This April (2016), I encountered about eight kilometers (2 km + 6 km) of red slimy, clay-based mud, west of Astorga, after Hospital de Orbigo. The accurate reason I later learned was that the local junta (government) sought to improve the path for farm machinery. I just happened to arrive AFTER they leveled and applied a coating of clay as a base, before adding a gravel top-layer. Just my family motto at work..."A dollar short and a day late..."
Note, that much of the Camino, several traditional routes across several provinces and regions, traverses agricultural areas. These agricultural areas, and their productivity, are critical to the Spanish economy, at least the agricultural sector. This economy literally needs all the help it can get.
Seen in this context, repaving the graveled paths, or in some cases adding hard paving (concrete or asphalt) to support larger, heavier, perhaps more efficient farm machines is not incorrect IMHO. If you were a farmer you would likely have an opinion in favor of improving the access roads so you could more efficiently work your fields and crops. The result is a net good to all.
However, when seen as Camino pilgrims, who prefer walking on a completely natural surface, we sometimes feel outraged, angry, or somehow disadvantaged by these "improvements." This understood, I submit we need to consider that the primary purpose of these paths continues to be to support the local economy. Use as Camino pathways is secondary, regardless of UNESCO designation or historical precedent. We pilgrims are literally guests in Spain, and along the Camino. We are passing through. The local inhabitants must earn a living aside from our contributions.
After I fell and bruised arms, knees, hips and elbows several times in April (see above), I was also quite (like HUGELY) cross. Once home, I started asking questions of people I knew who live in the area, or who had direct knowledge. I started looking for related stories about "improving" roads in agricultural areas that were also Camino routes. What I learned is what I am trying to describe above. I am NOT taking a "for" or "against" position.
As a pilgrim, I too prefer walking on wholly natural surfaces. However, too much of the original routes are deeply gouged by millions of footsteps, wagon wheels, horse hooves, bicycles, etc., over the millennia. The result is a LOT of mud and treacherous footing whenever it rains, which is does quite often in Northwest Spain. It was not always this way. Pilgrims inadvertently caused much of the wear and tear over the centuries.
All things considered, and based on my personal experiences, observations and preferences, my FAVORITE walking surfaces are the finely gravel coated sendas, traversing large farm tracts, like those found across the Meseta. These are farm machinery access roads, running through vineyards (in Rioja and eastern Leon), and across large farms along the rest of the
Camino Frances (for example).
This type surface drains rain quite fast, and provides ample traction even if snow is falling. It does not require the extra care and regular maintenance that small rounded stones or old Roman Roads do. The gravel is not as likely to twist an ankle like the rougher stone-covered paths farther to the west, and across Galicia, for example.
Of course, I realize that each of us has a preference. But, this is mine. As someone in his 60s, with bone issues, I do try to avoid tripping, falling, and twisting any body part. While I respect the purist point of view, I am also aware that the use of much of these routes as Camino paths is secondary to the daily, primary use of these routes for agriculture. Thus, we must "share the road."
I am also aware than some, perhaps many of you, may disagree with my view. However, before replying angrily, think about the big picture. This issue, while important to us pilgrims, is only one consideration in an economy that is trying desperately to remain competitive and to improve the overall standard of life in Northwest Spain. I agree with you all, who prefer "the good old ways." However, I also see the overriding reasons and necessity for the local folks doing what they believe they must to survive economically.
I hope this helps the dialog.