In light of the recent harrassment post on CP

[YoCo]

Just wondering about the Norte, Primativo, and Muxia/Finnesterre ...

Are they typically populated enough to walk with others if things get/feel sketchy?

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Haven't walked the Norte, YoCo, but walked the Finesterre a couple of years back, and found I was almost always in sight of other pilgrims. In fact, I enjoy taking photos of the amazing scenery, but try to avoid including pilgrims - and found that was often dificult!
Whatever you decide, may God go with you and give you many blessings - I am sure he/she will!!
Buen camino!

 

[lovetoread3]

Just wondering about the Norte, Primativo, and Muxia/Finnesterre ...

Are they typically populated enough to walk with others if things get/feel sketchy?

I walked the Primitivo in late May. I recall being alone only a few times. Of course, the number of people on the trail depends on the time of year but there were more people than I expected based on what I had read.

 

[bmcbride]

I walked the Primitivo in July, and was alone many times. There were always other people in the albergues, though, so there were others on the trail - just not within my sight.

 

[YoCo]

I appreciate your thoughts. I'm so torn on this.

I think there is a bigger percentage of pilgrimages that go well than there are of the troublesome ones... but honestly it's just not comforting right now.

Stephen- thank you for your blessing!

 

[C clearly]

I think there is a bigger percentage of pilgrimages that go well than there are of the troublesome ones...

Just to put this in perspective, "bigger percentage" does not describe it well at all. I expect there are many thousands of pilgrimages without harassment problems for every one that has a problem.

 

[valevenga]

Hi YoCo,

I walked the entire Norte from June 1 to July 12 of this year and there were several long stretches of seeing no one else.....just me and my son....I would say that this was only the case in Asturias, Cantabria, and the first part of Galicia....but not in Basque Country or the last 100 km in Galicia...having said that, I never once felt vulnerable (my son walked ahead of me a lot) or fearful for my safety....I met a lot of women of all ages who walked alone....this was a surprise to me....not for any particular reason other than I had a preconceived notion that women in general would not be walking alone....there were also parts of the Camino in Cantabria and more so in Asturias that we’re not marked clearly so that is something to keep in mind....the decrease in the number of pilgrims after Basque Country as well as the not-so-clear waymarks become immediately apparent as one moves from one region to the next.....as do the perfect waymarks in Galicia (not once did we have to refer to a guidebook or Gronze in Galicia) and the increase of pilgrims in Baamonde....hope this helps

 

[YoCo]

Hi YoCo,

...there were also parts of the Camino in Cantabria and more so in Asturias that we’re not marked clearly so that is something to keep in mind....s

Thank you Valevenga
- in the areas that weren't clearly marked, did you just use your guide book or how did you navigate that?

 

[valevenga]

Thank you Valevenga
- in the areas that weren't clearly marked, did you just use your guide book or how did you navigate that?

Guide book, Gronze, fellow peregrinos, and instinct (after being on Camino for a few weeks, you get the hang of it and develop a sort of Camino instinct)......but there are also several paths in Asturias that get you to the same destination....I encountered peregrinos on alternative paths too.....Camino is never far from a highway, a town, or the ocean—-depending on the segment....one time I just ran to the ocean cliffs it was so enticing!!! I knew I was leaving the Camino but also knew I was not that far..... and after wandering along the coast with a few other lost peregrinos, we all decided to get back on track before we wandered too far....Buen Camino.....enjoy

 

[AlainC]

Just wondering about the Norte, Primativo, and Muxia/Finnesterre ...

Are they typically populated enough to walk with others if things get/feel sketchy?

I walked the Primitivo last September 14 to 29. There were lots of pilgrims and it was possible to walk with others on any day. I ended up being part of a small group of 5 and we stayed together from day 3 to the end in SDC. There were no problems getting in the albergues but they were at close to capacity. Once we joined the Camino Francés, things changed and there were peregrituristas everywhere. I reminnend that you reserve in advance once you reach the last 100 km.

Buen Camino.

 

[AlainC]

The last sentence should say “I recommend...”. By the way, I used Gronze and found it an excellent reference. I downloaded the relevant parts on my smartphone and referred to it almost everyday. I also used booking.com to reserve albergues and other accommodations during the last 100 km.

 

[laineylainey]

Hi YoCo, like @alain I walked the Primitivo last Sept and found it a great walk, a bit of a stretch but a fantastic route. Try to stay an extra day in Oviedo if you can spare the time.. Also I agree with Valevenga, over the last 6 years I have seen an increasing number of women walking alone (myself included). The Finisterre to Muxia is a truly wonderful walk but then I love walking by the coast or at least to know that the coast isn't too far away.
Ender's guide in English s great for the Primitivo and the app Walking Pilgrim has both routes (I think?)
Don't know a thing about El Norte but reading on this forum and talking to those who have walked it, again it sounds a fantastic walk.
You are spoilt for choice - Good Luck!

 

[Ekelund]

Hi Yoco, this Summer I walked Del Norte from Aviles to SdC and then I continued to Finisterre and I felt safe all the way, I never experienced anything scary or bad. Some days I did not see other people on the trail but if I sat down for a break, somebody would come walking by in a couple of minutes.
I walk with walkingsticks and they so give me a sense of security.
Buen Camino to you.

 

[YoCo]

I really appreciate all your input very much!

I think I'll stick with the original plan: CF, dN, Primativo, CF.