Going to Santiago through Ourense (VDP) or Sarria (Frances)?

[gguerini]

Hello fellow pilgrims, next week I'm going to start my Camino for the first time and I still have some doubts, so I hope you can help me.

I have only 5 days to do the Camino so there isn't many possibilities for me. Due to this fact, I was going to start in Sarria and walk to Santiago.

The problem is the more I read about this route the more I get discouraged. People say it's the more crowded part of the Camino, possibly the less interesting and I'll definitely need to fight for a bed at the albergues.

Because of that, I started to look for an alternative way and I found another route through Via de la Plata. I would start in Ourense (105km more or less) instead of Sarria. They said it is less crowded, more beautiful and interesting than Sarria.

The plan would be:
Ourense - Cea = 22.5km
Cea - Castro Dozón = 19.3km
Castro Dozón - Silleda = 27.4km
Silleda - Ouestero = 23.8km
Ouesteiro - Santiago = 16km

The distance is pretty much the same comparing to Sarria to Santiago. I don't really now. I still need to decide what to do and my time is running out.

What do you think guys? Have you done this way instead of from Sarria?

Thank you all very much!!

 

[skilsaw]

I think Ourense to Santiago is a much better choice than Sarria to Santiago right now.

Just got home from the VdlP. Did the Ourense to Santiago bit May 22 to 25.
There were 15 to 20 pilgrims in each albergue each night.
Never found any problems getting accomadation.

Ourense to Santiago is a beautiful trip.
I hate rain, and since it poured on my last two days,
I walked the pavement instead of facing the challenge of mud on the Camino.
Received some good humored criticism for chickening out.
Good Luck on your Journey.
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi David

Welcome home. I hope your pilgrimage on the VdlP was great. It is really good to see you back with us.

Best wishes

John