Maps

[Jme]

I currently have a copy of John Brielys guidebook to the Camino Frances and I’m wondering if the basic maps and descriptions in the guide are sufficient to guide me or should I purchase more maps? Thank you

 

[stratophile]

The waymarkings are generally excellent through most of the Camino Francés. It is unlikely you will get seriously lost assuming you aren't doing a winter walk. If you do wander off-route, odds are very likely that someone will point you back in the correct direction before you've gone too far.

The main benefit of maps is exploring what's around you that might not be directly on the Camino and on making it easier to find the albergues - at the end of a long walk, it's nice to easily find exactly where the albergue is without any more searching than is absolutely necessary.

 

[jmcarp]

I currently have a copy of John Brielys guidebook to the Camino Frances and I’m wondering if the basic maps and descriptions in the guide are sufficient to guide me or should I purchase more maps? Thank you

The route is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols. We found the Brierley maps, in combination with the arrows and scallop shell symbols to be perfectly adequate, although you do need to keep alert for the arrows and symbols. You'll soon find yourself particularly alert--seemingly almost subconciously so--for spotting yellow arrows. It is possible to occasionally miss one, but as noted by others, someone always seems to pop up and point you back in the right direction.

One thing to note about the Brierley maps: they are schematic in nature and not to relative scale. They only include things that are pertinent to the Camino route and few other primary landmarks. So if you're expecting them to be more comprehensive, you'll be disappointed.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above input about the CF is very well marked. I would add that I used a GPS app on my iPhone that when used in conjunction with the distances noted on the Brierley maps made life very easy. I'm not suggesting that you need a GPS but I was using one anyway to record my track for my friends and family back home anyway so it came in handy!

 

[mcopeland]

We skipped the weight of the guide and downloaded Brierley's maps-only kindle app to our cell phone. Not only does it have great zoomable maps but lists of places to stay, approx. cost and what options are available (bunkbed, private, meals, etc.).

 

[RobertS26]

Can you follow yellow arrows? If so a separate map is absolutely unnecessary. Brierley's guidebook will be more than enough.

 

[mcopeland]

Used the map for: alternate routes, how far to walk tomorrow (and what's the altitude change), and most importantly, how far to the next bar.