Choosing my Camino

[zenofmatthew]

It's philosophy at this point. And I have a ticket to Madrid at the end of April 2020. How do I make a choice with so many wonderful options? This brings questions.

1) How important is it to arrive in Santiago?
2) France is calling me too. I love Arles & Marseille, very comfortable there. I speak bad English, worse French, and rusty Mexican Spanish.
3) Solitude is ok, but I'd like to have company. Lots of people ok (sidewalks of Manhattan), crowds not ok (getting on the subway at rush hour in Manhattan).
4) I don't want to do difficult travel to get to the Camino.
5) Six days. Roughly six days to wander.

At this point, roughly every two weeks I change my mind, and I'm loving it. And I'm wandering the streets and trails of my town.

 

[Jon P]

hey zenofmatthew - I just signed up to this site and yours was the first message I read. I'm also a first-timer and thinking about walking for around 6 days starting in a couple of weeks time - perhaps starting around Santander on the north coast of Spain. I'm hoping to find some answers to my queries on this site and I wish you luck too - who knows? I might even see you on the road!!

 

[Beeman]

Start in Santiago and walk to finnesterra and Muxia. Wonderful trip!

 

[Jon P]

Start in Santiago and walk to finnesterra and Muxia. Wonderful trip!

Thanks Beeman - what I didn't mention is that I am coming back into fitness after a long chronic illness and am looking to walk shortish sections as a 'tryout'. Do you know of any resources I might use to help me plan my journey? Thanks...

 

[willydp]

@Jon P You should start some training before you go. First without backpack and then with.
Short distances a first and gradually building up.
Test your backpack and fitting so that you body is OK with it.
You can always send your suitcase/pack ahead and take a light backpack to walk.
Buen Camino

 

[Turga]

Thanks Beeman - what I didn't mention is that I am coming back into fitness after a long chronic illness and am looking to walk shortish sections as a 'tryout'. Do you know of any resources I might use to help me plan my journey? Thanks...

A good place to start is https://www.gronze.com

It will give you a reliable overview of stages and lodging possibilities on many different Camino routes.
The site is in Spanish, but if you open it with Google Chrome you have an option to have it (machine) translated into English.

Enjoy your planning

 

[Anniesantiago]

If you're flying into Madrid, why not just do a portion of the Madrid route?
It is a wonderful route to walk!

 

[dfox]

Thanks Beeman - what I didn't mention is that I am coming back into fitness after a long chronic illness and am looking to walk shortish sections as a 'tryout'. Do you know of any resources I might use to help me plan my journey? Thanks...

On my CP walk last May, there was a lady, walking with two trekking poles, who didn't look like "strong". She walked slowly, practically one step at a time. I saw her in the Cathedral in SdC.

 

[carryoncouple]

hey zenofmatthew - I just signed up to this site and yours was the first message I read. I'm also a first-timer and thinking about walking for around 6 days starting in a couple of weeks time - perhaps starting around Santander on the north coast of Spain. I'm hoping to find some answers to my queries on this site and I wish you luck too - who knows? I might even see you on the road!!

We loved the Camino Frances after Pamplona...it is a wonderful section and you could do any part of it to Burgos. And you probably won’t see the crowds of the later sections.

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks Beeman - what I didn't mention is that I am coming back into fitness after a long chronic illness and am looking to walk shortish sections as a 'tryout'. Do you know of any resources I might use to help me plan my journey? Thanks...

For resources I agree about using Gronze.com I would also download either the Buen Camino app or the Wise Pilgrim app. I know Buen Camino is free and Wise Pilgrim May be free now also. It gives you more options for accommodations. I don’t know the nature of your past medical issues or recovery but keep in mind that the Norte has a lot of steep up and downs. It is easier after Santander but there are some tough sections depending on your overall conditioning and if you have any musculoskeletal issues. If you have issues of this nature check with your physical therapist.

 

[willydp]

Just my 2 pence....
Stick to the OP!
Jon P jumped in and not everybody is anwering the OP's question?
I should say, do the Inglés...is 6 days walk, is a complete Camino and you can get a Compostela if you want one.
Not to many people.
To many choices.....
It can be addictive to go back and walk, so you are warned
What ever you decide...Buen Camino

 

[Beeman]

hey zenofmatthew - I just signed up to this site and yours was the first message I read. I'm also a first-timer and thinking about walking for around 6 days starting in a couple of weeks time - perhaps starting around Santander on the north coast of Spain. I'm hoping to find some answers to my queries on this site and I wish you luck too - who knows? I might even see you on the road!!

I like what Annie has to say. If you are flying into Madrid,the easiest thing to do is do the Madrid Camino,starting there and heading north. It is quite easy walking and if you decide to stop,say in Segovia,you can catch the train back to Madrid and fly home

 

[zenofmatthew]

I'm amazed at the results. The Madrid-Segovia option is one I hadn't thought of. I love Segovia, especially when night falls. Thanks Annie! Now it is more difficult.

 

[zenofmatthew]

Start in Santiago and walk to finnesterra and Muxia. Wonderful trip!

This is an option I hadn't really considered. The distance is good. Kind of fits how I live, the reverse of everyone else.

 

[Davey Boyd]

With only six days I would walk from Madrid. Less faffing, more walking!

Davey