Thought after walking a number of Camino routes in 2013/2014 that I would have a "done that been there" feeling. Well apparently not as so many others have experienced so am now thinking about my next Camino walk.
Three walks are of interest...Via de Plata, Camino Portugues and Camino Norte. The Via de Plata route will have to wait due to it's length however am considering the other two Camino's. I know the Camino Norte is about 250 kms longer and more physically challenging than the Camino Portuguese. I think the Camino Norte is more scenic than the Camino Portugues. If I am lucky enough to walk in 2015 the Camino Portugues may be a better choice due to time availability.
I then read a blog outlining someone's walk on Camino Portugues...impression is that the walk for the first week or so out of Lisbon was well dreadful ...easy to get lost due to poor way marking. It seems like few pilgrims walk prior to Porto for these reasons. If I walk the Camino Portuguese it would be the full distance from Lisbon.
Would appreciate any comments on whether it is worth walking the Camino Portugues and if you have walked both the Camino Portugues and Norte which one did you prefer and why?
As always many thanks for your help.
Guy
hi Guy - I do not know whose blog you've been reading - but here is my experience: this May - from Lisbon to Castanheira di Ribatejo (spelling?) I took the train - and walked from there and I had no issues with finding arrows. (that started after Santarem for an afternoon, and after Ataleia, before Tomar). And even that I would not call dreadful.
And: It is always "worth" walking the Caminho Portuguese.
what is or could be a challenge (at least to me) was asphalt walking at times in long stretches, and those 'charming' cobblestones. I managed still well by not exceeding my daily kilometers (my max were 27km, but I averaged 22km per day) , resting lots (60min walking, then 10+ min resting) etc. And of course a backpack that can be carried with ease. And being really savvy with 'self-care'.
The 'dreadful arrow' situation might have been simply experienced because some pilgrims start before dawn, i.e. before clear daylight. Goes without saying that this is greater challenge for finding the arrows, but it does not mean that they are not there!
I love Portugal and naturally I will recommend it. And I certainly found it very scenic (minus the first bit out of Lisboa) - I can't comment on the Norte route because I haven't been there, but having traveled a lot in europe, I do not recall a single landscape that could not be called 'scenic'. -- One can find accommodation also for shorter stages and does not need to schlogg along each day for 30+kms - and it appears that more accommodations are being added now again. (Diogo's recent post)
good luck in being led to the camino that suits you most .... Bom Caminho!