I will have about 20 days to walk - where should I start?

[The one left behind]

Hello Peregrinos,
I will have only about 20 days to do the walk, which sounds like too little to start in St Jean. I was thinking about walking Camino Frances or any of the Northern Routes. Can you advise me where to start?
Thank you!

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Have you idea how far you walk each day with a rucksack on your back?
Will you be coming in by plane or train or bus? What city?
This will determine the advice you will be given.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Fromista to Santiago is about 425 km, and you can get to Fromista by train or bus.

 

[The one left behind]

Have you idea how far you walk each day with a rucksack on your back?
Will you be coming in by plane or train or bus? What city?
This will determine the advice you will be given.

Fromista to Santiago is about 425 km, and you can get to Fromista by train or bus.

Thank you for replying. I can get a flight to Valladolid and when I look at the map, I start thinking that starting in Burgos would be nice. I've heard that the cathedral is great. Just worried that it could be too far. A month or so ago, I walked from Santiago to Finisterre via Muxia. It was only 4 days but it didn't cause me any problems. I recon I could do quite a few 30km days with my rucksack.

What do you think?

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

My guide says Burgos is 476km from Santiago.

On the basis of your figures it could be done, though if you intend to walk in the next couple of months the heat of the day could be a problem.

In 2004, aged 47, I walked 38km one day in June and over 30 on another and it nearly did me in. You might be younger and fitter, but take the heat into account. After September things become easier.

If you really want to start at Burgos do so. It is as important to choose our starting pointing as where we will end.

If you find yourself running out of time there are towns and cities from which you could get a bus or a train and jump a section.

Remember that Sarria has a bus station and it is 113km from Santiago. If necessary leave enough time to get from there to Santiago on foot so that you qualify for your Compostella.

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

If you want to do an unbroken walk then falcoln's suggestion is a good one.

Sahagun is 355km and that would offer you a lot less km per day. It has both bus and rail stations.

 

[The one left behind]

Thank you! I have to admit that the August heat is a bit of a worry for me but I'm sure that with the right clothing, I should be ok. I will take your advice to remember that if the worst comes to the worst I can always skip a segment.

Burgos feels right to start - even though I haven't been there, this place has an emotional attachment for me... Just a little postcard I've received from a person dear to me who was walking El Camino but it's enough for me.

Do you know where in Burgos I could get a Pilgrim's Passport?