Hi all
Alltrails isn't cooperating and so instead of sharing my gpx files I have done out my route on google maps instead. For the most part it corresponds to the lighter blue line, where black lines paths which while not on the map are actually there. I've also included the official camino estrecho in darker blue. Note that between Bolonia and Valvedequeros, I used the path closer to the sea (i.e. not the one through Villa Selene).
I should probably add some closing thoughts. Since this was my first camino (and thru-hike) I don't have a point of reference to compare it to. Going by what people generally comment on, I'd say this is a pretty good route.
On the one hand there are no albergues (apart from that one in Tahiville I didn't use) and the way marking is incidental. There are unavoidable sections of roadwalking and there are no other pilgrims.
On the other hand, I spent 30 euro on average for a private room which isn't too expensive compared to e.g. the Frances, and had a private bathroom too everywhere except Cadiz. This is contingent on walking the route in the off-season though. While there were no other pilgrims, there were plenty of tourists about so I wouldn't call it lonely either. Restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels were easily found. The weather was pleasant and compared to the more inland regions in Andalusia was cooler because of the sea breeze, something which is true during summer too if the climate data is to be believed. There's plenty of history to be seen, and following the coast means being able to see where you came from and where you're going all day.
To be honest, at times, walking felt like purgatory. Most of this was down to circumstance, specifically the intersection of my stages being too long for how broken in my shoes were, and now I miss being outdoors all day. I didn't find the long stages boring, once I factor out the pain. Even so, I think I would change the staging:
Algeciras-Tarifa
I think this was actually fine as planned, if only the bus had shown and those dogs hadn't been out. I think the high road I took probably is more scenic than the official route which is closer to the sea, since there's plenty of seaside walking down the way, but I don't think it's leagues ahead either.
Tarifa-Valv
Ditto. Tarifa is a nice camino town. It's a shame that an unbroken beach walk doesn't seem possible and so the roadwalking here is unavoidable.
Valv-Barbate
Probably too long. It's possible to stay at Bolonia in the summer/shoulder season but it's a bit pricier. In retrospect I'd have either sucked it up or else stopped in Zahara.
Barbate-El Colorado
If I'd walked this I would have stuck with the coast, passing Trafalgar lighthouse, rather than head inland to Vejar. It has some cheap beds but it's quite hilly and seems to be mostly pavement in the surrounding countryside. I'd also stop in Conil, since I didn't like my hotel in EC. I didn't do this in the first place because prices in Conil were considerably higher at the weekend, but I'd just deal with it now, and also stick with the coastal path.
El Colorado-Cadiz.
It was actually quite difficult to find budget accommodation between EC and Cadiz. Conil-Cadiz would be too far imo, so I think I'd break it in either Chicalana or San Fernando, not much difference between them. I'd also stick with EV8 via Roche, since it seems quite pleasant.