Camino in late August/early September with teenagers -- which route?

[jdogjasper]

I am planning on spending approximately 2 weeks late August/early September hiking part of the Camino with my 13 and 16 year old. We are planning for about 20 km/day but also want to have flexibility to speed up or slow down as it fits for us.
I'd love some advice on what would be the best route for us. We were initially considering starting the Camino Frances in Sarria but I'm worried that it will be too busy. I'm now thinking about the Camino Ingles and then carrying on to Muxia and Fisterra.
We could also adjust our timing to earlier in August but then I am a little worried about heat.
Any advice you have would be very much appreciated!!!!!
Thank you

 

[amancio]

I would try Porto-Santiago, either inland, or along the coast, that would be 11 days approximately, if you have any additional days you can always proceed onto Fisterra. Alternatively, you can do the Primitivo route from Oviedo to Santiago too.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I would avoid the Sarria to Santiago but as you have already sensed to do. If walking into Santiago and earning a Compostela is not important (they can always get a certificate of distance) I would walk the Frances (more flexibilty in terms of distances and just enough people and energy without it being a bit of a zoo) further back. For easy access to departure point you could do Pamplona to Burgos, or Burgos to Leon. If extra time available bus to Santiago and then walk on to Fisterra or Muxia.

 

[jdogjasper]

I would try Porto-Santiago, either inland, or along the coast, that would be 11 days approximately, if you have any additional days you can always proceed onto Fisterra. Alternatively, you can do the Primitivo route from Oviedo to Santiago too.

 

[jdogjasper]

Thanks so much for both of your responses!! I am thinking we will either do the Porto-Santiago Coastal route or the Primitivo. The girls do want to make it to Santiago de Comp and like the idea of doing the "full walk" sort of
I'm thinking the coastal route might be busier especially with vacationers by the ocean but the Primitivo might be really hot in August.
Any comments about these routes in terms of business as well as weather and/or the overall experience? I'm hoping this experience inspires my kids and also doesn't break the bank
Again - TOTALLY appreciate any and all comments.
Jen

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The Primitivo has a special place in my heart. It is just right for me. Quiet walking but meeting up night after night with practically the same group as there are not so many options that groups get split up. It is gaining in porpularity so I would avoid arriving in albergues too late in the afternoon, especially as there will be three of you and I suppose you will prefer to bunk close to each other.

In Oviedo, don't miss the Naranco sites, up on the hill behind the train station. You can actually start your Camino from there. Other great "musts", for all sorts of reasons include The menu del dia at casa Pachon in Salas (followed by a nap as you won't be able to walk after that), a night's spluge in the albergue is the hotel Palacio de Meras in Tineo, a night in San Juan de Villapanada (a simple traditional albergue with a brilliant hospitalero), a night at David's albergue in Bodeyana, and of course the walk on the Hospitales route, but only if the weather is good.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[amancio]

While I fully agree with Anemone, I will now defend the Portuguese a bit

Do not worry about heat, neither in the Primitivo nor in Portuguese it should be too hot, Primitivo might be busier in all stages, while in Portuguese you will find the Portugal section (at least inland) quieter, but after crossing to Spain, it will be more crowded.

In any case, I hope you enjoy this unique opportunity with your children!