How busy is the Camino ?

[CarmeloB]

Hi
I'm heading to St Jean on 14th April 2011 with 4 friends . Wondering how busy the Camino is likely to be at this time. Anyone walked at this time before?
We have booked our first 2 nights . Hope to just play it by ear after that?
Can't wait to start walking .... :?:
Carmel

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

It is always difficult to know how many people will be on the Camino.

http://peregrinossantiago.es

links to the cathedral office site which shows how many compostella they issued last year (and earlier).

you can select the month/year.

if you scroll down it shows starting points.

it seems that there is a trend to start further up the Camino (nearer to Santiago) and that you might find it quiet for a while.

what it doesn't say is how many people are actually on the Camino bearing in mind that some people do it in stages over a number of years.

If you start in April you will finish late May early June. 2010 was a Holy year so numbers will be up, so have a look at 2009 and 2008.

If the real question is, will it be horribly crowded the answer is "no".

 

[Arn]

Hi and welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2011!

I walked in early April from SJPDP and there were a number of peregrinos in town that were going straight up the Napoleon (snowed heavily that night...check the weather before you depart) and others stopping at either Hunto or Orisson (my first stop).

The numbers were well past 100 souls when we departed Roncesvalles the following morning.

Now the jockeying for position begins. Some folks are happy walking 10-15 km a day, ending early in the afternoon while others shoot for longer distances so they start early and arrive late.

All this activity dilutes the numbers of pilgrims on any given leg of the Camino.

This process is repeated at every major city (Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Sarria). In fact, since Sarria is a logical starting point for many pilgrims with limited time, physical maladies, etc...the number will increase appreciably.

Buen Camino,
Arn

 

[bystander]

Methodist Pilgrim
Your link only works on this computer as
http://peregrinossantiago.es
without the /en on the end
but then go to the scallops shell with the Union flag on.

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Sorry about that bystander.

I have just checked the original line I posted from this thread and it wouldn't work for me either!

I should have checked it as soon as I had posted it here and amended it before it caused confusion. Apologies.

I have amended the address in my original post to the main portal.

I hope people find the link useful.

 

[CarmeloB]

Thanks for your replies. We also are stopping at Orisson on the first night. Snow .... Mmmm

 

[Arn]

Refugio Orisson is very near the top of my all time favs.

The dorms are clean and warm The outside deck has a remarkable view of the mountains and the supper bountiful and delicious. Oh, one last detail...the loo dispenses one piece of paper at a time. Not a big deal...unless it's a big deal!

If you arrive in time in SJPDP and before you begin your climb make sure you check with the pilgrim office on the weather. It can be raining in the valley and storming near the top.

Also, verify your reservation. On occasion a peregrino will arrive only to find their reservation is lost.

Saludos,

Arn

 

[skilsaw]

Hello Carmel,
Most pilgrims walk 20 to 25 kms per day and the Camino takes them between 31 and 39 days.
I walked the Camino Frances from SJPP in April 2004 and was on the Via de la Plata in April 2006 and 2010. I've never not had somewhere to lay my head. The hustle and bustle of pilgrims in Spring is energizing, not over powering and there will be plenty of space in the albergues. You will find though that Easter week is a little busier than the rest because some Spanish people take a few days to walk a section of the route.

You are in for a truly inspirational journey.

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[CarmeloB]

Thankyou All for your thoughts.......
I am looking forward to my Camino even more when I read all your comments...
Cheers