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Mataelpino - Cercedilla 13 km's Like a rest day. Suggestions on things to do here?
Cigunuela - Castromonte 24 km's
Castromonte - Cuenca de Campos 35 km's
Cuenca de Campos - Sahagun 40 km's
Bet you knew I would jump at the bait.But I have to say you've stumped me. No great way to do this in 11 days, IMO, with a late start on Day 1.
If you could get to Colmenar on Day 1 (but that's 35 for day 1, and I bet you won't start walking till 11 am or so, right?), you could then go Day 2 to Cercedilla, which would be about 34. There is really nothing to do in Cercedilla, it's a jumping off point for the Navacerrada mountains. Lots of vacation homes, a couple of good restaurants. I have never gotten total clarity about the Cercedilla - Valsaín option, but if you got to Navacerrada on Day 2, Day 3 could be Navacerrada to Valsaín (off camino), Day 4 could then take you beyond Segovia/Zamarramala.
How did you come up with 40 for Cuenca de Campos to Sahagún? I'm afraid that may be short, but I remember not having good information on distances there. Mundicamino puts Vilallón to Sahagún at 43, but that seems high. Wikiloc tracs show 38. Cuenca de Campos is about 5 km before Vilallón, so total from Cuenca to Sahagún could be anywhere between 43 and 48.
One other thing I would play around with is that there is no need to stop in Sahagún since there are albergues 3 and 10 km after Sahagun. You could stop in Grajal de Campos for instance (that's where Kinky stayed in the soon-to-be-opened albergue in the old jail, though I've not heard if it has totally opened), and then the next day continue on to Burgo Ranero.
Take the Cercanías train up to the mountains to make some hiking.
You may consider to make: Ciguñuela-Medina de Rioseco; Medina de Rioseco-Villalón de Campos and Villalón de Campos-Sahagún.
In Cercedilla you can take the train to Puerto de Navacerrada. In Puerto de Navacerrada there is a chairlift to reach the mountain top of Bola del Mundo. Spectacular views of Sierra de Madrid and both Mesetas.
Pelegrin:
This sounds like a great suggestion if I do a short day here. Thank you.
Joe
Bet you knew I would jump at the bait.But I have to say you've stumped me. No great way to do this in 11 days, IMO, with a late start on Day 1.
If you could get to Colmenar on Day 1 (but that's 35 for day 1, and I bet you won't start walking till 11 am or so, right?), you could then go Day 2 to Cercedilla, which would be about 34. There is really nothing to do in Cercedilla, it's a jumping off point for the Navacerrada mountains. Lots of vacation homes, a couple of good restaurants. I have never gotten total clarity about the Cercedilla - Valsaín option, but if you got to Navacerrada on Day 2, Day 3 could be Navacerrada to Valsaín (off camino), Day 4 could then take you beyond Segovia/Zamarramala.
How did you come up with 40 for Cuenca de Campos to Sahagún? I'm afraid that may be short, but I remember not having good information on distances there. Mundicamino puts Vilallón to Sahagún at 43, but that seems high. Wikiloc tracs show 38. Cuenca de Campos is about 5 km before Vilallón, so total from Cuenca to Sahagún could be anywhere between 43 and 48.
One other thing I would play around with is that there is no need to stop in Sahagún since there are albergues 3 and 10 km after Sahagun. You could stop in Grajal de Campos for instance (that's where Kinky stayed in the soon-to-be-opened albergue in the old jail, though I've not heard if it has totally opened), and then the next day continue on to Burgo Ranero.
Laurie:
Ok, so I am thinking of going straight from Chamartin to the Plaza de Castilla. This will give me the best opportunity to make Colmenar the first day. So, if I make Colmenar on the first day, will I be able to find accommodation w/o having a reservation?
Joe
What about Cigunuela-Valverde de Campos, Valverde de Campos-Villalon de Campos, Villalon de Campos-Sahagun???
Well, it's an option but IMHO Medina de Rioseco deserves a visit and the best way to make it would be staying overnight there. In fact, I'd say that just the Santiago church in Medina de Rioseco justifies by itself the stay in Medina de Rioseco and there's much more to discover... Medina de Rioseco is also bigger and has more services than Valverde de Campos.
I got kind of lost in Colmenar when I got past the church and to the market. As I remember the Camino goes to the right, then left, right through a street with family houses and again to the right and you're out of the city.You have chosen a good month to do C. Madrid. Fields are green. Tomorrow I'm going to do Tres Cantos --- Manzanares to find the right way through Colmenar (last time I got lost) and enjoy again the view of Pedriza and Yelmo from the hill. Lunch in Manzanares and back to Madrid
I wasn't really lost, Joe, it's just getting to know more of the pueblo and its inhabitantsI find it interesting that everyone says this Camino is well marked. Yet, almost each one of you talk about getting lost.
Joe
Well, it's an option but IMHO Medina de Rioseco deserves a visit and the best way to make it would be staying overnight there. In fact, I'd say that just the Santiago church in Medina de Rioseco justifies by itself the stay in Medina de Rioseco and there's much more to discover... Medina de Rioseco is also bigger and has more services than Valverde de Campos.
The options in Colmenar are limited. I stayed in Hostal Chiscón, it was relatively charmless, but fine. I remember a decent breakfast. There are some other opt
Hi to everyone.
Today I visited Colmenar. I think that the route throughout the town is now very well marked. After ermita de Santa Ana there are lots of yellow arrows towards the church. After the church turn on your left. It takes about 20 minutes crossing Colmenar. It is a big town.
I called a mobilphone number that I saw in the street (626 88 22 37). I spoke with a woman called Chabeli who offers rooms (20 euros). If you are interested, when getting near the church ask someone where is Mercadona (a popular supermarket). In Mercadona phone this number asking for a room. The place is very near in C/Tinte. (A bit complicated but it is what I found) She told me that she had two pilgrims in that moment . I didn´t see the place.
Fields are very green and there is a lot of snow up on the mountains. Now there must be snow on the Camino in both sides of Puerto de la Fuenfria .
Hi to everyone.
Today I visited Colmenar. I think that the route throughout the town is now very well marked. After ermita de Santa Ana there are lots of yellow arrows towards the church. After the church turn on your left. It takes about 20 minutes crossing Colmenar. It is a big town.
I called a mobilphone number that I saw in the street (626 88 22 37). I spoke with a woman called Chabeli who offers rooms (20 euros). If you are interested, when getting near the church ask someone where is Mercadona (a popular supermarket). In Mercadona phone this number asking for a room. The place is very near in C/Tinte. (A bit complicated but it is what I found) She told me that she had two pilgrims in that moment . I didn´t see the place.
Fields are very green and there is a lot of snow up on the mountains. Now there must be snow on the Camino in both sides of Puerto de la Fuenfria .
Thanks so much Pelegrin. Having first hand information makes things so much easier. Joe, will you have a phone in Spain?
Pelegrin:
Thank you for this information. I am hoping the long range forecast changes. Currently 50 and rain for Thursday.
Joe
Well Joe, you know, it's your Camino. But still better than "opening a boutique" (Monty Python quote)Thank you gentlemen. Looks like I am in for a few wet and cold days. I might bring another shirt and my trax.
Joe
Wishing you well JoeA quick last look at the forecast through the weekend indicates temps in the single digits above and below 0 for the first few days. That said, not a lot of precipitation. I will probably bring another shirt but leave the snow trax at home.
I am in the hands of the Camino and Mother Nature. Just how I like it.
Ultreya,
Joe
I know exactly when you went wrong, Joe. I think I mentioned that in my diary. I went straight and retraced after kilometer or so. Then common sense told me to go right (OK, left on return). But 40k on your first day is awsome!!!Am currently in Colmenar Viejo. A long day because I got lost leaving Madrid. Once in Madrid after the route go by some tennis courts. I just kept walking turned left and followed signs towards Furnecal (sp.) Cemetery and picked up arrows shortly after crossing highway. Second time I was not so lucky. Shortly after leaving Madrid through the tunnel under the highway. I stopped seeing arrows. When I came to a fork I turned left after wandering around for an hour, I found a way back while not going backwards. I recommend when in doubt go right. The train and Highway are in that direction. Once I hit the train tracks the route basically runs along side the tracks or in between the railway and Highway all the way to Tres Cantos. The Camino does not go through TC. So I just kept walking to Colmenar Viejo. Eight hours and 40K, I am at Hostel Chabeli. 20€. Way marking from TC to Colmenar Viejo is great. Only one questionable place. About half way a marker is lying on the ground. Its arrow is pointing back at you. It belongs on the other side of the road. Just keep walking straight ahead. Time for food and a good night's sleep.
Ultreya,
Joe
I know exactly when you went wrong, Joe. I think I mentioned that in my diary. I went straight and retraced after kilometer or so. Then common sense told me to go right (OK, left on return). But 40k on your first day is awsome!!!
About the marker after TC in that valley I guess - I've made a mistake there and went right up the hill and came to tarmac bici track all the way to Colmenar. Ouch for my feet and blister developed that wouldn't go away for two months... Good for you kept straight on!
Ultreia!
I remember that spot. Did you get very close to the building after taking right, I mean just a few meters? Or was it like 20 or more?From Colmenar Viejo to Mataelpino is a beautiful walk. Only one questionable place. About half way to Manzanares el real, after you pass under the highway and cross a stone bridge, you will see conflicting arrows one left, one right. I chose right and it seems the correct choice. That said, I am not sure where left went.
Joe
I remember that spot. Did you get very close to the building after taking right, I mean just a few meters? Or was it like 20 or more?
Yes, the hostel after Cercedilla is few meters on left from the Camino.
I remember that spot. Did you get very close to the building after taking right, I mean just a few meters? Or was it like 20 or more?
Yes, the hostel after Cercedilla is few meters on left from the Camino.
Enjoy Mataelpino. As I remember it has everything and from last year also albergue.Kinkyone :
I have decided to stay in Mataelpino. The albergue is pristine. Still have not seen another Peregrino. This is a beautiful walk today. Manzanares was spectacular located at the base of the mountains with the lake in front. Another stop where the Camino does not go into the town but skirts by it. The walk was very enjoyable today. A little chilly in the morning but sunny all day. Tomorrow the steeper days begin. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy this beautiful albergue.
Joe
Am currently in Colmenar Viejo. A long day because I got lost leaving Madrid. Once in Madrid after the route go by some tennis courts. I just kept walking turned left and followed signs towards Furnecal (sp.) Cemetery and picked up arrows shortly after crossing highway. Second time I was not so lucky. Shortly after leaving Madrid through the tunnel under the highway. I stopped seeing arrows. When I came to a fork I turned left after wandering around for an hour, I found a way back while not going backwards. I recommend when in doubt go right. The train and Highway are in that direction. Once I hit the train tracks the route basically runs along side the tracks or in between the railway and Highway all the way to Tres Cantos. The Camino does not go through TC. So I just kept walking to Colmenar Viejo. Eight hours and 40K, I am at Hostel Chabeli. 20€. Way marking from TC to Colmenar Viejo is great. Only one questionable place. About half way a marker is lying on the ground. Its arrow is pointing back at you. It belongs on the other side of the road. Just keep walking straight ahead. Time for food and a good night's sleep.
Ultreya,
Joe
Hey Joe, are there special instructions for finding Hostel Chabeli? We have reservations at El Chiscon, but it's rather spendy. I don't remember seeing Chabeli on the Camino Route. Help?
Can someone who speaks Spanish tell me what the charge is for a pilgrim spending the night here, according to this flyer? I'm not sure what the abbreviations stand for.
Cercedilla to Segovia. A seven hour slog. This might be one of my toughest days ever on the Camino. About 2 km's from the Puerto there was snow about 6 inches. Very slippery climb up. Only to be met by an average 12 inches of snow for the next two hours with 2 foot drifts. I needed snow shoes. Couple of times I sank up to my knees. It then started to snow which changed to sleet. This tops my San Salvador. I have to stop walking so early in the year.
Any one thinking about this route soon, I hope you like snow. Snow shoes would have been helpful.
Stopped in first bar I saw to eat and he recommended Hostal Christina. Seems ok (26€) , I was to tired to look for albergue.
Ultreya
Joe
Joe,
Stay warm, stay dry and most importantly, stay safe! Do you have gaiters? If not short plastic bags over your socks work well.
Margaret Meredith
Cercedilla to Segovia. A seven hour slog. This might be one of my toughest days ever on the Camino. About 2 km's from the Puerto there was snow about 6 inches. Very slippery climb up. Only to be met by an average 12 inches of snow for the next two hours with 2 foot drifts. I needed snow shoes. Couple of times I sank up to my knees. It then started to snow which changed to sleet. This tops my San Salvador. I have to stop walking so early in the year.
Any one thinking about this route soon, I hope you like snow. Snow shoes would have been helpful.
Stopped in first bar I saw to eat and he recommended Hostal Christina. Seems ok (26€) , I was to tired to look for albergue.
Ultreya
Joe
Cercedilla to Segovia. A seven hour slog. This might be one of my toughest days ever on the Camino. About 2 km's from the Puerto there was snow about 6 inches. Very slippery climb up. Only to be met by an average 12 inches of snow for the next two hours with 2 foot drifts. I needed snow shoes. Couple of times I sank up to my knees. It then started to snow which changed to sleet. This tops my San Salvador. I have to stop walking so early in the year.
Any one thinking about this route soon, I hope you like snow. Snow shoes would have been helpful.
Stopped in first bar I saw to eat and he recommended Hostal Christina. Seems ok (26€) , I was to tired to look for albergue.
Ultreya
Joe
Hola Joe,
I 'm glad you had finished well this very tough stage. It has been a rainy morning in Madrid and I know very well that route. I hope the fog has not been very thick and you have found previous steps on the snow to make your walk easier.
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