Half considering a route change to the Ingles

[Cbok82]

Due to fly out to Santiago on 4th of September. I was all set on starting in Sarria but I've been put off by various comments on the forum and watching MANY YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I will get the experience of the Camino on this route?? And I know a lot of veterans consider the Sarria route as a tourist Camino? Unfortunately work and family life don't permit me at this time to start in SJDPP.

I researched getting to O cebriero/ Triacastela and walking from there in my time frame but flight times and bus times on my arrival day just don't work out.

Is it worth changing to the Ingles? Will it be any different? I guess everyone's experience is a personal one but I'm looking an "authentic" Camino experience aas they say and I'm worried I won't get that walking from Sarria.

 

[KinkyOne]

Due to fly out to Santiago on 4th of September. I was all set on starting in Sarria but I've been put off by various comments on the forum and watching MANY YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I will get the experience of the Camino on this route?? And I know a lot of veterans consider the Sarria route as a tourist Camino? Unfortunately work and family life don't permit me at this time to start in SJDPP.

I researched getting to O cebriero/ Triacastela and walking from there in my time frame but flight times and bus times on my arrival day just don't work out.

Is it worth changing to the Ingles? Will it be any different? I guess everyone's experience is a personal one but I'm looking an "authentic" Camino experience aas they say and I'm worried I won't get that walking from Sarria.

Then take into consideration all of them (100km into Santiago), make a bit of research and then decide:
- Norte
- Primitivo
- Frances
- Invierno (Monforte de Lemos)
- Sanabres (Ourense)
- Portugues (Valenca/Tui)
- Fisterra/Muxia circuit (or vice versa)
- Ingles (Ferrol)

Either way you decide I wish you Buen Camino!

 

[Anamya]

I think Sarria gives you a very intense Camino experience. The only thing with that route is that it is the busiest one - which, for me, is not a problem.

If you decide to change, consider Lugo (which is also very easy to access from the SdC airport) or maybe Tui, in the Portuguese route. Lovely food in the latter

 

[domigee]

I used to say, the Sarria to Santiago route is fine, bla bla, get a life if you don’t like it, your problem. It IS different but it is lovely.
This year, I was made to eat my words, I hated it.
I could not recommend it, not after what I experienced only a few weeks ago.
But it is only MY opinion. For what it is worth. (Not much, only one person!)
By all means go with it, you may think differently.

 

[MikeC]

Due to fly out to Santiago on 4th of September. I was all set on starting in Sarria but I've been put off by various comments on the forum and watching MANY YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I will get the experience of the Camino on this route?? And I know a lot of veterans consider the Sarria route as a tourist Camino? Unfortunately work and family life don't permit me at this time to start in SJDPP.

I researched getting to O cebriero/ Triacastela and walking from there in my time frame but flight times and bus times on my arrival day just don't work out.

Is it worth changing to the Ingles? Will it be any different? I guess everyone's experience is a personal one but I'm looking an "authentic" Camino experience aas they say and I'm worried I won't get that walking from Sarria.

The Ingles and the Frances from Sarria are opposite experiences.
You will not meet many other pilgrims on the Ingles, but be overwhelmed by them on the Frances.
An “authentic “ Camino is not a commodity that can be delivered to you.
What you get out of your Camino will depend largely on you and the way you interact with fellow pilgrims.
Maybe best to go for a route which gives you more those opportunities without felling swamped.
Buen camino

 

[williamlittig]

Then take into consideration all of them (100km into Santiago), make a bit of research and then decide:
- Norte
- Primitivo
- Frances
- Invierno (Monforte de Lemos)
- Sanabres (Ourense)
- Portugues (Valenca/Tui)
- Fisterra/Muxia circuit (or vice versa)
- Ingles (Ferrol)

Either way you decide I wish you Buen Camino!

I am an advocate for the Sanabre too.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I walked the Ingles 3 months ago and would certainly recommend it over the CF from Sarria. I walk the Camino for various reasons including contemplation and to "detox" my mind (not needed so much since I retired) I did not find that peace on my last walk from Sarria (2016).

I'm not sure I approve of the revised route alongside the motorway into Sigueiro but even that was preferable to the clamour of Sarria to SdC.

Which ever way you choose - Buen Camino.

 

[LGLG]

Due to fly out to Santiago on 4th of September. I was all set on starting in Sarria but I've been put off by various comments on the forum and watching MANY YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I will get the experience of the Camino on this route?? And I know a lot of veterans consider the Sarria route as a tourist Camino? Unfortunately work and family life don't permit me at this time to start in SJDPP.

I researched getting to O cebriero/ Triacastela and walking from there in my time frame but flight times and bus times on my arrival day just don't work out.

Is it worth changing to the Ingles? Will it be any different? I guess everyone's experience is a personal one but I'm looking an "authentic" Camino experience aas they say and I'm worried I won't get that walking from Sarria.[/QUOTE

The ingles was also just recommended to me by a knowledgeable and experienced Spanish pilgrim as an alternative way to get the Compostela (I already did the Portugues and also the Frances before it became so packaged). I’m about to hit the Frances in a couple of days from the very quiet Aragones and intend to walk for several more weeks on the Camino. However, I also re considering my options and perhaps finishing with the ingles. Although the word ‘authentic’ can arguably be interpreted in several ways as it relates to the Camino, my feeling is that what you are expressing here is definitely better found on quieter routes. On the other hand, if this is your first Camino, I suggest you choose one that is reasonably well-serviced such as the Portugues or ingles. Buen Camino.

 

[Rj7797]

I'm not sure what it would be like starting in Sarria. For me hitting that point after walking a month with a relatively small population of familiar pilgrims was quite the "culture" shock. It wouldn't say it was bad or good just a bit over whelming for a day or two. I'm sure someone could explain it much better.

 

[Tincatinker]

I would walk the Ingles with broken glass in my boots rather than walk from Sarria again. But thats just me, I'm a grumpy old sod

 

[Vacajoe]

LOVED the walk from Santiago to SdC this past late-May (note: we started far away in Jaca, so we were definitely seasoned by then). Sure, there are a lot of people but that’s easy to avoid by changing the time of day you walk as well as where you stop for meals and to sleep.

If you check your expectations of what the Camino “is supposed to be” and simply experience what YOUR Camino is at that present moment, you will not be disappointed.

 

[VNwalking]

Is it worth changing to the Ingles? Will it be any different?

Yes. And yes.
For the reasons people have spoken about above.
Fortunately you don't have to walk from Sarria - there are many other options.
Consider starting in Ourense, on the Sanabres. It's easy to get to - just jump off the Madrid to Santiago train there, and start walking.

I would walk the Ingles with broken glass in my boots rather than walk from Sarria again. But thats just me, I'm a grumpy old sod

Hahahahaha, @Tincatinker. This wins the non-existent Forum prize today!
(And I guess I am too.)

 

[valevenga]

I'm not sure what it would be like starting in Sarria. For me hitting that point after walking a month with a relatively small population of familiar pilgrims was quite the "culture" shock. It wouldn't say it was bad or good just a bit over whelming for a day or two. I'm sure someone could explain it much better.

I think you articulated the experience perfectly fine! It was mine exactly—-not negative or positive—-just different... no more tranquility, but I had wonderful conversations with many young folks!

 

[LKC01]

Starting at Sarria on 10 September but arranged to "miss" all the locations in the Brierlty guide by stopping halfway between the noted locations. Hopefully this will help avoid some of the crowds. I am also going through Santigo....train to Ferrol and then the Ingles back to SDC.

 

[naplesdon]

Go for it, the conga line from Sarria will still be in full force in early September. The walk from Ferrol is lovely and not crowded and the major stops are truly memorable.

 

[Cbok82]

Thank you all for the great advice!! I'm still undecided on the route, my walking partner says Frances, I'm leaning towards Ingles. I guess we'll decide when we get to Santiago!! Maybe I need to stop overthinking the experience so much before I get there and just live it at the time

 

[Tincatinker]

Maybe I need to stop overthinking the experience so much before I get there and just live it at the time

Now you're thinking like a peregrino