Only one week - which stage do you suggest?

[Dhasagirl]

Sorry if this question has been asked (and answered) before! We have only one week to walk the Camino, and are wondering which segment/stage people suggest, and where to start. We're coming from Arles, in late May. We're in okay shape, but not great, so thought best not to start in St. Jean! Pamplona?? Burgos?? Leon?? Also, someone has suggested we just walk the Arles Route, maybe beginning in Montpellier? Any thoughts on that?

thanks, Dhasagirl

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If you plan to visit Santiago de Compostela, then start in Sarria. It will take you about five days, so you can spend time in Santiago, or head for Fisterra/Muxia on foot or by bus. It is not a flat part of the route, so the hill challenges will be aerobic enough!

 

[Laerke]

I just walked from Leon to Santiago, spend two weeks, and recommend the stretch Leon to Sarria. The way is absolutely beautiful and after Sarria it starts to crowd up with people only walking the last 100 km. Sarria - Santiago is also nice but I preferred Leon - Sarria

 

[jpflavin1]

Dhasagirl:

If you want to end up in Santiago you could walk the Camino Ingles or as Falcon suggested start in Sarria. If reaching Santiago is not your goal, you could walk the San Salvador (Leon to Oviedo). Should you be planning to return and walk you could walk any entire route ( starting point optional) and finish the walk in annual segments like many others do.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Mark Lee]

I'd recommend the Sarria to Santiago option.
Keep it simple and if you really like it, maybe one day walk a more extended Camino.
Don't be put off by the prospects of many other pilgrims along the way. It get's a bit blown out of proportion on this forum. Yeah, it can get a bit crowded, but I never had a problem finding a bed on either Camino.
The Camino is only getting more popular and thus more people. I think that's cool. After all, isn't that one of the beauties of a pilgrimage?

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

Although probably not helpful to you, I would suggest you quit your job, sell your house, or get rid of whatever is holding you back to one week, and walk the entire CF route On a serious note, I would walk a section toward the end of the CF, maybe start around Samos. You will be past most of the "hills" by then, and will still be in the beautiful countryside. Buen Camino!!

 

[Kathy F.]

Do you want to eventually walk the entire way? Or are you not sure this is for you and just want to walk the "best" part?