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Judging how crowded someone else will find a route is very difficult. It is a very subjective thing. I know that I personally would find current numbers on the Frances very hard to bear. And there is little opportunity to be "alone with nature" for long.While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling
Welcome to the forum. I am not on a camino at present, but reading this forum, and any others you subscribe to, will give you indications re your query.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
A thing to consider is that the months July and August are holidays in Spain. The northern coast is a rather popular destination for beach holidays for spanish people. This means probably that privat accomodations many times will be full and more expensive. I believe I read somewhere that quite a few albergues on the Norte are closed, so the combination of this two factors might be problematic.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
I just walked from Sarria late May to early June this year and was shocked at how few people there were. I walked solo this time. 4 years ago I’d done the last portion of the Portuguese camino during the same week of the year and remember it being much more trafficked by both hiker and biker. Being solo I found I missed the people. Everywhere I read that it would be a more crowded route especially from sarria but this is not what I found at all.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
Oh and I always left in the mornings around 8-9am which could have played a roll. Seems like a lot of people leave early early.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
I am currently on Dos Faros after doing Norte. Norte was busier then it has been in other times I walked there however I tried France and for me it was unbearable. Again that is only how I like to walk, I personally would not walk Frances but again that is subjective. Enjoy whichever you choose. For me it would be NorteHiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
We walked from St J P de P to Burgos from 09/22 to 22/22. No crowds at all. The Camino is still recovering from the pandemic . It was a great fortnight - one of the next of the several I have walked - don’t miss it! Buen caminoHiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
what day is the feast of st. jamesWelcome to the forum. I am not on a camino at present, but reading this forum, and any others you subscribe to, will give you indications re your query.
Be aware that there is a possibility - and the next statement is hearsay - that Pope Francis will pop in to Santiago around the feast of St James. Add that to the mix and see what you want to do to get there or miss that date!
Buen camino, whatever decision you make.
25th July. Also happens to be my wedding anniversary!what day is the feast of st. james
Not crowded at all. We've been walking for almost two weeks and haven't booked ahead. On the meseta today (Ledigos) and crossed paths with maybe eight people while walking. We also started walking during the heat wave (41 degrees) and survived. It's quite pleasant now in the mid 20s.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
We’re in the Frances now in O’Cebreiro and it hasn’t been crowded at all!!Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
July and august busy on both routes due to spanish students on vacation and surfers along the coast. Unfortunately they use the albergues as cheap accom and become fake pilgrims to access the facilities often partying into the night. I found late july and thru august the worst for overcrowding.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
I just finished the Frances yesterday. Even being in Sarria on a Sunday with lots of families and groups of teens walking for the week, there didn't seem to be a shortage of beds, though if you look on booking sites it might seem that way. I didn't try to get Compostela yesterday, but I waited less than 10 minutes today, and walked through the Puerta de Person into the pilgrim's mass today without any wait.Hiya! I’m planning on either doing the Norte or Frances Camino starting July 5th. I’d either start the French way in SJPP or the Norte in Irun. I don’t have a time constraint, so I’d be walking at my own pace.
The defining question is how crowded the French Camino is at the moment. Are folk on the trail right now finding it too busy? While I enjoy meeting new folk, I also want to enjoy that “I’m alone with nature” feeling- also have some concerns about the temperature. On the other hand, I’m worried about getting too lonely on the northern way (solo traveler, first Camino!) let me know your thoughts
The Pope is scheduled to be in Canada then, so unlikely he'll be at Santiago!25th July. Also happens to be my wedding anniversary!
Be aware that there is a possibility - and the next statement is hearsay - that Pope Francis will pop in to Santiago around the feast of St James. Add that to the mix and see what you want to do to get there or miss that date!
The Pope is scheduled to be in Canada then, so unlikely he'll be at Santiago!
Such big differences in what people are reporting! I've read many reports about the difficulty finding accommodation this year, and the absolute necessity of booking well ahead (and even then sometimes having trouble).Not crowded at all. We've been walking for almost two weeks and haven't booked ahead. On the meseta today (Ledigos) and crossed paths with maybe eight people while walking. We also started walking during the heat wave (41 degrees) and survived. It's quite pleasant now in the mid 20s.
Any reports I've seen from people actually walking say that it looks like a normal year and there's nothing to worry about, at least until Sarria.Such big differences in what people are reporting! I've read many reports about the difficulty finding accommodation this year, and the absolute necessity of booking well ahead (and even then sometimes having trouble).
I've also read many reports that the crowds are similar to 2019.
I've read some reports that the crowds are smaller than 2019, some that the crowds are larger.
And some reports - like yours - that say there's no problem finding accommodation.
No doubt all those reports are correct, despite being contradictory. But it's enough to drive a first-time pilgrim crazy wondering what to expect! Yeah I know - everyone's mileage may vary, and there are many variables that can impact the availability of a bed. But still surprised how different peoples' experiences have been this year.
Yep! Depends on what day you start and then the stages or miles you walk. And how picky you are.Such big differences in what people are reporting! I've read many reports about the difficulty finding accommodation this year, and the absolute necessity of booking well ahead (and even then sometimes having trouble).
I've also read many reports that the crowds are similar to 2019.
I've read some reports that the crowds are smaller than 2019, some that the crowds are larger.
And some reports - like yours - that say there's no problem finding accommodation.
No doubt all those reports are correct, despite being contradictory. But it's enough to drive a first-time pilgrim crazy wondering what to expect! Yeah I know - everyone's mileage may vary, and there are many variables that can impact the availability of a bed. But still surprised how different peoples' experiences have been this year.
I think if you look on booking sites it will seem as if there is a shortage, but from talking to people who had been walking since SJPP and not pre-booking, they always were able to find a place, even if that required trying a couple different places. But, it might be different in the fall when the weather is better for walking. And also, keep an eye out for festivals which might add to crowding.Any reports I've seen from people actually walking say that it looks like a normal year and there's nothing to worry about, at least until Sarria.
September is another matter. There are always problems in September all along the Camino.
That is because there are two short but very large waves of people starting in St. Jean. If you start from SJPdP during the first two weeks of May and September then you will find it is very busy. Outside of these times it generally isn't busy.Such big differences in what people are reporting! I've read many reports about the difficulty finding accommodation this year, and the absolute necessity of booking well ahead (and even then sometimes having trouble).
I've also read many reports that the crowds are similar to 2019.
I've read some reports that the crowds are smaller than 2019, some that the crowds are larger.
And some reports - like yours - that say there's no problem finding accommodation.
No doubt all those reports are correct, despite being contradictory. But it's enough to drive a first-time pilgrim crazy wondering what to expect! Yeah I know - everyone's mileage may vary, and there are many variables that can impact the availability of a bed. But still surprised how different peoples' experiences have been this year.
If you are walking a Camino because you want to have a pleasant holiday in Spain then reserve your accommodation as you would for any holiday.
If you are walking a Camino as a personal challenge then part of the challenge is trusting in yourself that you can find a solution to the daily question of where shall I sleep tonight?
Yes, that might be ONE way to challenge yourself, but there are surely many others. Who is to say which particular challenge is the "proper" one? A person's accommodation status is not exactly the most important element of a camino, and it seems strange to put so much significance on it.For others it is an opportunity to challenge yourself in a way that is not dangerous but which will often result in a breakthrough in some part of your life.
I agree completely and I was very careful not to talk about pilgrims in this manner.There is nothing wrong with it and one is not a second class pilgrim for having done so.
May I say immediately that, especially since the advent of Covid, I am almost always in agreement with your posts? However...I agree completely and I was very careful not to talk about pilgrims in this manner.
Anyone who declares themselves a pilgrim is a pilgrim and there are no second class pilgrims.
There is however a difference between those people who need to have their world predefined and those people who are prepared to trust their own ability to deal with whatever comes towards them.
I hate the way threads get off track because of objections to the way people express themselves. I think this post by @DoughnutANZ makes some very important observations, particularly the second paragraph which is very relevant to planning. It had not occurred to me.That is because there are two short but very large waves of people starting in St. Jean. If you start from SJPdP during the first two weeks of May and September then you will find it is very busy. Outside of these times it generally isn't busy.
Also, because most people take around five weeks to walk from SJPdP to Santiago de Compostela then you continue to hear from people about how busy it is through May to June and September to October but what isn't often obvious is that these reports are coming from people within those waves.
Then in August the Spanish take their annual Summer holidays and many choose to walk a Camino. Mostly the locals walk shorter Caminos and so from O Cebreiro to Santiago gets busy in August and particularly from Sarria to Santiago.
There is no criticism of those people who chose to prebook their accommodation but for what ever reason people choose to do that does not change that there is a difference (for whatever reason) between the people who prebook and those that rely on their own actions to define their own journey and as a consequence where they sleep for the night.May I say immediately that, especially since the advent of Covid, I am almost always in agreement with your posts? However...
There is definitely a pejorative flavour to the idea of a difference between those who need to have their world predefined and those who trust to their own abilities to solve, on the spur of the moment, accommodation (and other) problems.
Some of us have spent a professional lifetime thinking on our feet, often with inadequate information and resources - family physician, for example.
We travelled extensively in Europe when younger - no bookings, camping, initially together and then with increasing numbers of children (first such expedition was with a child under 4 months of age...). Perhaps we are happier to plan ahead when we can afford to do so and not endure unpleasant surprises.
This leads to the topic of costs in general and the more particular concept of those with a good disposable income occupying cheap lodgings i.e. albergues. I raised this question several years ago but there was very little response.
If we can afford hotels, should we be occupying "pilgrim" beds and making life more difficult for those less fortunate?
Your opinion about what is versus your opinions about it are not relevant to this discussion.Wow. Why so judgy? And superior?
Look, if that is the meaning that you took from what I wrote then I apologize unreservedly. It was not my intention to value one above another but it certainly was my intention to invite people who are considering their first Camino to think deeply about why they are doing their Camino.There is definitely a pejorative flavour to the idea of a difference between those who need to have their world predefined and those who trust to their own abilities to solve, on the spur of the moment, accommodation (and other) problems.
I absolutely salute you for the difference that you have made in the lives of others. Thank you.Some of us have spent a professional lifetime thinking on our feet, often with inadequate information and resources - family physician, for example
There is no criticism of those people who chose to prebook their accommodation but for what ever reason people choose to do that does not change that there is a difference (for whatever reason) between the people who prebook and those that rely on their own actions to define their own journey and as a consequence where they sleep for the night.
It can not be questioned that those people who choose to take things as they come and to rely on themselves to deal with whatever that throws up have a greater challenge than those people who plan each day well ahead of time.
What you write here does not dispute that there is a difference in the challenge of walking a predefined Camino and a Camino that someone takes as they find it. In fact you seem to be agreeing.I am now thinking of the recovering cancer patient ( and Chrohn disease ) who knew that he could only manage to walk a Camino if he planned it all carefully, saved up enough funds ( living very frugally on the Camino too ) to make it possible in the first place. And with the assurance that he would have a private bathroom to tend to his needs.
That is an interesting point you write : " an even more significant difference in their own life".For most people it is an opportunity and if they are prepared to embrace that opportunity then they have a chance to make an even more significant difference in their own life.
As one who has taken up points made in earlier posts, I disagree : if remarks are made which, in a member's opinion, are contentious (or on other threads, frankly inaccurate) should they simply be ignored?This thread is about how many people are walking the Camino Francés at this time. It's about providing people with accurate information. Everybody who's trying to send it off in a different direction is doing us all a disservice. Please stop.
Maybe the mods would consider deleting some of the comments which don't contribute in any way to the purpose of the thread? Thank you.
I've tentatively picked May 15 (2023) as the date to start walking from SJPDP. Do you think there would be a noticeable difference if I waited another week, and started walking on May 22? If no discernible difference I'll stick to May 15, but if waiting a week means avoiding a large wave of pilgrims I'm happy to wait. But hopefully by May 15 the large wave you mention will have moved on...That is because there are two short but very large waves of people starting in St. Jean. If you start from SJPdP during the first two weeks of May and September then you will find it is very busy. Outside of these times it generally isn't busy.
This post from @Kathar1na includes a graph of numbers collected by the organisation that helps pilgrims in St. Jean https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/it’s-busy.74621/#post-1039619I've tentatively picked May 15 (2023) as the date to start walking from SJPDP. Do you think there would be a noticeable difference if I waited another week, and started walking on May 22? If no discernible difference I'll stick to May 15, but if waiting a week means avoiding a large wave of pilgrims I'm happy to wait. But hopefully by May 15 the large wave you mention will have moved on...
Oh my, problems in September? Do you mean due to crowding? Planning to start from St Jean 9/13, have booked through Pamplona, wondering what to expect after thatAny reports I've seen from people actually walking say that it looks like a normal year and there's nothing to worry about, at least until Sarria.
September is another matter. There are always problems in September all along the Camino.
You will be fine. The people who prebook will have filled up all the private rooms, conveniently leaving the shared room albergues for you and your friends.Oh my, problems in September? Do you mean due to crowding? Planning to start from St Jean 9/13, have booked through Pamplona, wondering what to expect after that
I presume 9/13 means 13 September.Oh my, problems in September? Do you mean due to crowding? Planning to start from St Jean 9/13, have booked through Pamplona, wondering what to expect after that
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