My Camino ended a few hours ago sadly, need to get back to UK asap

[grumpygit]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

 

[Former member 108241]

So sorry to hear your awful news @grumpygit I hope you work out your plans to get home to your loved ones soon. Take care of yourself.

 

[Purky]

My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

Bilbao Airport works too. Vueling flies direct to London Gatwick. Train from Logrono to Bilbao Airport.
My condolences.

 

[Kirkie]

Dear grumpygit, so sorry. RIP your dad.

 

[Kathar1na]

@grumpygit, this is sad news. My condolences.

Having travelled from and to various starting points and endpoints on the Camino Francés myself and also having organised this for family members from the UK, here are the options I can think of, assuming that you want to return to London and any London airport is ok:

Flights from Madrid, Bilbao and Biarritz are good options. I would tend to regard Madrid as the best option. There are currently available flights from all these three airports to London, even late this afternoon Friday 19 May. easyJet and Iberia Express from Madrid, Vueling from Bilbao and a very late (21:35 departure) Ryanair flight from Biarritz.

There are Alsa buses from Logroño to Madrid Barajas airport, duration is 4 hours. There is one direct bus this afternoon at 15:00, the 16:00 is fully booked, and there are others that go to Madrid but without a stop at the airport. More buses, obviously, on Saturday tomorrow.

There appear to be no direct Alsa buses from Logroño to the airports of Bilbao and Biarritz. From memory, various combinations of two bus connections are a good option but I did not check how suitable their schedules are for your situation. Taxi from Logroño to Bilbao is an option (1h 30 m, apparently in the €150 region).

Please let us know if we can provide more specific practical help.

 

[Flog]

Very sorry for your loss, hope you find an easy passage home..

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I suggest go to Skyscanner and input Spain to UK and tomorrow's date and see what comes up.

 

[dougfitz]

My condolences for your loss. That is sad news.

 

[mspath]

grumpygit,
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

 

[naplesdon]

I had to bail for a similar reason on my Camino in 2019 which I had started in Le Puy and upon arriving in Hontanas, I learned my sister was in the ICU. Fortunately I knew my way around that region after working at San Anton and was able to get to Bilbao early enough in the morning to catch a flight to the US. I only say this because I think Bilbao from Logrono might be your quickest route home, I have taken the buses from Logrono several times, they are fast and efficient. May your father RIP!

 

[henrythedog]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

I’m sorry for your loss.

Madrid probably best option.

 

[linkster]

I am soryy for your loss. I pray that you and your family find peace!

 

[Dem]

Sending you and your family deepest condolences ~ blessings on you beloved Dad ~ safe travels ~

 

[shefollowsshells]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

So sorry for your loss dear pilgrim!
Travel safe!
Sending love!

 

[flewitheagles]

grumpygit, I also pray that you will find comfort after the loss and that you will quickly and smoothly return home. I also pray that you will be able to return to your pilgrimage, perhaps with new meaning for you in it.

 

[Rex]

So sorry for your loss. Logrono to Bilbao looks like your best option per Rome2Rio app.
May your father Rest in Peace and you be comforted by those who loved him and love you in your loss.

 

[FLEUR]

Sorry to hear your sad news and I hope your journey home will be straightforward.
Remember the Camino will always be there. So come back when you can and pick up where you left off.

 

[VeronicaF1]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

Bus to Bilbao and flight from there

 

[WalkinRon]

I am so sorry for your loss. May the support from all over the world of the many, many members of this community make navigating this bend in the road just a bit easier.

 

[Leaderene]

So sorry for your loss, hopefully you will get to return at some time in the future. Until then sending love to you and your family.

 

[Lindsay53]

So sorry for your loss. Hope it all works out for you.

 

[t2andreo]

When you return to finish your Camino - and you will - bring the exact credential and restart at the place you ended this section of your planned Camino. Alternately, you can restart form the beginning with a new credencial.

Remember to dedicate your Camino to your late father. At the Pilgrim Office, request your Compostela "In Vicare Pro" (your father's first and last name).

Hope this helps. Please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of your father.

Tom

 

[hikinggirl]

@grumpygit, this is sad news. My condolences.

Having travelled from and to various starting points and endpoints on the Camino Francés myself and also having organised this for family members from the UK, here are the options I can think of, assuming that you want to return to London and any London airport is ok:

Flights from Madrid, Bilbao and Biarritz are good options. I would tend to regard Madrid as the best option. There are currently available flights from all these three airports to London, even late this afternoon Friday 19 May. easyJet and Iberia Express from Madrid, Vueling from Bilbao and a very late (21:35 departure) Ryanair flight from Biarritz.

There are Alsa buses from Logroño to Madrid Barajas airport, duration is 4 hours. There is one direct bus this afternoon at 15:00, the 16:00 is fully booked, and there are others that go to Madrid but without a stop at the airport. More buses, obviously, on Saturday tomorrow.

There appear to be no direct Alsa buses from Logroño to the airports of Bilbao and Biarritz. From memory, various combinations of two bus connections are a good option but I did not check how suitable their schedules are for your situation. Taxi from Logroño to Bilbao is an option (1h 30 m, apparently in the €150 region).

Please let us know if we can provide more specific practical help.

What a lovely, generous person you are! Bless you!

 

[pelerine]

Bilbao Airport works too. Vueling flies direct to London Gatwick. Train from Logrono to Bilbao Airport.
My condolences.

Purky! Have not seen you for ages! Last time telling us about somebody who died - cannot remember. How are you doing? Sorry, not the subject of this thread.....

 

[pelerine]

Sorry about your loss. Hope you manage to get back home quickly!
And eveutually back to your camino....

 

[EvleenMann]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

So sorry to hear that. You will be able to finish it another day. I interrupted mine at Burgos 5 years ago and finished this year! It was still wonderful

 

[Bill's_Walking]

So sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[Drumbo_hiker]

So sorry for your loss!
We had to bail from the Norte on day 1 of the 2nd half (Ribadesella) in 3019 when my mother died unexpectedly. Thanks to COVID it was 2022 when we were able to resume, but the Camino was there for us, as it will be for you when you able/ready.
May your father rest in peace.

 

[aussieredhat]

Condolences to you & your family
bus to pamplona
Fly Pamplona to Heathrow

 

[grumpygit]

Thanks for all the lovely messages.
Sadly none of the many people I met on the camino know I am no longer with them because of the rush to leave.
Was looking forward to ending the walking next month with many of them.

Now in San Sebastian(now 7am) and now just need to get to biarritz where I have a flight today

 

[Stivandrer]

Get home safe
The Camino awaits to be revisited....

 

[Kirkie]

Thanks for all the lovely messages.
Sadly none of the many people I met on the camino know I am no longer with them because of the rush to leave.
Was looking forward to ending the walking next month with many of them.

Now in San Sebastian(now 7am) and now just need to get to biarritz where I have a flight today

Be with your people. Later, decide next steps. Prayer for you all.

 

[VNwalking]

Safe journey home, @grumpygit .
So sorry...condolences for the double loss. Your Dad, and your walk. Prayers for ease, all around.

 

[WGroleau]

I suspect I am too late to help OP, but I've gone from Logroño to London and from Burgos to London by bus in less than 24 hours. Rome2Río claims that it can be done by train in 12, 13, or 14 hours depending on route.

 

[alexwalker]

My deepest condolances. And to add to it, you also had to leave newfound friends without any explanation. I am very sorry for you. But better days will come, when you can re-take your Camino and once more make new friends.

 

[Celi Anatrella]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

May your dad rest in peace! Sorry you had to end your camino thus way. Return to walk in his memory sometime maybe.

 

[grumpygit]

Returned to the UK last night to a perfect Spring British evening and a reflective drive home with a perfect sunset. Woke up early this morning as it seems my body is still on Camino timing/mode and was ready to take up a 10 kg rucksack.

Sadly I have not heard from anyone I was talking to on the pilgrimage, they will all be around the Belorado region right now, I suppose some of us thought there would be plenty of time for swapping numbers later.
Big part of this Camino for me was the hope of dealing with some serious issues I had with my Dad and the fact we rarely talked since my wonderful Mothers death several years ago.
Seems ironic that he would be the reason that this important Camino for myself would be cancelled because of him.
Anyway, thanks for the help and advice and kind words and it's now time for me to start making plans for the coming week and hopefully I will return to Northern Spain one day x

 

[Kathy F.]

I’m very sorry for this news. Go be with your family and friends. The Camino wI’ll always be here waiting. Peace.

 

[alexwalker]

Returned to the UK last night to a perfect Spring British evening and a reflective drive home with a perfect sunset. Woke up early this morning as it seems my body is still on Camino timing/mode and was ready to take up a 10 kg rucksack.

Sadly I have not heard from anyone I was talking to on the pilgrimage, they will all be around the Belorado region right now, I suppose some of us thought there would be plenty of time for swapping numbers later.
Big part of this Camino for me was the hope of dealing with some serious issues I had with my Dad and the fact we rarely talked since my wonderful Mothers death several years ago.
Seems ironic that he would be the reason that this important Camino for myself would be cancelled because of him.
Anyway, thanks for the help and advice and kind words and it's now time for me to start making plans for the coming week and hopefully I will return to Northern Spain one day x

Good to read that you managed so swiftly.

I am sure there are many of your Camino friends here on the Forum who has had you in their thoughts this weekend.

 

[Flog]

Sadly I have not heard from anyone I was talking to on the pilgrimage, they will all be around the Belorado region right now, I suppose some of us thought there would be plenty of time for swapping numbers later.
Big part of this Camino for me was the hope of dealing with some serious issues I had with my Dad and the fact we rarely talked since my wonderful Mothers death several years ago.
Seems ironic that he would be the reason that this important Camino for myself would be cancelled because of him.

But you did what you could.. Things happen for a reason and it'll all make sense down the road. Hope you can allow yourself to find peace.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm so sorry for this sad news.
Condolences to you and your family.

 

[susanawee]

This is a little bit of a long shot but only hope of saying goodbye to some great new friends who I will no longer see.
I started the camino on the 13th May At SJPDP and this morning was due to leave Logroño.
But this morning I have been informed my Dad died in the early hours in the UK and my camino has now just ended.

Enjoyed every minute of my camino and sad it has to end. I am trying to get back to the UK ASAP if anyone has any suggestions?
My first thought is to head for Biarritz from logrono and get a flight?

I am so very sorry to read this news of your Father's passing Grumpygit. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Camino Blessings.

 

[Baggiegaz]

So sorry for your loss mate. The Camino will wait for you to return. God bless your Dad. Take good care.