How to decide where to stop each night

[work2travel]

HI, I am starting my walk the first week of May from Porto on the Central Route. I am just curious how people decide where to stay each night? Do you plan ahead or just want until you can't walk any more? Or another way? I am not pressed for time, but would like to walk from Porto to Santiago in about 10-14 days. Not sure where to stop each night. And what are good places to spend a rest day on this route?

 

[C clearly]

Walk until one or more of:

• you feel like it is time to stop
• you meet up with someone you want to stop with
• you realize you must get to a point in order to meet a fixed schedule
• it's dark
• you arrive at a place where you have a reservation
• you realize you can't/don't want to walk as far as the next accommodation or transport spot

 

[VNwalking]

@C clearly's answer is super...exactly.
I most often play it by ear, unless I'm walking a less traveled way where there's no choice of where to stop.
But where you're going there will be choice.

Often I find that if I plan ahead and think I want to stop at a certain place (or don't want to stop at a certain place)...that when I get there and see things as they really are, all the planning goes out the window.

So don't overthink it, and consider ditching the planning altogether, and just go with how you feel in the moment. You'll know when to stop...
If that's too out of your comfort zone, that;s OK - do plan, but play with stretching a bit by holding the planning lightly. Try stopping where you may not have thought to stop...and see how it goes. The more you do this and it actually works, the more relaxed you'll get about it all.

 

[walker_wisdom]

If it makes you feel better you can plan out a list of stops you like the look of in 4 - 5 kilometre increments for the whole route, that way if you change something one day you won't lose your entire plan. You'll fall into a rhythm pretty quickly. Your timetable is fine so you won't have to rush, I'd suggest picking a few areas you'd quite like to stop in an aiming for those - if plans change thats ok too! Don't forget that often albergues can be on the edge of towns so make sure you factor the distance to the albergue (not just to the town) into your decision, as that could add a few more kilometres when you're already pretty tired!

 

[walker_wisdom]

Just saw you were looking for rest day suggestions too - I quite liked Viana do Castelo which is early on but worked for us.

 

[Delphinoula]

Well I read a recommendation for maybe planing you first nights with not too long distances. It gave me a feeling of security to know where I would sleep after a long day.

But then I grew more confident and stopped when I felt like it. If you walking pre season it’s a good idea to call and see if they are open that day. Not a reservation, but at least you don’t stand at a closed door.

I learnt fast for me 20 km I can do, but skipping a leg 34 km was too much. Well I did it but at a cost.

rest days in my experience depends on your condition and are necessary to recup.
Just see if you like the place. I had planned some beach days but with non stop rain and coldness.....

A jiddish proverb: Mensch tracht und Gott lacht. (Men plans and God laughs)

Bon Camino

 

[lt56ny]

Stop when your body tells you to stop. If you are a first time pilgrim I would suggest stopping too soon rather than too late. You will learn quickly enough.

 

[dfox]

I think it depends on your requirement(s) for accommodation.
Some of my friends insist to stay in places where there are private bathrooms, then they have to stop where such accommodation exists.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi
Do you have a guide? Showing you different stops and accommodation available?
This is usually where you decide where you’ll stay. If staying at an Albergue., there may only be one in the village.
Usually on the Portugués you’ll see others en route.

You can get the Brierley guide for this route or on line you can check the ‘ gronze.com ‘. The Portugués is one of many on that site

Buen Camino
Annie