Obtaining a credencial

[bradders]

Hi
I'm planning to fly to Madrid on Sun 1st of June before catching a bus to Astorga where I intend to begin my walk the following day. I have booked a hotel in Astorga that night however will be looking to stay in Alberques for the remainder of the trip. Am I best to try and get a credencial in Astorga that night or will I be able to get one in Rabanal del Camino when I arrive there the following day?
I can't seem to find anything definitive despite searching the forums.

Many thanks.

 

[Tincatinker]

Why not obtain a Credencial from your local association or from one of the on-line sources such as Peterborough Pilgrims (please make an appropriate donation) before you depart.

 

[bradders]

Thanks Tincatinker. Am trying now to source one at home but if it doesn't arrive in time are they available in the smaller town or just the cities?

 

[Tincatinker]

Sorry mate I can't be certain about availability. You could certainly pick one up in Leon but your joining the route after Leon... On other threads its been commented that you don't have to have a credencial as such, just collect the sellos to show you have walked. Nothing to stop you making your own, and asking at every Albergue if they have one of the official ones.

 

[peregrino_tom]

bradders
I haven't been on the CF for a few years but I'm almost certain that you can swing by the main albergue in Astorga and pick one up the evening you arrive. An albergue in a big place like Astorga is going to have a stock of credencials. You can then get it stamped there as the starting place, even if you are not actually staying in the albergue. Last few times I've been picking up my credencial the day or evening before starting, whether that be in an albergue (Irun), a church (Lisbon) or a café (Villaviciosa)
cheers, tom

 

[whariwharangi]

This link is Confraternity of St James page that describes where to get a credencial.

http://www.csj.org.uk/how-to-get-a-credencial.htm

This is the Pilgrim Office point of view:

http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/pilgri ... redencial/

 

[piogaw]

you should be able to pick up a credencial at the municipal albergue in astorga. if not they should be able to direct you where to pick up one, or try the cathedral de santa maria de astorga.

buen camino.

 

[SYates]

... On other threads its been commented that you don't have to have a credencial as such, just collect the sellos to show you have walked. Nothing to stop you making your own, and asking at every Albergue if they have one of the official ones.

That might work for sleeping in the albergues, but, at least officially, will make it more difficult to obtain a Compostela at the end. SY

 

[bradders]

Thanks to all of you who replied. The postman has just delivered my credencial from the Peterborough Pilgrims so I'm all set for my departure on Saturday.

Cheers, Bradders.

 

[Alan Pearce]

re the comment that other threads have said that it is not necessary to have a credential - I know of some albergues where you absolutely cannot stay unless you have a credential. I saw one pilgrim last year with lots of stamps from previous stages, but only carried loose and not in a credential, refused entry to an albergue. The angrier he got, the more implaccable the hospitalero became.

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[SYates]

... The angrier he got, the more implaccable the hospitalero became.

...

Getting angry rarely helps, but is understandable if you are tired from walking. I agree, carrying an official credencial helps to avoid problems and If you like, you still can carry, and get stamped, your DIY or scrapbook style one ;-) SY