Route marked between Vila do Conde and Arcos?

[Rowena]

Hi,
I’m planning to walk from Porto in mid-October, taking the Senda Litoral as far as Vila do Conde, then crossing over to the Central route. I’m wondering how well the crossover route is marked. Can I just follow the markers, or do I need detailed maps?
I would also appreciate comments on the availability of beds at that time of year. I would rather not pre-book anything except the first and last night.
Thanks,
Rowena

 

[JillGat]

I found the crossover from Vila do Conde easily. It was marked. I just walked it in June and it was not crowded at all. If you want to stay at Casa de Fernanda, you should make a reservation, though.

 

[David Tallan]

What JillGat said. Basically, you just cross the bridge into Vila do Conde and turn right and walk along the river. The route markers won't be too hard to find. I also had the route laid out on my TrailSmart app as a backup, but I don't remember any challenges with the marking from when I walked it last October.

 

[Rowena]

Thank you for your help.

 

[trecile]

I downloaded KML tracks for the Camino routes in Portugal, and it looks like there are two different routes to cross over to the Central route from Vila do Conde??

One that goes to Rates (red), and one to Arcos (orange)?

Which is the best way? Hopefully with the KML tracks on Maps.me we won't have a problem finding our way.

 

[David Tallan]

My TrailSmart app took me to Arcos and it was relatively well marked and straightforward. I can't speak to the other route, as I've never walked it.

 

[Rowena]

Brierley indicates that the route through Beirut to Rates is not recommended as waymarks have been mostly removed to discourage its use. However, he does give instructions for the route, as well as for the one that goes through Junqueira to Arcos.

 

[trecile]

Brierley indicates that the route through Beirut to Rates is not recommended

I would think that going through Beirut would be really out of the way.
(Sorry, I know it was a typo, but I couldn't resist)

 

[JillGat]

I would think that going through Beirut would be really out of the way.
(Sorry, I know it was a typo, but I couldn't resist)

I was JUST getting ready to post this identical response.

 

[Rowena]

Yes well, sorry, it’s that overly helpful auto correct again. I actually typed Beiriz!

 

[Rowena]

A slightly related question:
Has anyone tried staying at the Parque Campismo Sol in Vila Chã, between Matosinhos and Vila do Conde? Brierley mentions it, and suggests it is as cheap as 5 Euros. (I checked for typos this time!)

 

[David Tallan]

A slightly related question:
Has anyone tried staying at the Parque Campismo Sol in Vila Chã, between Matosinhos and Vila do Conde? Brierley mentions it, and suggests it is as cheap as 5 Euros. (I checked for typos this time!)

I didn't stay there, but rather at the donativo Albergue S. Mamede de Vila Chã, which was very nice and included, on the grounds, a museum to the local fishing industry.