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Hi Michael,
I have completed 2 VdlPs and lived in Sevilla for a few years so I hope I can offer you a little assistance,,,
How long?? It’s a piece of string question. The best way is to work out what your comfort level is and divide 1000 by that. E.g 25 km per day on average (1000/25 = 40). Add extra days in some of the lovely towns/cities along the way such as Merida, Caceres, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense . I think around 36-44 days is a good average. The distances on the VdlP now are totally manageable. When I did my first one in 2008 it was necessary to walk 40km a couple of times but now the most you’ll need to walk in one day is around 30km. Most days are in the 20’s.
End of Feb in Andalusia may be wet or you may be lucky! As you are travelling the length of Spain, you will encounter different weather zones as you travel further north. At that time of year you’ll hit the end of winter and early spring as you travel further North. It will be a lovely time to walk if you don’t mind some wet days. I’m not sure how many albergues will be open but if you download the Jirit list on this site you can easily call ahead (see Camino Resources tab at the top of the page, go to Via de la Plata and find 'Via de la Plata 2014 Accommodation & Walking Schedule'). If albergues are closed, every reasonable sized village will have somewhere to stay if there is a bar or two. Just ask about a room (tiene habitaciones?). Many bars have rooms to rent but don’t advertise. Otherwise they’ll know the locals who do have rooms to rent. Keep clothing simple but be careful to have enough warm layers and a backup plan if everything is wet. It’s difficult to dry shoes once they’re wet – something to think about. I’m a ‘single wool sock’ fan and always take high quality merino (if it’s cheap, it’s most likely not merino).
Easter is a wonderful time of year in Spain and each ‘autonomous community’ will have their own version of the Easter parades. (of course, I’m biased and love the celebrations throughout Andalusia!) Easter runs for 8 days in Spain. In 2016 it is 20th-27th March. The eve of 24th is a great day to be in a large town. Salamanca and Zamora would definitely be places to be during this time. Stay 2-3 days if you can.
As I lived in Sevilla, I would definitely say to stay in the Casco Antiguo (old town) near Plaza Salvador or the Cathedral. It’s awesome to start your camino in front of the statue of St James at the cathedral. There are some great ‘AirBnb' places in central Sevilla if you are registered. It you’re there for a few days, you could also look for an apartment - many easy to find online. Some Pilgrims stay over the river in a suburb (barrio) called Triana but you don’t get the fun of being in central Sevilla and you don’t start your camino from the Cathedral. Something to think about if you’re spending some fun days in Sevilla first.
I hope that gets you started, Cheers, Grace
Hi CanPete - thinking of starting that time too, or perhaps easter. perhaps run into you on the routeAwesome info, thanks for posting !
Myself, I'm looking at starting early April 2016, starting in Seville; hoping the weather will be semi-condusive and not too busy yet . . . Looking forward to getting back on the trails after finishing the Northern and Primitivo routes last year !
Buen Camino to all !
You'll grow to like the solitude: some of my best days were walking buy myself all day . . .I'm hoping to start from Seville on 12th March 2016, I'm a bit apprehensive about the solitude of it. But I can't wait to get started.
Always look forwards to meeting new people !Hi CanPete - thinking of starting that time too, or perhaps easter. perhaps run into you on the route
'By' myself that is . . .You'll grow to like the solitude: some of my best days were walking buy myself all day . . .
Buen Camino !
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