limited supplies. Great walk through pine forests. These days are wonderful. Easy walking.
Next stop was Villeguillo where I had the entire Albergue to myself. It’s a tiny pueblo but the bar is a hoot. If you pre- order the owner will make your dinner at any time. Bar open all day.
Alcazaren was a really clean and pretty Albergue. A couple of bars. The first one as you enter before arriving at iglesia De Santiago has food and a lovely local rose wine
Pick up the key for Albergue from Bar Real ( right on camino in the village)
Favourite pueblo and Albergue: Penaflor de Hornija. Get key from the only bar (Hornija) in main sq. Everyone we met was so friendly. The way after here takes a strange route zig-zagging through hundreds of wind towers under construction- if you follow the arrows. Either use your own or other downloaded paths to take a more direct route. Probably 3km more following the arrows.
The next gorgeous place is Rioseco. No Albergue at the moment but I stayed at Hostal Castilla. Central but a bit lacking in... in... well, in everything. It was a bed and cheap
The next day is beautiful along the right of the canal. Very easy Walk to Cuenca where there is an awesome bar/ restaurant.
Stayed a bit further on in Villalon. Hospitalero in the Albergue all the time. Big and well equipped kitchen. Strange town. The bars don’t really serve food. It’s a town of many older people. Stock up on food in one of the supermarkets for the next day if you’re going all the way to Grajal as there are no bars for 30 km.
If you stop in Santervas the Hospitaleros will prepare you a dinner ( depends on donations from pilgrims day before)
So the highlight was the village of Grajal- the palace Albergue and the amazing bar/ restaurant. Try to arrive for the menu del dia.
Next day a doddle to Sahagun. A train leaves for Leon just before 2pm.
Enjoy, Grace
Oh, you complicated your life with that transport a little bit...
2. It was raining the morning we were leaving but we didn't want to walk through city anyway. Took an early subway to Plaza de las Castillas, then 726 bus. 724 and 725 also go to Tres Santos and Colmenar. 30 minutes.
...
Depends on where you are staying. We were a few steps away from the Plaza de Espana. We didn't want to walk in the rain to Sol or take subway there when we could get to Castilla easily. But good for others to know options. We were originally going to stay near Sol but it was booked.Oh, you complicated your life with that transport a little bit
There's Cercanias line C4 directly to Colmenar Viejo/Tres Cantos from Puerta del Sol metro station which is very central given the size of Madrid.
Buen Camino!
The first time I was in Madrid I also stayed in the side street off the Plaza de Espana. But then again I start my Camino walking exactly from there on Gran Via towards Cibeles and Plaza de Castilla. The rest is historyDepends on where you are staying. We were a few steps away from the Plaza de Espana. We didn't want to walk in the rain to Sol or take subway there when we could get to Castilla easily. But good for others to know options. We were originally going to stay near Sol but it was booked.
We were purists on our first Camino years ago, walking every step. No short cuts. With each new Camino, we tailor them to what we like. Our bus to Valladolid from Alcazren won't be followed by a bus ride back there. We'll bus to Simancas.The first time I was in Madrid I also stayed in the side street off the Plaza de Espana. But then again I start my Camino walking exactly from there on Gran Via towards Cibeles and Plaza de Castilla. The rest is history
In Valladolid. Three days of long walks. Some tips:I will also be following on 26th so would love to hear how you go . Buen Camino.
@Anthony RoccoNava Asuncion was a bust for us as we arrived too early for the Panaderia Rosana, which opens at 11. Talked to two French pellerin who stayed at the albergue there. Said it was two bunks in a shed on a football field. Showed me photos. Weird. They loved the albergue in Villeguillo in contrast.
It's the one and only church in Zumaramalla, 3km from Segovia. Never caught the name.Thanks for your very helpful comments. Will definitely be useful in the coming days. Just one question: what is the name of the church you referred to when leaving Segovia?
Linda you must be so careful. Make sure you find the PUERTA DE SANTIAGO(follow the ACCESO PEATONAL signs) . The left turn is by the first traffic light you will see passing the iron bridge, you will walk through, parallel to the Zamarramala’s road. The church has a round shapeThanks for your very helpful comments. Will definitely be useful in the coming days. Just one question: what is the name of the church you referred to when leaving Segovia?
What you are referring to is not the church IN Zamarramala. Maybe you mean the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz just before Zamarramala which is in fact octagonal and not roundLinda you must be so careful. Make sure you find the PUERTA DE SANTIAGO(follow the ACCESO PEATONAL signs) . The left turn is by the first traffic light you will see passing the iron bridge, you will walk through, parallel to the Zamarramala’s road. The church has a round shape
And Vera Cruz with its twelve sides https://es.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_de_la_Vera_Cruz_(Segovia) is reminiscent of Eunate with its eight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Mary_of_Eunate But minus the lovely tower.What you are referring to is not the church IN Zamarramala. Maybe you mean the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz just before Zamarramala which is in fact octagonal and not round
The Camino in/through Zamarramala indeed makes 90 degrees left turn before the Iglesia de Sta.Maria Magdalena.
Ups, my badAnd Vera Cruz with its twelve sides https://es.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_de_la_Vera_Cruz_(Segovia) is reminiscent of Eunate with its eight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Mary_of_Eunate But minus the lovely tower.
Though I’ve been past and admired both churches several times, I’ve only been able to enter Eunate once and have never been inside Vera Cruz. Did anyone on the Camino de Madrid manage to get inside? I think it may be more difficult than getting inside the church at Wamba (which actually turns out to be not so hard to visit, just my lack of information)
No it was closed resolutely when I passed. And I got to Wamba on a Sunday and found it closed too.And Vera Cruz with its twelve sides https://es.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_de_la_Vera_Cruz_(Segovia) is reminiscent of Eunate with its eight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Mary_of_Eunate But minus the lovely tower.
Though I’ve been past and admired both churches several times, I’ve only been able to enter Eunate once and have never been inside Vera Cruz. Did anyone on the Camino de Madrid manage to get inside? I think it may be more difficult than getting inside the church at Wamba (which actually turns out to be not so hard to visit, just my lack of information)
When I was there in 2009 the man that was mending the church that day asked me if I speak Russian when I said I'm coming from Slovenia (former Yugoslavia - everyone from the west thinks that Yugoslavia was behind the iron curtain and occupied by Soviets but it was actually notNo it was closed resolutely when I passed. And I got to Wamba on a Sunday and found it closed too.
BUT not only did I manage a long visit to the church in Eunate in 2009 but also stayed in the very small albergue which was next to it at the time, run by a couple who, at that time, stayed for a year (organized by the diocese. The couple then were Dutch or possibly Belgian I think. It remains one of my standout memories of all Caminos). The couple cooked an evening meal and we went to the church for night prayer afterwards.
More updates on my Camino Madrid walk.The church in Zamarramala (not Zumaramalla) is Iglesia de Sta.Maria Magdalena. Can't miss it in such small village
Oh, yes, I remember this. I got myself a few cans of beer and took the rest in the shade just after Arco de San Benito (if you come from CF) on the righthand side. I was feeling like I came to an airport or a metro station at the bestOne final note: We arrived in Sahagun, and because we love cultural sights, visited the key ones on this historic town. I want to note that as the Camino de Madrid, unlike other caminos, enters Sahagun at the Monastery where the statue of the Senora Peregrina is housed, it's no effort to stop there. Please do. The office there will present you with an awesome certificate with your name on it. No cost.
Finally (and I mean it this time), we saw more peregrinos on the first ten seconds of entering Sahagun than we had seen on the entire Camino de Madrid. It seemed like an endless parade. When we stopped at a bar for coffee we heard horror stories of having to take a taxi 30 KMS away to get a room.
Fortunately, we were done. We had done our Camino combo for this year (Ignaciano and Madrid), and will continue to do these rather than fight the mobs on the Frances.
No it was closed resolutely when I passed. And I got to Wamba on a Sunday and found it closed too.
BUT not only did I manage a long visit to the church in Eunate in 2009 but also stayed in the very small albergue which was next to it at the time, run by a couple who, at that time, stayed for a year (organized by the diocese. The couple then were Dutch or possibly Belgian I think. It remains one of my standout memories of all Caminos). The couple cooked an evening meal and we went to the church for night prayer afterwards.
So happy for you !! You are off ..... enjoy and have a wonderful camino !HI Terry, I’ll be starting the same day! (hopefully) Flying in 6th Sept on Qatar.
Staying at The Hat. PM me if you like. I’ll be using Whatsapp.
Hi, I am Australian but have lived in Canada for the past 32 years so I am a little bit more now a Canadian. I am planning on walking the Madrid Camino with a girlfriend September 2020. I am just looking at what the route looks like. Did you find a book on the route ? I have walked not 5 Camino's various routes, and couple of them twice . The Madrid sounded like a good one, but just now checking what the terrain and days walk would be like. I would love to know your itinerary to get an idea.We are 2 pilgrims (Canadian and an Aussie) starting out from Madrid the morning of Sept 07. Plan on doing the Madrid/Frances/Invierno combination. Anyone else?
Hola Denise;Hi, I am Australian but have lived in Canada for the past 32 years so I am a little bit more now a Canadian. I am planning on walking the Madrid Camino with a girlfriend September 2020. I am just looking at what the route looks like. Did you find a book on the route ? I have walked not 5 Camino's various routes, and couple of them twice . The Madrid sounded like a good one, but just now checking what the terrain and days walk would be like. I would love to know your itinerary to get an idea.
cheers Denise
Hi, Thank you for this information, i will take a look at your blog. I live in Vancouver , the only place to liveHola Denise;
If you like, you can have a look at my blog here. https://findpenguins.com/terrys2019camino
The camino de Madrid had very few other walkers at the time we where there. Nice walk and fairly straight forward. On ly real hard day was from Cercidilla to Segovia over the mountain and up an old roman road.
I had downloaded this guidbook in kindle form.
A great combination with the Madrid is to continue on the frances from Sahagun to Leon, then the SanSalvador to Oviedo where you can obtain a compestela for that way.Camino de Madrid Guidebook: Pilgrim Guides: Madrid to Sahagún (CAMINO DE SANTIAGO) eBook: Johnnie Walker, Angelika Schneider: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store
Camino de Madrid Guidebook: Pilgrim Guides: Madrid to Sahagún (CAMINO DE SANTIAGO) eBook: Johnnie Walker, Angelika Schneider: Amazon.ca: Kindle Storewww.amazon.ca
Where in Canada?
Hi, thank you for this , I appreciate your knowledge . Sounds like you had a bit of rainHello @Denisealldridge
I agree with @terryvinet above, and would also give a very definite endorsement to the CSJ guide to the Madrid Route. It is short and to the point and has really everything you need. And I too used the kindle version on my phone. It is a really lovely route I think. I have two "Live from" threads
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-short-walk-from-madrid.47865/
and
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-short-walk-continued.51788/
I met very few people, though the people I met were especially nice
The waymarking I found exceptionally reliable and the infrastructure for small numbers was excellent and more than adequate.
As for the Invierno..... I have just finished that ten days ago and for the moment have abandoned my 'live from' thread, because really all I can say is that it rained. It rained some of all days and all of some days. It rained and rained and rained. There was mud and there were temporary rivers.
The Invierno I would say is probably very beautiful when it is not raining! The waymarking is NOT as good or reliable as the Madrid, partly because it is still evolving a bit and has changed from time to time with the work of local volunteers. The infrastructure was better on the Madrid route - again I emphasise with small numbers. I think a group of 8 or 10 would have problems on the Madrid. A group of two would be perfect.
I am NOT in any way saying I did not enjoy the Invierno. But I would do Madrid again at the drop of a hat. I am not going to rush back to the Invierno.
Hi, thank you for this , I appreciate your knowledge . Sounds like you had a bit of rainyes I am use to walking to in the rain living in Vancouver, but I prefer to not have it on the Camino as living out of a back pack it is not pleasant if everything is wet. I will look over your links, very helpful. cheers
Denise
Hi, Love your day to day that you have posted on the Madrid route. I am at work and it is quiet , so I am reading it . Sure makes me want to start walking now.. cheersHello @Denisealldridge
I agree with @terryvinet above, and would also give a very definite endorsement to the CSJ guide to the Madrid Route. It is short and to the point and has really everything you need. And I too used the kindle version on my phone. It is a really lovely route I think. I have two "Live from" threads
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-short-walk-from-madrid.47865/
and
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-short-walk-continued.51788/
I met very few people, though the people I met were especially nice
The waymarking I found exceptionally reliable and the infrastructure for small numbers was excellent and more than adequate.
As for the Invierno..... I have just finished that ten days ago and for the moment have abandoned my 'live from' thread, because really all I can say is that it rained. It rained some of all days and all of some days. It rained and rained and rained. There was mud and there were temporary rivers.
The Invierno I would say is probably very beautiful when it is not raining! The waymarking is NOT as good or reliable as the Madrid, partly because it is still evolving a bit and has changed from time to time with the work of local volunteers. The infrastructure was better on the Madrid route - again I emphasise with small numbers. I think a group of 8 or 10 would have problems on the Madrid. A group of two would be perfect.
I am NOT in any way saying I did not enjoy the Invierno. But I would do Madrid again at the drop of a hat. I am not going to rush back to the Invierno.
If Google Maps is correct then, unfortunately, it has closed permanently. See: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X44dBbjKSkEFWbC86[
So, based on the map and what you said, it must be the Gomez. Thanks, Grace.
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