Info for group walk I am organising

[Stephen crook]

Hey, I am just after some info as I am taking a group of 11 for a walk from Saint Jean to Logrono. Do I need to research each leg of the walk or are they easy enough to find our way as we go. I have the book "A Pilgrims Guide to the Camino de Santiago" which goes into pretty good detail. Just wondering if I ned to study it or if I can just work it out as we go. I am looking at it from more of the adventure side and taking each day as it comes but due to taking 11 other people I have some responsibilty to make sure the trip goes well. Also any advice on the weather over their at the moment would be good too.

Thanks Steve

 

[dougfitz]

Provided your group understands that you haven't prepared yourself, it might be okay to wing it. It does seem to be an unusual approach when it doesn't take that long to read up on the next day's leg.

Are you taking a more detailed guidebook? Brierley is fine, but if you are guiding a group, there might be an expectation that you are somewhat better informed than they could be just by reading what is a pretty basic route guide.

Regards

 

[Kitsambler]

For a group of 11 - wouldn't he need to be reserving lodgings in advance? Or is there an understanding that not everyone will be sleeping under the same roof?

 

[dougfitz]

wouldn't he need to be reserving lodgings in advance

I agree, but that doesn't seem to be the intent. Without more information, it all appears a bit ad hoc, doesn't it.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Last year I escorted two groups of 15 along the Camino Frances.

I can tell you from experience it is a lot of hard work.
It took me (literally) weeks to book all that lodging in advance.

And if you're planning to walk in May and June THIS year, you're cutting it very close and may find lodging scarce. I began booking my lodging in November before our May walk and often found it difficult to find space.

Also you need to know that there are MANY albergues that will not take groups of people over 4-6.

This is a very busy time along the Camino.
You may want to be sure to take sleeping pads in case you end up sleeping with your group outdoors?

 

[fortview]

Are you really taking a group on April 14th THIS year ??
You certainly need to research the section from St Jean, with 11 people to be responsible for! I suggest you read all the threads on the weather, the different routes, and all about the pros and cons of starting there, as opposed to Roncevalles . Good luck!

 

[Stephen crook]

Hey guys, Just to clarify - I am a personal trainer who has organised this jouney for some of my clients who approched me about walking the Camino but were not yet ready to go it along. They are all doing it individually, however I am there as fitness support and getting them through the hard stages.

In regards to the Hostels I was under the impression that they did not need to be pre booked (except for the Orisson one which I have all of us booked in for).

For those who do not want to have a go at me - Is it not possible to arrive at each Albergue seperately and not mention we are all together?

I also am aware of the weather condition at the moment and definetley do not plan to walk over the Pyrenees if we are advised not to. I understand I have a responsibility with everyone but they also understand that this is a journey for us all individually.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is it not possible to arrive at each Albergue seperately and not mention we are all together?

Yes.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

In regards to the Hostels I was under the impression that they did not need to be pre booked

You can reserve only in some private albergues, so, yes, you do not need to pre-book, and probably cannot anyway. This time of year there are plenty of beds. If somehow you end up in a bubble of fellow pilgrims, just stop short, or walk past, the major stops, and you will be out of it. Some of the worst albergues are in the major stops (Burgos excepted, which is after Logrono), so go for the smaller ones!

 

[Stephen crook]

Thanks for the help falcon269. I know it looks like I am unprepared but I have done plenty of research and besides I am looking forward to the adventure side of it all. Would love and apreciate any other info you think I might need?

Have you ever done the alternate route to Roncesvalles? Do you think it is worth doing or just bus it and start from Roncesvalles if we cant go over the Pyrenees the Napoleon route

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I am not a fan of either route unless I am already in France! It is too much work to get to SJPdP.

However, if you are in SJPdP, either route is fine. The Napolean is treeless for most of it, so if the fog and clouds do not get in the way, the views are better. The Valcarlos also is quite scenic, and there are vistas if you turn around once in awhile. Valcarlos is generally a more gradual ascent. I stayed on the paving, so walked the switchbacks. Some have reported getting lost when they went off the road. The paving will never be muddy!

In rain and thawing, the Napolean will have some very muddy sections, and some slippery sections descending into Roncesvalles. Most of the route to the crest is on road. I am lazy, so I do not enjoy mud. It is good preparation for what comes later!

I think you will enjoy either, so, weather permitting, do what feels right. I think most people can sense when it is raining so much that the path won't be fun.

 

[Stephen crook]

Thanks Fingers crossed weather goes good for us.

 

[wayfarer]

Stephen, what you are planning is really no different than eleven people meeting up in St Jean on the first day and deciding to walk the Camino together but with the added security of a personal trainer who has researched the walk, each walking seperately but also in a group. You should have no problems with accomodation.
Have a safe Camino and enjoy.
Buen Camino.

 

[Stephen crook]

Thankyou very much "wayfarer". I really appreciate the positive feed back. I am really looking forward to this trip and I know we will all have a great experience and can't wait!!!!

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

A topic that pops up from time to time is insurance.

As you are the defacto leader of this group are you carrying insurance so that if anyone gets into trouble you are covered if they or their insurance company decides to sue?

I raise the question because as a clergyman I am aware that my church covers me for any activity where I might be held to account as the leader even if I have not been officially prescribed a such.

Other than that I wish you well and hope you have a great time.