Camino Frances in 29 days

[KristinaMaria]

I didn't want to put a limit to my walking, but it seems that I may have to. I begin my journey in SJPdP on July 24th and must be in Madrid by August 27th. I want to walk to Finisterre then Muxia afterwards which would be 33 days walking (ending August 24th with two days to spare if anything unexpected happens). I am following John Brierley's guide and was thinking of doing these distances in one day (or trying to): Larrasoana to Punete la Reina, Burgos to Castrojeriz, Mansilla to Mazarife. Any suggestions?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - why rush? Unforeseen things might happen. You may need to rest or want to spend time in one of the great cities of Spain along the way or in a little village. An option would be to start in Pamplona or farther west.

 

[nellpilgrim]

I I am following John Brierley's guide and was thinking of doing these distances in one day (or trying to): Larrasoana to Punete la Reina, Burgos to Castrojeriz, Mansilla to Mazarife. Any suggestions?

Hi KristinaMaria,
I would second the 'take it slowly and savour every step of the way' approach......but if you are determined we walked from Burgos to Castrojeriz and, though it was a long day for us (we were 'tortoise class' pilgrims normally), it was great walking- mostly flat and on track. However we were walking in a cold and windy April so didn't have to carry so much water or worry about sunstroke (windburn yes!) which is going to be critical for anyone walking in July/August.
If you're a fit and experienced high summer walker, and your haven't acquired any injuries up to Burgos that could slow you down, then it's definitely 'doable'.
Whatever approach you choose have a wonderful Camino.
Nell

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Do it your way. There are plenty of opportunities to take buses, trains, and taxis. Do a little research on the possibilities before you go, then start out and see how it is going. Change your plan if you need to. There are plenty of "roses" to smell along the way, so don't worry about missing a few of them if it comes to that.

 

[skilsaw]

"The real pilgrims" (who don't succomb to motorized transport) spurn those who do. Although I might add, there are situations when a pilgrim must take a ride.

I walked the Camino Frances from SJPP in 28 days, which is a little faster than average, but many pilgrims do it. The point is, I was physically fit and had no setbacks like sickness or blisters. My approach was to just walk west... no destination in mind, and no schedule to follow. The experience of letting go of expectations was truly liberating and transformational.

Not that my approach is any better than others. Everyone walks their own Camino. Since you are on a relatively short schedule let me suggest that you let go of everything but calculate your daily average distance. Anything greater than 28 will get you to Santiago in 28 days, leaving time for Finisterre, if you feel called at that time. If your average is above 24.4, you will get to Santiago, but not have time for Finisterre, so there is no need to take a bus. My "bean counter" side is showing here.

My main point is to "let go". Such a freeing experience in our hectic, measured, and scheduled lives today.

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I'll call your spurn, and raise you two sneers.

 

[KristinaMaria]

Thanks for the suggestions. I want to leave it as open as possible, but know I have to reach another destination by a certain date. At first I hadn't planned on walking to Finisterre...but now i MUST (or we'll see when i get there)

Skilsaw you're speaking in kilometers right? Was it easy to find accomodation when not staying in main stops?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm one of those who spurn... spurn... spurn... ONLY because there were several times I saw a busload of backpacks being picked up by "pilgrims" a few kilometers before the alburgue... and those "weary pilgrims" checking in as though they had walked the entire stage carrying their pack... and then "real" pilgrims being turned away for lack of an empty bed.

Made me a little cranky, yeah... spurn spurn spurn...

The least they could do is rent a private room and leave the beds to those who need them.

I have no problems with people who have a disability having their bags carried. But for old able bodied people to take advantage, well, it stunk.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all [pilgrims]."