Salamanca to Santiago in 11 days?

[kardisa]

Is it reasonable to expect to be able to complete the distance from Salamanca to Santiago in 11 days? I am a fast hiker and will be traveling by myself. I don't mind getting on a bus back to Madrid before finishing, if need be. I ask because I am trying to decide between this and the Camino Frances (Leon to Santiago) as my first camino starting next weekend. I know that most people would suggest the Camino Frances, but I am in great need of an introspective hike and think that the relative quiet of the VdlP would be good for me.

 

[AJ]

Assuming you plan to go via Orense, that would be about 480 km, which took me 16 days in 2008. Leon to Santiago is around 320 km which took me 10 days last year.

 

[grayland]

There is a lot of steep and long days between Salamanca and Santiago if you go through Orense. It would be a very hard push.
As an alternative you could simply start some place after Salamanca and make it a peaceful, less stressful walk.

 

[kardisa]

Yes, the plan was to go through Orense, but I did not realize that there was such an elevation increase in that area. I think I will take grayland's advice and see if I can get a train or bus to Zamora instead. That would bring the total down to a more manageable distance. To those of you who have walked both the Camino Frances and the VdlP, is there one you personally prefer over the other? If so, why?

 

[LTfit]

Hi @kardisa

The suggestion to start from Zamora is advisable. I did Zamora - Santiago twice in 12 days so 11 is doable (>30 km per day).

Which one preferable? From what you write I would probably lean towards the Plata although you will just miss the Easter crowds if you are on the Francés.
It is a tough call as I often suggest the Francés as a first Camino.

The Plata is much quieter with few alberges and pilgrims. It was my second Camino and I keep going back for more (have done Sevilla-Santiago twice split up Sevilla-Zamora, Zamora-SdC and Sevilla-Salamanca, Salamanca-SdC).

 

[grayland]

Zamora (or a stage later) will still be a hard push in 11 days and will require 30+km days in the hills. But'' it is something that can be done if you are fit enough to handle it.
Salamanca would not be a good starting point in 11 days... in my opinion.
I agree with LTfit that I also usually recommend the CF as a first Camino but I think you will find the VdlP a great adventure.
I really suggest that you plan it so you DO walk into Santiago. It is a special feeling of accomplishment. I know many people who stopped short and regret it.
Just plan to start near enough to make it to Santiago and then to Madrid from there.

 

[amancio]

Consider even starting at Granja de Moreruela may be...

 

[kardisa]

Thank you all for your input. After much though, I've decided to save the VdlP for next year when my husband can join me. He would not enjoy the large amount of travelers on the Frances, whereas I think that that might be the best choice for me as a first-time, solo pilgrim. At the very least, I will have peace of mind in knowing that Santiago is indeed reachable from Leon in the amount of time I have available to me. Now that that's decided, on to purchasing train/bus tickets and packing!

 

[grayland]

A good decision was made! The adventure begins!