Guide book?

[LorraineNH]

Hello I plan to hike french way next august-september. Should I wait for the 2024 guide book to come out? Also are there any tips for hiking the camino at that time of year?

 

[Bradypus]

Any 2024 editions will be available long before your August walk. No need to buy one now. These days I do not use a printed guidebook anyway - I find enough information from websites like Gronze.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hello I plan to hike french way next august-september. Should I wait for the 2024 guide book to come out? Also are there any tips for hiking the camino at that time of year?

I guess it depends what you want the guidebook for. The route seldom changes except for temporary diversions around roadworks and the like. It is also very well way marked. Accommodations do come and go but https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances will be more up to date than any guide that has been through the process of printing and publishing. For history and cultural information the David & Gillitz “Village to Village” guide is the best

 

[CarolamS]

The reason why you might choose the latest guide book is that the accommodation details are likely to be the most up to date. Not very much else will have changed otherwise from one year to the next. If you use an app it will be updated more frequently and will always be the latest version. Personally I like a paper guide book, particularly for planning, including planning the days ahead as I walk. I use the Village to Village guide and like the profile overview of the whole Camino inside the front cover. I also use the Wise Pilgrim app. Plus I look at Gronze online which has up to date accommodation details.

I set off for the Camino Frances in 2 weeks time. I can tell you more about August-September once I've finished However weather conditions are far less predictable than they used to be! I am prepared/expecting hot weather first with rain possible later.

 

[David Tallan]

Others have addressed the guidebook question. My top tip for walking in August/September would be to start walking early to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day (mid-to late afternoon). But you probably didn't need me to tell you that.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Well, I would order at least one physical book NOW to get familiar with the Camino and help you plan. I like Wise Pilgrim and Village to Village Press. Actually, I like all of them. Get an app or two. Buen Camino

 

[G_the_D]

I would recommend against a guide book. They seem to be a good idea, but you really don't need the extra weight. They make a great research tool and souvenir and they should stay home to display next to your Compostella.

I highly recommend using an app like Buen Camino or Wise Pilgrim. When you arrive in Spain get a SIM card with a data plan (they are cheap compared to North America).

Gronze.com used on Chrome will provide up to date information on most things Camino.

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

 

[JerryStroebele]

I only carry the paper (cut out) pages I may want to refer to. The apps are SO LIGHT! Buen Camino

 

[Pilgrim9]

Before my first pilgrimage I purchased, from The Confraternity of St. James (CSJ) in the UK, the relevant printed paper guidebook for numerous Spanish pilgrimage routes.

On my first CF, I took the CSJ's CF guidebook with me.

Upon reaching Burgos, I realized that whilst en-route I had been using Google Maps and OsmAnd+ maps and Booking.com intensively, but had not glanced at the CSJ printed paper guidebook even one time. It was simply unnecessary weight.

In Burgos I mailed it and a bunch of other heavy, un-needed items back to my residence. Since then I have not used any printed paper Camino guidebooks whatsoever and have instead relied solely upon on-line sources and electronic maps. Everything has been fine.

 

[LorraineNH]

The reason why you might choose the latest guide book is that the accommodation details are likely to be the most up to date. Not very much else will have changed otherwise from one year to the next. If you use an app it will be updated more frequently and will always be the latest version. Personally I like a paper guide book, particularly for planning, including planning the days ahead as I walk. I use the Village to Village guide and like the profile overview of the whole Camino inside the front cover. I also use the Wise Pilgrim app. Plus I look at Gronze online which has up to date accommodation details.

I set off for the Camino Frances in 2 weeks time. I can tell you more about August-September once I've finished However weather conditions are far less predictable than they used to be! I am prepared/expecting hot weather first with rain possible later.

Thank you! I look forward to hearing about your experience. Is this your first time walking the Camino? It will be my first time.

 

[LorraineNH]

Before my first pilgrimage I purchased, from The Confraternity of St. James (CSJ) in the UK, the relevant printed paper guidebook for numerous Spanish pilgrimage routes.

On my first CF, I took the CSJ's CF guidebook with me.

Upon reaching Burgos, I realized that whilst en-route I had been using Google Maps and OsmAnd+ maps and Booking.com intensively, but had not glanced at the CSJ printed paper guidebook even one time. It was simply unnecessary weight.

In Burgos I mailed it and a bunch of other heavy, un-needed items back to my residence. Since then I have not used any printed paper Camino guidebooks whatsoever and have instead relied solely upon on-line sources and electronic maps. Everything has been fine.

Ok makes sense! Thanks so much!

 

[LorraineNH]

Others have addressed the guidebook question. My top tip for walking in August/September would be to start walking early to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day (mid-to late afternoon). But you probably didn't need me to tell you that.

Yes thank you! So I should expect the weather to still be pretty warm in September. Good to know. Thanks

 

[CarolamS]

Thank you! I look forward to hearing about your experience. Is this your first time walking the Camino? It will be my first time.

No this will be my 5th now but not always long ones. I've not walked in August though. I know you'll have an amazing experience. You'll meet a lot of different people and many will also be on their first Camino. Until then enjoy all your planning. Buen Camino...it s already begun.