Ourense or Sarria for Solo Walker

[kjswope]

I have been planning on walking from Sarria to Santiago in April, but am reading that Ourense is a more scenic and peaceful route. I am female and will be walking alone so am curious if there are enough people on the Via de la Plata at that time of the year to feel safe or if I should stick with the more populated Sarria to Santiago route. Thank you in advance for your guidance!

 

[Mark McCarthy]

It is worth following Sarah Dhooma's video on the Via de la Plata. She should be arriving at Ourense soon.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Actually, I think it is more scenic from Sarria; except for the climb out of Ourense, it is pretty dull, particularly the closer you get to Santiago.

From Sarria, the terrain is varied right up to the entry to Santiago over the "freeway."

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Yeah -- I know you don't have to start at SJPdeP.... Yeah, I know you don't have to walk Sarria to SdeC....

Except that you do, at least once! They've become ritual rites of passage in 'Contemporary Camino Land'.

Save Ourense for next time.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I have been planning on walking from Sarria to Santiago in April, but am reading that Ourense is a more scenic and peaceful route. I am female and will be walking alone so am curious if there are enough people on the Via de la Plata at that time of the year to feel safe or if I should stick with the more populated Sarria to Santiago route. Thank you in advance for your guidance!

April is quiet, Sarria, no doubt

 

[Saint Mike II]

April is quiet, Sarria, no doubt

Provided you are walking a week or so after the Easter Festival (this year roughly the last weekend in March and first weekend in April).

 

[kjswope]

Thanks all for the advice...I've decided to keep my original plans in place and leave from Sarria.

 

[maggiec]

I have been planning on walking from Sarria to Santiago in April, but am reading that Ourense is a more scenic and peaceful route. I am female and will be walking alone so am curious if there are enough people on the Via de la Plata at that time of the year to feel safe or if I should stick with the more populated Sarria to Santiago route. Thank you in advance for your guidance!

The Sanabres is certainly less populated and as a woman, I would not walk it alone. It is rugged and quite isolated but yes, stunningly beautiful. Guess it depends how adventurous you are. Why not try the Ingles or Portugues?