Norte or Frances?

Casserole

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2009 - Solo, SJPdP to Finisterre
2018 - Daughter (2) and Hubby, Sarria to SdC

• Apr 19, 2018

• #1

UPDATE: I'm pretty sure I found the answer to my question, but I still love hearing about others experiences!

Hi, all!

I did Frances solo back in 2009. I have finally convinced my husband to do part of The Camino with me! He isn't much into hiking and we will be doing it with our 2 year old.

My question is, to convert him do I take him on Norte or Frances? Since he dislikes hiking so much, we are just going to do the last 100k. I know its crowded and kind of annoying, but beggars can't be choosers.

Any insight on the Northern route would be much appreciated since I've never done it.

Thank you!!

 

Last edited: Apr 19, 2018

VNwalking

Out walking

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Yearly and Various 2014-2019
Via Monastica 2022

• Apr 19, 2018

• #2

You have choices. If your husband dislikes walking, the more diversions and non-walking goodies, the better.
The Norte will likely be less crowded.
Also consider that there are also the Ingles, the Sanabres from Orense, and the Portugues. All of these will be less of a zoo than the Frances. Hot springs in Orense aside, the Portugues might be a nice compromise. Well...do take this with a grain of salt. I am just saying that, based on zero first-hand knowledge.

 

Anamiri

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2017, 2019 Camino Frances

• Apr 19, 2018

• #3

Even though its busier than the early parts it is still beautiful. Is it important to get a Compostela? If not you could do a different 100kms of the Frances, or even the Finisterre Muxia Camino.
(If you have a 2 year old, you probably want frequent villages as a distraction).

 

L

Lucy Keenan

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016 Northern Route, 2017 Santiago to Muxia and Fisterra. 2018 Frances, 2018 Ingles, 2019 Portugues

• Apr 19, 2018

• #4

If you have a little one and weather is nice, it would be worth doing some of the Norte or the Finisterre Muxia walk. Then you have the sea.

 

BeatriceKarjalainen

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Finished: See post signature.
Doing: C. Levante

• Apr 19, 2018

• #5

Last 40 of Norte is the most boring part of Frances I think and a lot of people so it will almost be the same but I say Norte in that case.Will you carry the kid or a sulky?

Alternatives if a compostela is required:
I really liked Camino Inglés. Fisterra-Muxía-SdC is also good (yes I did get a compostela for that route). Starting in the beautiful town of Valenca in Portugal could be an option as well. It is a little more than 100 but worth it instead of starting in Tui.