First time pilgrim, long time traveller... Which 100km to take?

[Lizzy Beach Girl]

Hi, I am travelling solo to Spain in early September to complete my first pilgrimage.
I will have approximately 6 to 10 days up my sleeve. I've been doing a lot of research and reading but still can't decide which route to take. I am a long time traveller but only of average fitness, I have done bits and pieces of trekking before. I do want to receive my Compostela and I would like to include Finnisterre/Muxia if possible but I'm willing to do this via bus if I don't have time to walk it. Any advice about the best route for a first timer would be great!

Sarria to Santiago: obviously the most popular route. But will this be overcrowded in September? I know it is historically significant but why the Camino Frances as opposed to other routes? I like the idea of meeting people along the way though!

Camino Ingles: This appeals to me as i would be able to complete the whole Camino with my time constraints. Any advice about this route for a first timer?

Camino Portuges: I have heard this is beautiful and could be a different option. From Porto or Tui? ( In 6 to 10 days?)

Thank you!

 

[SYates]

In September the Camino Frances will still be busy, but not anymore madly busy. With 6-10 days you could also start in O Cebreiro or Ponferrada instead of Sarria. Both places are relatively easy to reach by bus. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Bradypus]

My suggestion would be the last 100km of the Camino Primitivo - beginning in Lugo. A lovely historic town in its own right. Much quieter route until it merges with the Frances at Melide. Attractive scenery but nothing too challenging. Then you would have a couple of days of the full-on Camino Frances experience too from Melide to Santiago.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Lizzy, Welcome to the forum!

People say that the Frances is really quite crowded in September. You can see on the cathedral's website that there were more people getting compostelas in September than in May or June. Fewer than July and August, though.

Have you considered the Inglés? From Ferrol it's enough to qualify for the compostela, and it is a pretty, though not spectacular, IMO, camino. The towns of Pontedeume and Betanzos are quite nice, and you would get the sense of walking a "complete" camino if that matters. Other options, in addition to the Primitivo from Lugo would be the Sanabres from Ourense, or the Portugues from the Spanish border (Tui). Lots of choices! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[daesdaemar]

I believe the Camino Ingles is perfect for your situation. I have done it twice and love the scenery and solitude. It is five days of walking and a "complete" Camino on its own.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I have not crunched the numbers but wouldn't walking from Pontevedra via the Espiritual variante give you 100km? A beautiful, quieter, ocean included walk. @Albertinho , you're the Portuguese expert, what do you reckon?

 

[darronb]

July is when I am travelling and also have the same time constraints, similarly it will be my first camino. After much thought and with the aid and advice given on the forum I have decided to opt for the camino ingles. For me it seems the perfect option. Am sure what ever route you decide will be the right one for you.

Buen Camino

 

[Lizzy Beach Girl]

Thanks darronb
I'm leaning towards Ingles I think. The timing would be perfect and I do like the idea of it being perhaps less crowded while it's also a complete Camino. Would you mind telling me what helped you decide?

Beun Camino!!