LIVE from the Camino Route dilemma

[seashell]

hi, I'd appreciate some advice from anyone currently on either the Camino Frances or the del Norte. My wife and I are due to start walking on the 6th July. We're flying in to Biarritz and could either go to Irun or SJPDP to start our walk. From what we're seeing on the forums we're worried that accommodation is going to be a real problem on the Camino Frances but it seems that the infrastructure on the del Norte is also finding it difficult to cope. We're both 60 but pretty fit and healthy so aren't overly concerned by what appears to be the slightly more difficult terrain on the del Norte. Someone mentioned that the Camino Frances was becoming a procession rather than a walk on the latter stages. Is it really that bad? We enjoy company but sharing 30km each day with 1000+ other pilgrims is a little daunting. We'd very much appreciate any advice and suggestions on routes before we leave the uk on the 5th.

Buen Camino

 

[mcopeland]

We in Santiago now and so just finished the part that some are describing as the procession (having walked from St. Jean). From Sarria on, we didn't find that to be the case at all until the final day walking into Santiago and that in fact was high spirits with everyone around us. However, we stayed away from the "stages" towns, walked slower than most, left 7 am or later, booked ahead (like most,k I might add. No bed rush for us) and for sure didn't attempt to walk 30 kms a day. We in fact often walked alone for hours. Things may, of course, be different in July. The walk from Sarria on is lovely - one of our favorite parts of the Camino.

 

[Suzanne Millar]

I just finished the Frances yesterday an also before starting on 23 May from SJPDP worried about the crowds. Absolutely none!!!! Only booked ahead 2 times an stayed away from main stops for sleeping. Only times there were more people were leaving Burgo, Leon and Sarria but that was more about our arrival or leaving that happened to coincide with weekend days unfortunately. Even so seemed to still lose any crowds.
Really surprised at the lack of crowds for our stretch from Sarria.
Only once earlier on a stage we turned up to find no room in town as an albergue advertised had closed......we just walked to next town. And we were a group of 3 that turned to a group of 5 well before Sarria.

 

[Carol06]

Agree with the above. Some of those stages out of Sarria were almost solo walking. Yes a few boppy school groups but we just let them pass us. The worst were three men in their latter years, one of whom had a boom box strapped to his back with volume on full. Accommodation was fine because there is so much available in the last 100 kms.

 

[Rajy62]

I have walked both in off peak times. I would choose the Norte over Frances any time for its stunning diversity; rugged country trails, challenging coastal ascents and stunning sandy beaches. What else? northern cuisine of course.

Although you are starting in peak times, Norte will be less crowded with pilgrims. What you may not get is an opportunity to attend special mass in every town or a 'close connection' to the Camino. On the Frances, there are all sorts of monuments reminding you that you are on a Camino journey. Whichever you choose, enjoy the unique experience.

 

[maurice]

Don't plan just walk and enjoy Have a great time! Bom caminho!

 

[seashell]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply - it's much appreciated. We've been reading about the Frances for months and have only just turned our attention to the Norte and the Primitivo. I suspect that as with most things we'll finally make up our minds a couple of days beforehand. Whichever route we take I'm sure that we'll have a wonderful journey.

Buen Camino

 

[ScaryB4Coffee]

hi, I'd appreciate some advice from anyone currently on either the Camino Frances or the del Norte. My wife and I are due to start walking on the 6th July. We're flying in to Biarritz and could either go to Irun or SJPDP to start our walk. From what we're seeing on the forums we're worried that accommodation is going to be a real problem on the Camino Frances but it seems that the infrastructure on the del Norte is also finding it difficult to cope. We're both 60 but pretty fit and healthy so aren't overly concerned by what appears to be the slightly more difficult terrain on the del Norte. Someone mentioned that the Camino Frances was becoming a procession rather than a walk on the latter stages. Is it really that bad? We enjoy company but sharing 30km each day with 1000+ other pilgrims is a little daunting. We'd very much appreciate any advice and suggestions on routes before we leave the uk on the 5th.

Buen Camino

The guidebook in English is often very descriptive but not enough facts. It also doesn't give elevation. I and fellow peregrinos are supplementing it with Wise Pilgrim ($1) downloaded on the phone. It has an online map that works if you buy a sim card with internet. I tend to get lost and it saved me many times so far.