Last stretch of Camino Frances with kids

[Sampi]

Hi everybody, and thank you for making the Camino seem real even before we have set foot on it!
It's now 20 years since I decided to walk the Camino, and finally it's on a planning stage. But it's almost with tears in my eyes I read about all you guys doing the whole Camino Frances, as I've realised I won't be able to do that for a few years yet.
So this will be us next summer: four adults and six kids aged 9-18, doing about ten days of walking in July or August with its heat and crowds. The kids are all good walkers, the youngest ones completed Hadrian's Wall aged seven, doing the normal stages of around 25km daily. But we don't want the rush for beds as we want this to be a special experence for them -and for us- so has anyone got any good suggestion for such a big group? I've read several views on camping, personally we would happily tent if doable? Or would it be easy to get family rooms along that last stretch? I realise these questions have been asked and answered before, but would really appreciate some help

 

[mspath]

Hi everybody, and thank you for making the Camino seem real even before we have set foot on it!
It's now 20 years since I decided to walk the Camino, and finally it's on a planning stage. But it's almost with tears in my eyes I read about all you guys doing the whole Camino Frances, as I've realised I won't be able to do that for a few years yet.
So this will be us next summer: four adults and six kids aged 9-18, doing about ten days of walking in July or August with its heat and crowds. The kids are all good walkers, the youngest ones completed Hadrian's Wall aged seven, doing the normal stages of around 25km daily. But we don't want the rush for beds as we want this to be a special experence for them -and for us- so has anyone got any good suggestion for such a big group? I've read several views on camping, personally we would happily tent if doable? Or would it be easy to get family rooms along that last stretch? I realise these questions have been asked and answered before, but would really appreciate some help

Sampi,

Welcome to the Forum!

You will find lots of great information in these various topics and threads to help you and your family plan your future camino. Feel free to ask for advice ask we past pilgrims enjoy sharing tips with others. Such sharing is very much part of the true camino spirit .

As for others walking with a family group be sure to read the wonderful blog detailing the recent 2012 camino adventures of fellow Forum members kiwi-family >> http://blogs.bootsnall.com/kiwifamily/ They are currently planning another family camino for 2014.

Happy planning and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Kiwi-family]

Welcome
As dear Margaret has mentioned, we walked with eight kids and a grandpa too. If I can be of any particular assistance, I'd be happy to help. If you are worried about getting beds (and to be honest, we were at times), the key is to finish walking not too late and be in the queue when places open. Or you could book private accommodation.
But don't worry. It will all work out and will be a wonderful experience for you. We look back with fondness even on our miserable day when it seemed everything was booked and I raised my voice at one of the kids in the middle of the road and the rain poured all day!
You will enjoy!

 

[Sampi]

Thank you so much, both of you! I feel in good hands already!
I think the fact we've got ourselves into a situation where we have to walk in July/August is probably stressing me more than I had expected...
It seems like we're not going to meet you, Kiwi family, next year. Such a shame, you seem to be very inspirational people and your kids are very lucky children!