intro - and recent-pilgrim advice

[Jo-Anne Smetherham]

Hi all
My husband and I walked a week of the camino, from St Jean to Roncesvalles, last september. It was magic, and every time I see pictures I am transported back. I want to do the rest, but last year there were over 20,000 pilgrims in August alone - almost the number for the entire year previously - and I am wary that if this year is any busier, it will be awful. Has anyone done the last week or last few weeks this year yet? I liked the advice I read yesterday to do the portuguese section, or others. Anyone done these?
With thanks,
Jo-Anne

 

[WolverineDG]

Hi Jo Ann! I started walking May 4 & for some reason there were tons of pilgrims on the road already! :shock: However, Lora & someone else I think started mid-month & the albergues don´t seem to be as full. Who knows why.

Anyway. I wouldn´t walk in August; way too hot & crowded. Late April/May are good times for me (aside from the rain), cooler temps, allegedly smaller crowds :wink: September or October should be fine as well.

dg

 

[Debinq]

Hola Jo-Anne

I took CSJ advice last year to avoid the C Frances - even during Sept/Oct - because of overcrowding; I was a first-timer then - so walked the C Aragones and then 'jumped' from Puenta de la Reina (via Pamplona) to Salamanca (by train) for the Ruta de la Plata, which was sometimes very 'empty' (in the albergues - once or twice I was the only pelegrino!) I am told by 'old timers' that kind of solitude is reminiscent of what it was like in the 'good old days' (by which I presume the 1960s 1970s 1980s camino experience is meant!) I enjoyed it all - and did get to experience a very full albergue (in Puenta de la R) BUT not particularly conducive to a good night's sleep!!

buen camino

Peter