Invierno or Frances?

[Steven Light]

I know this has been discussed a lot and after reading posts and speaking with people who have done it we are leaning in the direction of Invierno. It sounds wonderful and perhaps quite. Of course, we won't decide when we get close to Ponferrada. My question is what will we miss on the Frances if we do go on the Invierno? We start in SJPdP in 2 weeks. Really can't wait! Thanks!

 

[t2andreo]

I invite you to consider my recent post in this thread...

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-shame-of-starting-in-sarria.55253/#post-618949

...as a viable alternative to the Frances. This route change lengthens the distance by about 40 km. On the Frances it is about 220 km into Santiago. Taking the Invierno from Ponferrada, connecting to the Northern bit of the Camino Sanabres at a Laxe / Lalin, is about 260 km. I recommend allotting 12 days to do this route. It does not look daunting on a map, but the elevation profile is amazing.

While doing this in April, I kept telling myself that I am NOT a "cabra de montana" (mountain goat).

Also, do consult the most recent CSJ and Wise Pilgrim Guides for the Invierno. They are excellent. Moreover, there is a lot of current information here in the forum.

Hope this helps.