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ever thought of doing the Via Alpina. It's not the Camino, but does seem to be an incredible hiking journey. (not trying to take you out of "pilgrim" mode. It is worth checking outI'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
I’m on the Madrid at the moment - fancy high quality €5 albergue la all to yourself?I'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
Thanks skevin - that's an interesting proposition. The Madrid camino does interest me. Are you totally alone there though? I don't mind the odd night on my own, but I wouldn't want every night to be like that because I'm quite a socialble person.I’m on the Madrid at the moment - fancy high quality €5 albergue la all to yourself?
It’s a very flat walk through agricultural farmland, mainly. No shade. Carry food and water etc but it’s been very pleasant. 4 stars out of 5. Under 3 weeks Madrid to Sahagun, where it joins the Frances, if you so desire.
I'd not heard of it to be honest. Just googled it and it does look beautiful, but the prospect of Switzerland does ring budget alarms for me. I really can't afford much more than about 40 euros a day. That's probably not feasible, right?ever thought of doing the Via Alpina. It's not the Camino, but does seem to be an incredible hiking journey. (not trying to take you out of "pilgrim" mode. It is worth checking out
Thanks Amancio. I definitely want to do the Plata, but rather feared I'd left it too late in the year for that now. Have you tried walking it yourself in the summer?I would say Vía de la Plata is your obvious choice, it can be hot, yes, but if you are sensible and walk at the right times, you should have no problem.
On a less sociable level, you will find stunning caminos like Lebaniego-Vadiniense, Geira-Arrieiros, Baztan, and perhaps a combo with Invierno+Fisterra/Muxia!
Generally it has been just me - sometimes one other or a couple of cyclists. No albergues from Madrid to Segovia but sufficient and affordable hostels. Excellent network of municipal albergues after. Def not a party trail but I’ve found it quite nice . Long stretches without services , carrying water etc ….Thanks skevin - that's an interesting proposition. The Madrid camino does interest me. Are you totally alone there though? I don't mind the odd night on my own, but I wouldn't want every night to be like that because I'm quite a socialble person.
Baztan, Madrid, Catalan way ....just a couple thoughts. One of our most memorable was doing the Frances from Santiago to SJPDP. Completely different.I'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
A backwards camino - intriguing! Did you find any other people doing it in that direction? I imagine it must be a little strange seeing a different camino family every single day.Baztan, Madrid, Catalan way ....just a couple thoughts. One of our most memorable was doing the Frances from Santiago to SJPDP. Completely different.
Thanks Rick. I'd never heard of the camino Ignatius before. That's quite an intriguing one.Look into the Camino Ignatius or maybe a camino through France.
I did the Catalan in autumn and it was lonely. It would be gorgeous in the spring with the fruit trees in bloom but probably still lonely.
I should have added that I have no experience with any French camino nor the Ignatius except for the few days where it and the Catalan coincide (but heading in opposite directions).Thanks Rick. I'd never heard of the camino Ignatius before. That's quite an intriguing one.
I'm very tempted by a French camino, probably le Puy, but am a bit uncertain about the costs and difficulty of trying it in a holy year.
erm... I love La Plata in late April and mid may, but from Salamanca onwards, it can be reasonably bearable u to mid June, I guess.Thanks Amancio. I definitely want to do the Plata, but rather feared I'd left it too late in the year for that now. Have you tried walking it yourself in the summer?
Invierno, Aragones, English , or outside of Spain; Via Piodensis in France, Via Francigena or Via Francesco in Italy, or 88 Temple in Japan. Comparisons of most of these to Camino Frances at How Other Pilgrimages compare to Camino FrancesI'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
Try the Camino route from Alicante to Santiago and then out to Muxia or Finisterre, so a coast to coast across Spain.. From Alicante I only saw 4 other pilgrims untile around 100km from Santiago.I'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
Thanks! we are planning to walk the Madrid in mid September and having difficulty learning anything about this route. Any advice would be very much appreciated.I’m on the Madrid at the moment - fancy high quality €5 albergue la all to yourself?
It’s a very flat walk through agricultural farmland, mainly. No shade. Carry food and water etc but it’s been very pleasant. 4 stars out of 5. Under 3 weeks Madrid to Sahagun, where it joins the Frances, if you so desire.
Thanks Amancio. I definitely want to do the Plata, but rather feared I'd left it too late in the year for that now. Have you tried walking it yourself in the summer?
Look into the Camino Ignatius or maybe a camino through France.
Just a couple of comments above. I have walked the Le Puy Camino. It is really beautiful. It has a very diverse landscapes. I can not speak any French and it makes things a little difficult. When I walked it I had no google translate or even a phrase book. Most of the people are older. Most are French, some Germans. I was the only American. The experience is much different. Gites are a different experience. Walking can be lonely if you are a solo pilgrim but wonderful. Planning is needed as Gites serve dinner and owners of GItes want to know the day before how many people they are cooking for. The food is out of this world and I have never had a pilgrim dinner in Spain that can shine the shoes of a Gite Dinner. It is not an easy camino especially during the early stages but the beauty makes up for it.I love La Plata in late April and mid may, but from Salamanca onwards, it can be reasonably bearable u to mid June, I guess.
Have you considered the Arles route? It's a beautiful hike. No worry about crowds. - More arduous than the Via Regia, and less elevation gain than the Southwest Coast Path in England, which excels in scenic beauty, but lacks Camino pilgrims experience. The via Francigena was next on our list but have had to cancel twice during the past two years because of covid concerns. At 81, those years matter.ever thought of doing the Via Alpina. It's not the Camino, but does seem to be an incredible hiking journey. (not trying to take you out of "pilgrim" mode. It is worth checking out
You will find a sub-forum on this forum to help you with many planning details for the Madrid Camino. For up-to-date information, you might also look here: https://www.rayyrosa.com/camino-de-madrid (if opened on Chrome it is easily translated into English). Ray and Rosa are dedicated pilgims who offer accommodation along the Madrid Camino in a space they built and designed on their own property for the sole purpose of welcoming pilgrims along the way (their warm hospitality also includes the offer a lovely evening meal). Happy planning!Thanks! we are planning to walk the Madrid in mid September and having difficulty learning anything about this route. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
There's a reason for that. Long days through a flat and hot plain, usually with the wind in your face. Not many places to stay or eat.Try the Camino route from Alicante to Santiago and then out to Muxia or Finisterre, so a coast to coast across Spain.. From Alicante I only saw 4 other pilgrims untile around 100km from Santiago.
Camino Invierno, Sanabres and Ruta do MarI'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
Camino OlvidadoI'm looking for camino or trail suggestions now I have walked the most popular camino routes. Having done the Frances (both Aragones and St Jean variants), Norte, Portuguese (both central and coastal), Finisterre & Muxia, San Salvador and Primitivo, I'm stuck for where to choose next. (A nice problem to have for sure!)
Of course I can always just repeat caminos and they'd be different, but I would like to try something new instead of just repeating the same route.
Are there any seasoned pilgrims out there with suggestions for really great caminos or camino-spirited trails that could be done in the late spring/summer (which I guess excludes Via De La Plata, based on temperature!)? My only request is that I'd like to have at least some social contact in the evenings, so nothing too solitary.
Many thanks in advance!
Thanks Amancio. I haven't done Invierno so it's a strong candidate, especially combining it with Finisterre as you suggesterm... I love La Plata in late April and mid may, but from Salamanca onwards, it can be reasonably bearable u to mid June, I guess.
If you do from León to Ponferrada, then take Invierno, then Fisterre-Muxia, it should be quite nice at late spring/beginning of May, you would have a nice 16 day Camino, a very nice one, indeed!
Thanks for that link, Kevin. It's a really informative page.Invierno, Aragones, English , or outside of Spain; Via Piodensis in France, Via Francigena or Via Francesco in Italy, or 88 Temple in Japan. Comparisons of most of these to Camino Frances at How Other Pilgrimages compare to Camino Frances
Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful response. The Le Puy is really calling to me - I'm just not sure whether to try this year or wait till a potentially less crowded one, that's all@Ungawawa, I can only add two from experience and one by association
1) Le Puy - no real difficulties for me (aged 74 at the time and "match-fit"). My only French was "Je regret, mais Je n'parle pas Francais. But I am certain that my hearers knew that already, but I tried and always had a good experience.
The sending out from Le Puy Cathedral is unique: for various reasons, for a short interval I was bolted to the floor and could not step forward to make my departure.
As @lt56ny says above, you can expect a grand experience, but not certain what the last few years have done to "gite d'etape" (these are hostels, gite without qualification tend to be mini hotels with a tariff to suit).
While, for me, just about everyday was an adventure, standouts six year later include:
Meeting three couples from Nice: at Saint-Come-d-Olt: in 2015 they had walked for a week from Le Puy - their 2016 intention was Figeac (Fijac) - they invited me to sit with them for dinner that night and I encountered them again.
Dinner at Livinhac-le-Haut, beside an Australian woman and her Kiwi husband. She warned me he was writing a novel. I found out later she was the co-author and that some of my unique attributes found their way into their joint product;
Lauzerte: a medieval town on top of a volcanic plug
Moissac and Gite (d'etape) La Petite Lumiere: hard to walk up to after a long day - but what a welcome. This was my first rest day after two weeks on the road - the website says NOUS SOMMES OUVERTS.
Euaze: and the Roman treasure and a concert and a La Gite (d'etape) La Grange de Marie France: an excellent cook and a magnificent evening meal with Armagnac. And open.
Arthez-de-Bearn and the first sighting of the Pyrenees, still with snow (late April)
2) Via Francigena from Canterbury. For a walker this can be a lonely route: in three weeks (and 600 km) saw possible walkers in the distance once as they went into a shop. But so many adventures and so much kindness given to me by so many. (Je regret, ...) I was booked to return in late March 2020 ... I can't wait to rebook and to restart with about 1,400 km still ahead of me.
3) By association the Ignatian from near Bilbao via Logrono to near Barcelona. A near associate has walked this route and I should take the time to chat to him about his experiences. Nearly all the preferred route uses existing marked routes. I can see them in my preferred tool of WayMarkedTrails.org with the final section selected for this purpose.
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui (take care, be brave, strong and patient)
Thanks, combining that with the Ingles is a really great idea. 50% quiet coastal route, 50% busy land route - sounds great!Depending on the time available an alternative would be the Ruta do Mar from Ribadeo (along the coast) to San Andrés de Teixido and then down to Ferrol and the Inglés. However there is little infrastructure etc (or signing in places). There is a sub-forum with more details and a guide book written by @Dave of this forum.
I think we would stll classify it as for pioneers and the adventurous.....
Thanks Fred. The Dos Faros is definitely one I'm considering doing, perhaps with a tent in my pack too.Camino Mozarabe connecting to the VDLP and then to the Sanabres.
Camino Olvidao from Bilbao to Ponferada and then onto the Invierro.
Camino Dos Faros along the north coast of Spain.
Coastal route is by far very rewarding in every aspect possible. From breathtaking landscapes every step of the way, and the history and of course, the cuisineThanks, combining that with the Ingles is a really great idea. 50% quiet coastal route, 50% busy land route - sounds great!
Just walked the Ruta do Mar, and indeed there are absolutely no signs posted along the way. However this Camino can be done simply by following the Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico all the way to Ladrido - signed all the way and does not allow for anyone getting lost. From there it is mostly asphalt walking sections, but not all. Dave's guidebook helps somewhat, but the locals are very helpful, too.Depending on the time available an alternative would be the Ruta do Mar from Ribadeo (along the coast) to San Andrés de Teixido and then down to Ferrol and the Inglés. However there is little infrastructure etc (or signing in places). There is a sub-forum with more details and a guide book written by @Dave of this forum.
I think we would stll classify it as for pioneers and the adventurous.....
Yes - I didn’t end up staying with Ray and Rosa but they helped me a couple of time via WhatsApp with accomodation. Both legends. Gronze has everything you need really. I found the signage 9/10. Was very hard in the last month with the heat. Planning necessary. Albergues are high quality after Segovia.You will find a sub-forum on this forum to help you with many planning details for the Madrid Camino. For up-to-date information, you might also look here: https://www.rayyrosa.com/camino-de-madrid (if opened on Chrome it is easily translated into English). Ray and Rosa are dedicated pilgims who offer accommodation along the Madrid Camino in a space they built and designed on their own property for the sole purpose of welcoming pilgrims along the way (their warm hospitality also includes the offer a lovely evening meal). Happy planning!
Hi, I started my Camino experience at Le Puy and walked in sections to Santiago because of life commitments etc. I loved walking in France and on the Via Podenisis, it's actually still my favourite. I would not expect it to be affected by the Holy Year at all though others may have other news. It comes highly recommended by me. I walked mainly in the spring and autumn and the scenery is fabulous.Thanks Rick. I'd never heard of the camino Ignatius before. That's quite an intriguing one.
I'm very tempted by a French camino, probably le Puy, but am a bit uncertain about the costs and difficulty of trying it in a holy year.
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