Recommended section of the camino for 5-7 days in early November?

[WalkingJosh]

Hello. I'm planning to walk a section of the Camino Frances in early November, but only can take off a 9-10 days total for the trip, and am traveling to the Camino from Chicago. Given the length of travel and connections, does anyone have advice as to which section would be best given these limitations? I'm pretty fit for a 41-year old and hiking the 20-30km / day should be fine.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Five to six days is the normal time for Sarria to Santiago. Ponferrada to Santiago would be possible if you walk 30 km days.

Stage Partial (km) Cumulative (km)
1) Ponferrada - Trabadelo 32.4 32.4
2) Trabadelo - Fonfría 30.5 62.9
3) Fonfría - Sarria 33.7 96.6
4) Sarria - Gonzar 30.5 127.1
5) Gonzar - Melide 31.4 158.5
6) Melide - Rúa 32.1 190.6
7) Rúa - Santiago de Compostela 20.8 211.4

 

[mspath]

Walking Josh,

November 1 is a public holiday in both France (Toussaint) and Spain (Día de todos los Santos ). Many families travel during this time to pay homage to their dead relatives. Hence roads and transport may be extra busy; some businesses and services, but not all, will be closed. As always BE PREPARED with what you need!

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Josh.

This is a bit of an obscure choice, but I'm thinking about transport links to and from Madrid (assuming that's where you're flying to).

Sahagun to Ponferrada. You'd see a bit of the Meseta, the lovely cities of Leon and Astorga, then enjoy a few hills and pretty villages around the Cruz de Ferro. With seven days you could walk something like;
Day 1 - Sahagun-Calzadilla de los Hermanillos (14kms just to stretch your legs and get over the flight.)
Day 2 - CdlH - Mansilla (24.5kms)
Day 3 - Mansilla - Leon (18.6kms)
Day 4 - Leon - Villar de Mazarife (22.2kms)
Day 5 - Mazarife - Astorga (31.2 kms)
Day 6 - Astorga - Rabanal/Foncebadon (21.4/27.2kms)
Day 7 - Rabanal/Foncebadon - Ponferrada (34/28.2kms)

If you wanted to spend more time anywhere you could just stop in Astorga, which is also well connected, but the bit between there and Molinaseca or Ponferrada is great if you can do it. It sets up a nice 8 or 9 days into Santiago on your next trip! Buen Camino!