Late as possible to miss the school holidays

[Ian T]

Hi everyone

Looking to plan my first comino for next year I originally thought of May but reading all these wonderful threads I would like to push it back a little but I do not want to clash with the school holidays as I am reading that this is a hugely contributory factor to the crowds and disturbance for the last 100 miles or so.

I have googled and it appears that next year the school holidays for France and Spain are around the first week in July. I want to spend about 35 days in total so does anyone please have experience of starting around the end of May to ease the crowds or is it just wishful thinking on my part.

Wonderful site with so many warm people thank you

Ian

 

[bunnymac]

I have walked in May/June several times and have not had any trouble finding peace and quiet or accommodation. That said, I have yet to walk the last 250Km

 

[Giselleontour]

I am a German and the school holidays in Germany 2017 will begin 5th of June in 2017 instead of May as it was this year.

Hope this information helps too.

 

[Ralph Keith Redhead]

Hi everyone

Looking to plan my first comino for next year I originally thought of May but reading all these wonderful threads I would like to push it back a little but I do not want to clash with the school holidays as I am reading that this is a hugely contributory factor to the crowds and disturbance for the last 100 miles or so.

I have googled and it appears that next year the school holidays for France and Spain are around the first week in July. I want to spend about 35 days in total so does anyone please have experience of starting around the end of May to ease the crowds or is it just wishful thinking on my part.

Wonderful site with so many warm people thank you

Ian

Hi Ian - I arrived in Santiago de Compostela June 24th (French route). I noticed a sudden build up of enthusiastic adult Spanish pilgrims at Arzua (19th June). They had far more energy, were not so tanned in a raw, exposed way, their gear was clean and fresh - and they didn't have inuries or blisters to contend with! Children and teenager groups (lots of Scouts), were not prevelant until Santiago. I suspect that towards the end of their summer term, before the holidays, schools take groups out along the way or into the city as an end-of-term-year excurrsion experience, for that part of their curriculum. I was advised that the Camino (last 100 km), is used as part of their school curriculum, and as a part of their (adult) faith where they have to visit a particular number of specific churches along the way, approaching Santiago, for absolution. It really didn't disturb me in any way, although private Albergue's tended to be booked-up upon arrival - unless you seek-out the municipals or private ones with a 'no advanced booking' policy. I hate having to book, preferring to not be fixed to a particular route or timescale. But its your Camino, you will find your pace and way, and as many friends as you want, I'm sure, and how you want to go along the way. You can find as much company as you want, or as little too! Santiago is a very busy, energetic city, for me best seen early morning - sunrise. I am planning to go next year, and looking at early to mid-May again. More distracting and disturbing for me are the groups of cyclists who ride far too quickly, where the pilgrim and cyclist paths join together, without warning of their approach - I had a couple of close misses with 'silent' but speedy cyclists. Keep your ears and eyes open for their approach. Buen Camino Keith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You can look at the monthly statistics here:
https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/statistics/

In general, arrivals in a month mean departures in the previous month except for those starting in Sarria. Therefore, to fine tune the crowds, examine the Sarria departures for the arrival month, and know that the other pilgrims have walked longer distances (SJPdP is usually just behind Sarria for departure points, but WAY behind). If you look at the route walked, you can see the numbers that are on the Camino Frances, but you can see that as well by looking at the departure point.

 

[Diane Kinney]

Hi Ian,
I walked Leon to SDC mid May ending June 2. Never had an issue with accommodations staying both in albergues and private hotels. One or two were booked ahead. We noticed it was busier after Sarria but never crowded and still lots of space to walk on your own.
SDC was busy but it was busy last September also. I think it is just a busy but very pretty city. In early June university was ending and we were serenaded both nights by students who had been celebrating the end of the school year. Very loudly but we were finished our walk so a disturbed sleep was not such a big deal. If noise is a concern book away from the centre. It is walled city and the sound carries.
Buen Camino

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There are kids walking the route during the school year, as walking the last 100km is often organised by schools. So planning to arrive to Saria after school is out will not help you. On the contrary.

 

[Ian T]

Thanks everyone for your wonderful and helpful replies. Looks like my cunning plan to finish just before the school holidays start is scuppered. Hey ho I suppose that is life.

So I suppose for me now it is the final decision whether it is a late may start and walk in June. Or a very late August start and walk in September.

I am lucky as I retire next year so years of dreaming can come true I just like the warm weather.

Ian

 

[Al the optimist]

Yes there are more from Sarria. I have arrived in Santiago on the 10th of June, 1st of July and 9th of September from the Frances. Also this year after joining from the Norte at Arzua on July 2nd. When I arrived last year on September 9th I found that there were a lot more people towards the end than I had previously encountered and more than when I joined this year or in previous ones. As is often noted there are more walking each year anyway. Such a small sample is hardly conclusive though is it? But my impression is be that arriving late June/early July seems less crowded. However when walking "the wrong way" from Astorga to Leon on the 7th to 9th of June this year I was astounded by the procession coming towards me every few hundred meters! Maybe it was because I was headed towards them as opposed to being part of a daisy chain that it made such an impression? Then again it could be that the Mozarabe and Via de Plata had been sparsely populated? Wheneveryou choose will work out. Just don't get tied up with over planning and worrying - it will work itself out. Buen Camino