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Kinky One, i am really enjoying your posts and photos, i am reminiscing with every photo. i particularly liked image 434 of the hay bales. keep up the good work!DAY 12 (Wed, 02.07.2014)
CIGUÑUELA – PEÑAFLOR DE HORNIJA (16,76kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
Photos for previous post...
I know, PamHola! I am a faithful follower too k1!!!! Just caught up with all your posts and have made copious notes in my CSJ guide. Thanks SO much. And thanks to Annie Santiago and Laurie and ALL others who contribute.
Two questions; I see several different options to "bypass" Navacerrada and avoid the steep scrambling exit, but they are not consistent in descriptions?
Also, on way to Segovia (or Valsain) Annie followed "green" dots (vs yellow arrow). Any thoughts on this?
Gracias, Pam
Yes, Laurie, I remember your post about that. It was the reason why I asked him about the food and he told me that Castromonte "mal, mucho mal por comida, Rioseco bueno, Rioseco bueno por tienda, comida, todo", well, something like thatHi, KinkyOne, when I was in Bar Caribe, the man told me he was 91, and that was three years ago. Amazing he is still working.
I don't think that bar has been serving food for a long time now. When I went in it was lunchtime, and there were lots of workers. Since it was late, I asked the man "?Se puede comer todavia?" (Can I still eat lunch?), and his response was -- Si claro, si trajiste comida (yes of course if you brought the food). I looked at all the tables and sure enough everyone was eating out of their own lunchbox, with the beverage supplied by the bar. He must have felt sorry for me when I told him I didn't have any food, because his wife went home and came back with a home cooked meal. Those fresh fried eggs, chorizo, salad and bread were one of the best meals I remember. Very nice people in that town.
DAY 14 (Fri, 04.07.2014)
CASTROMONTE – TAMARIZ DE CAMPOS (30,46kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
It's 9,7kms to Valverde de Campos where a nice church is soon after the entrance (photos460&462). I was very pleasantly surprised that there is a very well stocked up tienda in the village (not mentioned by any source). You can find it if you go left after the Ayuntamiento (main plaza is in front of you at that point), veer right and you'll find tienda on your left. Nice lady that runs it also offers sello. I was kind of sorry that yesterday I haven't pushed to Valverde because there is a possibility for sleeping in Ayuntamiento. The bar was closed (haven't asked if permanently or just that day/hour), but the main plaza had such a good energy that I saw myself enjoying the evening with the villagers easily (photos466&468).
.
DAY 14 (Fri, 04.07.2014)
CASTROMONTE – TAMARIZ DE CAMPOS (30,46kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
Photos for the previous post...
I've also found very strange that none of the sources has this information: CSJ guide, Associations in Madrid & Valladolid and other web sites... Duh?Hi, KinkyOne, when you said that about the store in Valverde not being mentioned in any source, it brought back a vague memory. Didn't I say the same thing when I got there, and didn't I send this as one of my updates to the CSJ Camino de Madrid guide? So I checked through my old emails, and found that yes indeed, a couple of years ago, I wrote to the author of the guide with that addition. I also saw that none of my other comments had been incorporated, grrr. One of the ones I sent had to do with a bit of confusion leaving Tamariz. Hope you didn't wind up going through Moral de la Reina on your way into Vilallón, or I'll feel really bad that I didn't check to see if my notes got incorporated into the revision of the online guide.
That's one of the reasons why I like to walk late in the day. I found afternoon light much nicer than morning light. Especially in flatlands which I also adore.Gosh there's some beautiful light in these!
I forgot this yesterday
HOW TO FIND SRA.ELA'S HOUSE IN MANZANARES EL REAL:
When you come to Manzanares before the old bridge there are arrows pointing you left to municipal/parrochial albergue (still closed) and further on Camino towards Mataelpino. Don't take it, go straight on to the Plaza Mayor and just proceed on its lower end into Calle Cañada. When you see this house with big fig tree (c/Cañada 45) in the patio you're already there (photo86), but turn left uphill before it and right and you're on Calle Alamos 22 (photo87). The room was nice and cozy (photo88), with balcony above patio (photos92&93).
Thank you, Norelle!KinkyOne,
I have just noticed this thread and am really enjoying your postings and photos. The landscape and quietness are quite appealing.
Another camino to add to my wish list!
thank you
buen camino
Oh, Pam, how I envy youAdios! I leave in a few hours for the airport! will begin at Plaza de Castilla on Wednesday morning!
GRAJAL DE CAMPOS (Mon, 07.07.2014)
Yes, it's a separate post about that because I think it deserves it. When I came to Grajal's Main Plaza it was kind of deserted but the guy washing his car in the next street show me the way to the second (first is the Meson near the Plaza with exquisite food) bar up the street towards the RENFE station where alcade (mayor) has gone few minutes ago. When I came there with all my gear bar owner didn't seems really happy, but one lady customer understand what I want and called for the alcalde through the window (he just left the bar). When he returned back to the bar's first floor I ordered drinks for both of us and later he took me back down to the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio.
Before entering the Palacio he showed me where tienda was (on the entering, lefthand – probably there will be commercial for ice-cream on the street – if closed ring a bell!) and the second bar (which is already mentioned Meson).
The thing is that they've started with fitting the albergue in Palacio but I guess the economical crisis stopped it. They have already posted that there are 32 beds available in albergue (I have this leaflet if anyone interested) which is not true. Yet… Yes, you can sleep there, but only on the floor for now and if you have the sleeping mat that's OK for himTo this point he was just telling me all this. And then we entered Palacio and I was……………., no words to express my feeling and what I've had in my »possesion« for one night. He took me through the main gate for visitors (photo603) and gave me a short tour through Palacio (photos578,580,581,583,585,586&588). At this point I still couldn't believed that he was giving me the key to the entire Palacio to sleep in… But it was true. I was left there to decide where and how I'll manage my sleeping. And he simply said that in the morning I left the key in the mailbox at his house which is on the Camino leaving the town…
Unbelievable. I mean, I was just a very very smelly guy asking for accommodation and here you have – whole Palacio. I've made up my sleeping place behind the reception desk because there was less draft (photo595). And after a while I went discovering… There was nice view over Castelo (photo590), the one all the way to Sahagun (photo591 – in next post), some recognitions (photo593 – in next post) and especially unfinished albergue (photos598-602&606 – in next post).
Unforgettable!!! At almost last stage of Camino de Madrid! Unforgettable and unbelievable! WOW, what an experience!!!
DAY 18 (Tue, 08.07.2014)
GRAJAL DE CAMPOS - SAHAGUN (6,69kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
First of all sorry to all those following my comments on CdM for this delay in postings, simply too much work commitments in past days…
After a very good sleep on the ground behind the reception desk in Palacio I went for the last stroll trough it. Just to be sure to remember this opportunityIn the evening Alcalde told me to leave the keys in his homehouse mailbox which is on the Camino. So I did and descended to CL-613 from where I admired Grajal fortress some more (photos607&609). Alcalde also told me that it's easy to follow arrows to Sahagun but (un)fortunatelly I haven't seen any. Since you can see Sahagun in distance that wasn't a problem. I just went along CL-613 which has (partly overgrown) gravel path on the left shoulder (photo611). I'm just guessing that if you cross the road and walk by Rio Valderaduey you'll be on Camino, but on the map it seems a bit longer to me.
It's a little bit less than 6kms to Sahagun and after left turn (signs for Casco Antiguo) another 1km to La Peregrina and connection with Camino Frances just after Arco San Benito (photos612-614), where I met more pilgrims resting there than on whole Camino de Madrid. Funny feeling
I was kind of afraid of crowds but it wasn't that »bad«… For the sake of acclimatisation I went to the Plaza Mayor, bought some things, rest a little and recollect my 2011 Camino Frances for some time (photos615&616).
And so my first Camino de Madrid came to the end. I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy to accomplished something and sad because I liked this Camino VERY much and can only recommend it to others!
The same day I continued on CF towards Ponferrada (and later Camino de Invierno) but will post those in another threads.
Thanks for reading this thread. Hope it will be of some help to future pilgrims!
Ultreia!
GRAJAL DE CAMPOS (Mon, 07.07.2014)
Yes, it's a separate post about that because I think it deserves it. When I came to Grajal's Main Plaza it was kind of deserted but the guy washing his car in the next street show me the way to the second (first is the Meson near the Plaza with exquisite food) bar up the street towards the RENFE station where alcade (mayor) has gone few minutes ago. When I came there with all my gear bar owner didn't seems really happy, but one lady customer understand what I want and called for the alcalde through the window (he just left the bar). When he returned back to the bar's first floor I ordered drinks for both of us and later he took me back down to the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio.
Before entering the Palacio he showed me where tienda was (on the entering, lefthand – probably there will be commercial for ice-cream on the street – if closed ring a bell!) and the second bar (which is already mentioned Meson).
The thing is that they've started with fitting the albergue in Palacio but I guess the economical crisis stopped it. They have already posted that there are 32 beds available in albergue (I have this leaflet if anyone interested) which is not true. Yet… Yes, you can sleep there, but only on the floor for now and if you have the sleeping mat that's OK for himTo this point he was just telling me all this. And then we entered Palacio and I was……………., no words to express my feeling and what I've had in my »possesion« for one night. He took me through the main gate for visitors (photo603) and gave me a short tour through Palacio (photos578,580,581,583,585,586&588). At this point I still couldn't believed that he was giving me the key to the entire Palacio to sleep in… But it was true. I was left there to decide where and how I'll manage my sleeping. And he simply said that in the morning I left the key in the mailbox at his house which is on the Camino leaving the town…
Unbelievable. I mean, I was just a very very smelly guy asking for accommodation and here you have – whole Palacio. I've made up my sleeping place behind the reception desk because there was less draft (photo595). And after a while I went discovering… There was nice view over Castelo (photo590), the one all the way to Sahagun (photo591 – in next post), some recognitions (photo593 – in next post) and especially unfinished albergue (photos598-602&606 – in next post).
Unforgettable!!! At almost last stage of Camino de Madrid! Unforgettable and unbelievable! WOW, what an experience!!!
Hi, Kinky,
I am so glad to hear that you were able to sleep in the albergue in Grajal. It's been in the works for such a long time, but it's the crisis, as you say, that has stopped the progress. You might be interested to know that you slept in what used to be the prison cells, so I guess you are probably the happiest person ever to sleep in that part of the fortress.
Can't wait to hear about your Invierno. I will probably be going back there next year and am looking forward to hearing how things have changed. And if you got lost on that day out of Monforte before Diamondi like Dan did. Buen camino, Laurie
Huh, jerbear, are you walking the same Madrid/Frances/Invierno combination for the last three years???Thank you! I am challanged with the computer. Not very good at keeping notes either. I just walk, north until I reach the CF. Its a beautitful meditation for me. , May 28th was start day this year. Buen camino!
I forgot this yesterday
HOW TO FIND SRA.ELA'S HOUSE IN MANZANARES EL REAL:
When you come to Manzanares before the old bridge there are arrows pointing you left to municipal/parrochial albergue (still closed) and further on Camino towards Mataelpino. Don't take it, go straight on to the Plaza Mayor and just proceed on its lower end into Calle Cañada. When you see this house with big fig tree (c/Cañada 45) in the patio you're already there (photo86), but turn left uphill before it and right and you're on Calle Alamos 22 (photo87). The room was nice and cozy (photo88), with balcony above patio (photos92&93).
Your right, it might be inflation or 15€ is a pilgrim price because that's the info I had and so it was. I think the price was such regardless of two nights stay.Hola K1!
I had planned to stay at the house where you stayed last summer, but as you know I went on to Mataelpino. When I asked the nice woman at the tourist office about staying there, she told me that the fee to stay with Sra. Elo (not Ela, she corrected me several times) was 22€. This may be inflation, here in Spain, or perhaps you got the "nice guy discount" or because you stayed more than one day (didn't you)? It's nice to be able push on to stay in Mataelpino (if not too tired) and support this new albergue. It's always good to have options.
Your right, it might be inflation or 15€ is a pilgrim price because that's the info I had and so it was. I think the price was such regardless of two nights stay.
But... if I will go on CdM (and I hope so very much) again I'd start on the outskirts of Madrid, save at least 10kms and push to Colmenar Viejo for the first day. That would give me nice very doable distance to Mataelpino the second day. Although I did like Manzanares very much
If you don't want to sleep in Cercedilla polideportivo you can add to already mentioned 13kms approx.3kms to the hostel on the other side of town which will shorten the stage over Fuenfria pass
These are contact numbers I have about Albergue Juvenil in Cercedilla from last year:Yes, K1! Right this minute, I was studying your descriptions and thinking of maybe Skype-ing ahead to that hostel, especially if there is no bed or heat in the polideportivo. A storm passed through last night and it has been quite cold when not moving..... Also, it will be a shorter walk tomorrow, and as you say, it will make the next day easier if I add on 3 km more. Also, I am considering going to Valsain, but will decide tomorrow.
I thank you so much for all your work in writing up your camino last year. Without it I would be making so many [more] mistakes than I already have!
Maya
¡Claro que sí! Exactly, you are right. Thanks for your support and encouragement!These are contact numbers I have about Albergue Juvenil in Cercedilla from last year:
A (72pl, Albergue Juvenil »Villa Castora«,
918/520334 or 918/522411 or 918/521267,
Carretera de las Dehesas s/n,
alb.juv.villacastora@madrid.org, 3km out of town)
You can make many more mistakes but choosing this Camino for sure isn't one
Hola, Maya,¡Claro que sí! Exactly, you are right. Thanks for your support and encouragement!
Maya
Hola amigoHola, Maya,
How are you doing? Stopped in Valsain or pushed all the way to Segovia?
B.
DAY 04 (Tue, 24.06.2014)
CERCEDILLA - VALSAIN (27,92kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
But real disappointment was yet to come. There should be an albergue in Valsain. I've made a mistake and didn't phone earlier. When I called the number of the albergue a man responded and told me that I've called a hotel in Segovia (???) and that albergue in Valsain is closed. I could've walked another few kilometers to La Granja de San Ildefonso's Albergue Turistico but my feet were already like over-cooked potatoes… So I paid 25€ for a small but nice and clean room in Hostal El Torreon (http://www.hostaleltorreon.com/).
When you thinking of going Annie? As you probably know it can get a bit difficult towards the end of the year.
I'm sure staying at Albergue Turistico on the other end of Cercedilla (which makes next day over the Fuenfria Pass 3kms shorter) would help a lot going directly to Segovia. Another option is Albergue in La Granja, should try that one out someday in futureI don't think I could have made it Kinky.
I was exhausted by the time I got to Valsain.
I'm a wimp I guess
I'm sure staying at Albergue Turistico on the other end of Cercedilla (which makes next day over the Fuenfria Pass 3kms shorter) would help a lot going directly to Segovia. Another option is in Albergue in La Granja, should try that one out someday in future
There is at least one more possible overnight stay after Cercedilla and before Fuenfria Pass but I'm almost sure that's reserved for children/school groups. If you remember some sheds and larger stone/wooden house in the woods to the right some 50mts from the track?I may try that.
My walking partner and I are working up the schedule now.
Hi K1There is at least one more possible overnight stay after Cercedilla and before Fuenfria Pass but I'm almost sure that's reserved for children/school groups. If you remember some sheds and larger stone/wooden house in the woods to the right some 50mts from the track?
There is at least one more possible overnight stay after Cercedilla and before Fuenfria Pass but I'm almost sure that's reserved for children/school groups. If you remember some sheds and larger stone/wooden house in the woods to the right some 50mts from the track?
I think you two are talking about two different things. Villa Castora is on the left of the road up from Cercedilla. I've stayed there, and we got the reduced hostel price with our credenciales. We had rooms with two beds, there are a few of them off to the left when you enter, and the woman at the desk told us they tended to keep them for pilgrims. (Thats a very nice perk when the place is overrun with joyous youngsters who never seem to need to sleep). This one is run by the Comunidad de Madrid (greater Madrid) government.Hi K1
Is that the youth hostel calling itself Albergue Villa Castora? It is not an albergue, it is a youth hostel, and we stayed there on a Friday night when all the school kids had gone home for the weekend. Much more pricy than an albergue, but cheaper if you are a member of Youth Hostels International.
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
Thanks for your reply Laurie.I think you two are talking about two different things. Villa Castora is on the left of the road up from Cercedilla. I've stayed there, and we got the reduced hostel price with our credenciales. We had rooms with two beds, there are a few of them off to the left when you enter, and the woman at the desk told us they tended to keep them for pilgrims. (Thats a very nice perk when the place is overrun with joyous youngsters who never seem to need to sleep). This one is run by the Comunidad de Madrid (greater Madrid) government.
http://www.madrid.org/cs/Satellite?..._FA/JUVE_alojamiento&rootpageid=1152517028736
Further up the hill and on the right is the other one, it must be this one (apparently also run by the Madrid government, but I don't know if they let pilgrims in or not):
http://www.madrid.org/cs/Satellite?..._FA/JUVE_alojamiento&rootpageid=1152517028736
Hi, Alan, I had never heard from anyone who stayed in the place on the right, but I remember thinking when I went by early in the morning that it looked nice. I thought the place on the left was fine, though it didn't open till very late, probably 5 pm if I remember correctly. We ate our dinner there rather than go back into town, which was probably not the best idea. But it is nice to start out in the morning already a km or two up the hill, since it's such a long day into Segovia. Buen camino, LaurieThanks for your reply Laurie.
It looks like I got the name wrong then, as the place we stayed in was definitely on the right. There was no reduced price from having a credential. I got a reduced price because I am a member of Youth Hostels of Australia [one of the older ones] but my 2 companions both had to join International Youth Hostels in order to stay there. They were very welcoming and when we said that we were leaving too early to have breakfast in the morning they gave us a packed meal to take with us. We had a room with 2 double bunks and other than the cost we were more than happy that we stayed there.
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
@KinkyOne @Peregrina 2000But luckily new mysteries will continue to arise, otherwise we will become a very boring forum! Laurie
Thanks Alan, will have to try this one once because it is in beautiful environment and few kilometers closer to Segovia than municipal Polideportivo.@KinkyOne @Peregrina 2000
Thank you both for setting me straight. We were ringing the number for the Villa Castora as we walked out of town and they told us that we could not get in until 5pm. Somehow we walked straight past it and ended up at the Youth Hostel at about 3.30pm, thinking we were at the Villa Castora, and were puzzled, but pleased, when they allowed us immediate admission!
We were the only 3 people staying in the hostel, but the kitchen staff supplied us with a lovely 3 course meal [albeit not until 8.30pm, and without any wine because their status as a youth hostel forbade any alcohol]. They offered us breakfast at 8am next morning but when we declined because we wanted to leave much earlier they gave us each a pack consisting of 3 types of fruit, 2 packs of juice. toast, and a bread role with cheese. There was passable coffee in a machine, and so fortified we headed off to climb the mountain, but at least with a good head start as we were already a fair distance on our way.
Even so we were very weary by the time we reached Segovia, only to find that there was a festival in town and there were no beds available anywhere. So we dragged ourselves to Zamarramala, where we stayed in the free albergue, and had a lovely night.
Thanks again
Alan
@KinkyOne @Peregrina 2000
Thank you both for setting me straight. We were ringing the number for the Villa Castora as we walked out of town and they told us that we could not get in until 5pm. Somehow we walked straight past it and ended up at the Youth Hostel at about 3.30pm, thinking we were at the Villa Castora, and were puzzled, but pleased, when they allowed us immediate admission!
n
So are Villa Castora and the youth hostel two different places?
Are they both near Cercedilla?
Which is preferred?
Prices?
Email?
Annie, see my post in #156 above. There are two youth hostels. One is Villa Castora, the first on the left on your way up from Cercedilla, about a km from town (this is the one I stayed in). The second is Las Dehesas, on the right and about 2.5 km outside Cercedilla (this is the one Alan stayed in). The links have prices and other information. Buen camino, Laurie
Wow! That is a gorgeous photo of that stork!DAY 05 (Wed, 25.06.2014)
VALSAIN – ZAMARRAMALA (18,19kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
PART 01
First I walked down the Av.Fernandez Ladreda (photo186), past Iglesia de San Millan (photo189), watching storks while taking a break in the park (photo193).
To be continued...
DAY 07 (Fri, 27.06.2014)
AÑE – NAVA DE LA ASUNCION (29,69kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
PART 02
Margerita arranged everything for me. I was sent to Casa de Cultura (photo297) where her friend Conchi (secretary in Casa de C.) was expecting me. An hour later (8PM) a man brought brand new mattress and Conchi took me up to the second floor into one of the classrooms (photo299). (Only cold) shower was across the corridor, I was given the keys to the whole building (»left them in the mailbox in the morning« - I've told you, it is going to happen more often, hahaha) and I was told to be the first person to sleep in their Casa de Cultura EVER!
WOW! And they have certain specialist right across the street (photo300). What else a tired pilgrim could wantTwo markets in the near, few bars/restaurants, Casa de Cultura on Camino, pharmacy, psychiatrist – complete service…
In the evening I have had my dinner by the opened window, with the best wi-fi on my whole Camino and listening ska-punk concert from the bar nearby. The concert was over at 2AM and I've slept like a baby…
DAY 09 (Sun, 29.06.2014)
VILLEGUILLO - ALCAZAREN (19,66kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
.
DAY 10 (Mon, 30.06.2014)
ALCAZAREN – PUENTE DUERO (27,01kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
Another 10,5kms to Puente Duero runs along VA-VP-9003 and was for me the most unpleasant part of Camino de Madrid. No wonder I haven't take a single photo on that stretch… Also my blister started to develop again.
.
DAY 11 (Tue, 01.07.2014)
PUENTE DUERO - CIGUÑUELA (15,10kms)
https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724
If you want to drink or eat something I saw two bars/restaurants. Both on the street that goes uphill directly from Ayunamiento/Post office at main plaza towards the church. First one shortly on the right side and the second a bit later by the church on the left side. As I remembered AnnieSantiago recommended it but I haven't tried because in got quite busy in the first one
I'm glad to hear thatHello KinkyOne,
I'm just home from the Camino de Madrid where I used your notes as my guide book.
A big gracias for being my pleasant (and only) companion.
Cheers
Andy
Well, you know, Andy,Buen Camino, companero.
Please don't hang around with your report as I'm planning the Salvador/Primitivo for October
Well, you know, Andy,
You don't really need my updates on Salvador and Primitivo.
I'm sure these two are already out of "less walked" group of Caminos.
Yes, finally, after three years of suffering on this forum
It's my plan to continue on CF and Invierno but will post about that in appropriate sections.
I'll be in Madrid morning of 18th June and will start from the center of the city on 20th June. Because I'm on a tight budget I reserved myself a bunk bed in Backpackers Hostel (18€ for 2 nights) very close to Plaza de Espana. That will also give me a chance to adapt for further nights at albergues I guess
My planned stages are:
- Day01: Tres Cantos (23km)
- Day02: Manzanares del Real (27km)
- Day03: Cercedilla (19km)
- Day04: Segovia (31km)
- Day05: Segovia - non walking day
- Day06: Ane or Santa Maria de... (depends on albergue in Ane, weather, laziness after Segovia,...)
- Day07: Coca (54km from Segovia)
- Day08: Alcazaren (25km)
- Day09: Puente Duero (25km)
- Day10: Penaflor de... (26km)
- Day11: Medina de... (24km)
- Day12: Villalon de... (24km)
- Day13: Santervas (21km)
- Day14: pass Sahagun and stop already on CF in Bercianos del... (28km)
Well, that's the plan but I won't hold back to change it. Altogether with CF and CdI I have 5 days in reserve. I calculated the stages as shown partly because of the distances (to be as similar as possible from day to day) and also on availability of albergues and other infrastructure in villages.
To be able to post comments about the route etc. I'll buy one of those smart gadgets. Well, THAT will be a real challenge for me, an IT idiot
If someone of you have any comments it will be much appreciated. And if someone plan to walk in the same time PM me or say Hi to a 43yo male with eye glasses, moustaches and short beard. I'll carry red-white-silver-black backpack with two forum badges on my back and black hip photo pack in front (see the picture attached).
Have a nice day! I will sure do
Hi, BP!Hello,
You say that you have the correct distances for the Madrid by measuring them yourself, and that they differ from the guides' indications. Do you know anything of the Salvador and the Primitivo - can I count on the distances in the guides? (For example Eroski website)
/BP
Yesterday we met quite incidentaly with Laurie (@peregrina2000) in the corridor of the same hostal in Leon
The plan is to start Salvador tomorrow and I can tell you about the distances.
K1
Hi, BP!
I measured Madrid with Endomondo which slightly exagerate the distances as I have seen compared with Wikiloc on just finished Via de Bayona.
Yesterday we met quite incidentaly with Laurie (@peregrina2000) in the corridor of the same hostal in Leon
The plan is to start Salvador tomorrow and I can tell you about the distances.
K1
As promissed more than two months ago I'll post some of my remarks on Camino de Madrid. I came to Madrid on 18th of June in the middle of King's resigning/coronation festivities. Maybe that was the reason Iglesia de Santiago y San Juan was closed and I couldn't get pilgrim's credential. I allowed myself a day and a half of aclimatisation and started on 20th of June from Plaza de Espana, actually directly from the doorstep of Hostal Residencia Universitaria ARTI on Gran Via where I paid 9€/night in mixed dormitory with 3 bunkbeds.
Although I've had some rain on the way, which I don' particularly like while walking, the weather was just brilliant, with over 35 centigrade first three days and a bit more moderate (around 25-30C) temperatures after Segovia. Mornings were quite cool, sometimes even just 7C and few severe afternoon storms went by which was the main reason for 17 days that took me to walk it.
I was using CSJ guide 2013 by Max Long which I found very very basic and not really reliable in descriptions and especially not in distances. My Endomondo GPS recorder usually tracked more kilometers and just in one case almost only half the distance in the guideI don't find that really a big deal it's just annoying and makes you wonder all the time whether you did the right plan for next day(s). That was of importance for me because I was on a budget and wanted to use municipal albergues as much as possible.
The Camino is mostly sufficiently marked but as usual there are no arrows when you need themAt the moment I remember two such spots but I'll mentioned more of them in day-by-day posts. I will use distances recorded by Endomondo from distinctive points like Plaza Mayor, Iglesia, Bar, Albergue etc. and from there on, because I don't find distances measured roughly from end of one village to the entrance of the second village really accurate. Sometimes (more commonly on Camino de Invierno) those villages can be 2kms long not to speak about cities like Madrid, Segovia or Sahagun.
In general I liked the whole way but enjoyed wast Tierra de Campos (= Meseta) and huge Pinarios (pine forrests) the most. It took me 371,54kms from Plaza de Espana in Madrid to joining Camino Frances just past the Arco San Benito in Sahagun. Total ascent was 7957mts and total descent 8565mts so one would think that mostly it's downhill but it is not entirely soThe people along the way aren't really used to see pilgrims (I've met only 6 bicigrinos and 6 peregrinos on 4 out of 17 days!!!) but are nicer and more eager to help than folks along Camino Frances in my opinion. As you probably already know pilgrims accommodation is scarce before Segovia and adequate afterwards so you can really choose how long stages you're going to walk.
I will try to attach photos that illustrate those orientation challenging parts (and also some really nice parts) of this route the best. The link to my Endomondo history (https://www.endomondo.com/workouts/360990724) will be added, but I have to appologize because I don't know really how to extract GPS track from them. Just click on the date for certain stage and from the maps and graphs beneath them you can see exactly the route I was walking, distance, height etc.
Enjoy…
PS (Oh, maybe I figured it out. There is a file in gpx. format attached. Would be nice if someone who's more into GPS could confirm if it could be of any help. I have also tcx. file but couldn't be uploaded. Thanks!)
It's not on the list of accomodations as of 2016.
Take a look at: www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/camino-madrid-april-18-may-4.37838 (post number 49) and
www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/information-on-accommodation-in-manzanares-de-real-or-mataelpino.36613 (post number 4; you may read the rest of the thread too).
Looking forward to your thoughts!Just finished Camino de Madrid! I will write about it when I get back home. I have a few things to say about the CJS guide as well. Bye for now!
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Thanks, AnnieWow @KinkyOne
What a wealth of information.
I have read it before, but with a little more than a week until I leave Oz, I’m reading and re reading as much info as possible. How did you find time to document all this ?
A huge Thankyou
Annie
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