Help with planning my July walk!

Hello everyone!

I've been reading with great interest all the discussions and information and would love some feedback on my plans.

Currently, I intend on landing in the UK from Australia on June 11 to begin my big 8 month trip through Europe. I'd plan to spend some about 3-4 weeks in both the UK and France (very brief I know!) before coming down to Spain to embark on the Camino.

I'm aware that its a holy year, high summer, peak period and I'll be taking the most popular and probably overloaded route, however I don't really see many other ways to fit it in otherwise! Of my travel time, I think I'm only going to be able to allocate 2-3 weeks (due to other travel commitments) to the walk - so, my first question is:

Would I be better off starting the walk from Burgos or Leon? Elsewhere?

Should I try to make it to Santiago de Compostella on the July 25 feastday (would I even make it in time)? I know its going to be pretty crazy and I've been thinking long about it - on one hand, I'd love the serenity and contemplation of the solitary walk but it'd be a pretty amazing experience to be involved on a holy feast day!

Getting from France (Paris) to Spain - are Eurail passes advisable, or would I be better of using point to point tickets and using a (10 day, 2 month) Eurail pass from Santiago to the rest of Spain and onwards into Italy?

I've got to be in the Netherlands by September for University exchange - so Between June and September I'd like to visit the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Istanbul!

edit: Just noticed in my lonely planet book that the running of the bulls starts on July 7 in Pamplona! Perhaps I will visit there for the first day (to observe, due to a slight allergy to raging bulls) before taking a bus/train to Burgos and then walk/bus to Leon, depending on recommendations!

Anniesantiago said:

If it was me, and I was going to walk in the heat of the year, I'd either stick to Galicia or consider walking the coastal route, where I could dip in the ocean if it got too hot! Also, the coastal route won't be as crowded, and it is beautiful!

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The coastal route sounds wonderful but information seems to be much scarcer! I note that it is rated to be more difficult - hopefully this won't be too much of a problem!

Would you be able to suggest a good starting point for me then? I will be a little sad to miss the gorgeous cathedrals in Burgos and Leon! Tips on how to get there from France - rail or bus options? Perhaps its possible to go from France - rail/bus to Burgos, Leon, then up to wherever for the Northern pass?

Hola Companeros,

An alternative I'm considering is perhaps doing the walk from SJPP to Roncesvalles given the positive things people have to say about this section of the walk.

From Roncesvalles, are there any transport services to Burgos? I'd like to visit the city and explore a bit, before taking the bus again to Leon at which point I'll start walking.

I'm still very open to the idea of taking the Northern Route, though would still appreciate suggestions for a good starting point (and how to get there!)