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I did the San Salvador over 5 days in July 2016, and I'm just now getting around to posting something here. Since it's not a popular trail, I thought that any feedback could be helpful to those thinking about walking this route!
I'm a solo-female walker, and I LOVED the experience. Leaving Leon I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, and I needed to adjust my plans a bit as I went along (but what's a Camino without a little adjustment?), but I had an incredible time. It was tough, but as others have said here, it's not impossible. It helps to be fit, it helps to have had some hiking/trekking experience, but I found that going slow, planning ahead with food/water, and a good and positive attitude went a long way.
The route was incredibly quiet, despite walking in late July (when I thought I would surely encounter small groups of people). Aside from day #4, I didn't pass a single pilgrim on the route, and one night I was alone in the albergue (which felt sort of adventurous!).
Some might caution about walking this route solo; I didn't have a problem, but I'm grateful for an injury free Camino (aside from a bee-sting on the forehead, ouch!). It's wise to have a working cell on you in case you need it (and to call ahead to albergues when needed). But the entire time I felt safe, assured of my direction by all the excellent waymarking, and in general just loved having those mountains to myself.
I recently wrote an 'overview' post on the San Salvador for my blog, and I wanted to share that here- it's got some photos and information and tips that I'd gathered from my experience. If you're considering this route, I hope it can help you!
https://singlestepcamino.wordpress....ms-an-overview-of-the-camino-de-san-salvador/
Buen Camino!
Nadine, wow Nadia amazing, yet have some queries in doing it myself due to knees although have had no problem in doing the Camino 9 times. Possible if I found a companion might consider it. Thanks for info and photo.
My photos were all taken with an iPhone! I love photography but I've never quite been willing to carry the weight of a larger Camera with me on my Camino's... but the iPhone works nicely (these photos, however, are my favorites from hundreds that I took...). My last two days were gray (and into Oveido had to walk in some rain), but otherwise I had clear skies and warm weather!Nadine - thank you for hauling a DSLR over those hills so we might benefit - nice pics! I went a month earlier and the weather wasn't quite as good. Yours photos make it look sumptuous.
Cheers, tom
I'm glad I could help! Let me know if you have any questions... I'm a bit envious of your upcoming trek, I think it will be wonderful!OMG now I can devote the time I planned to spend translating Ender to working on my Spanish! I'm planning Salvador+Primitivo in May and just when I've been second-guessing that pair of routes you've given me the boost I most needed.
TY so much!
Wonderful, sometimes timing is everything!Post-VdlP and I'm thinking forwards to the next Spanish pilgrimage, your overview could not have appeared at a more appropriate moment.
Many thanks with gratitude!!
I'm most likely going to spend a couple weeks on a Camino in France, probably the Le Puy. It's been on my list for the last few years (and I can speak some French, which I hear will come in handy!). I think you're going to love the San Salvador and Primitivo- both are amazing routes!Nadine, thank you so much. I am planning walking solo this sept, both the Salvador and Primitivo. The reassurance about both walking solo and the route are just the tonic needed in January!
What are you planning next if that's not too cheeky to ask!
Elaine
I used mostly the same packing list, but I think with a few additional small items, as well as an iPad (which definitely added weight). I also think that I hadn't done much training *with* a loaded pack so those first several days felt tough. (Also, I was feeling under the weather for most of that walk- very sick at the end- so I think that influenced it).Nice blog
Did you use the same packing list for this Camino that you have listed for your Frances trek ? I only ask because you didn't have a lot of stuff on that list but on this trek you mention that your pack was very heavy. All food I assume? How heavy was your pack?
That's not bad. I'm carrying that much for my primitivo in May. But when you feel sick every pound on your back feels like 2.I used mostly the same packing list, but I think with a few additional small items, as well as an iPad (which definitely added weight). I also think that I hadn't done much training *with* a loaded pack so those first several days felt tough. (Also, I was feeling under the weather for most of that walk- very sick at the end- so I think that influenced it).
I'm not sure how much weight I was carrying, so I can't answer that very well. Maybe around 18 pounds?? I try not to bring too much on any of my Camino treks, and in this case I think it just took me longer to get used to the weight!
Which Iphone model? The beauty of your pictures may justify retiring my Iphone 4.My photos were all taken with an iPhone!
I loved the iPhone 4! But I'm now using a 6s, and I think the camera on it is great. (But in full disclosure, I often do just a touch of editing on these photos... but nothing fancy. It's all done within the photo app on the phone. Although sometimes no editing at all, when you've got a sunny, clear day on the San Salvador, the photos are perfect).Which Iphone model? The beauty of your pictures may justify retiring my Iphone 4.
Hi Ingrid!So enticing, to walk the Salvador... you truly inspired me.
I did the San Salvador over 5 days in July 2016, and I'm just now getting around to posting something here. Since it's not a popular trail, I thought that any feedback could be helpful to those thinking about walking this route!
I'm a solo-female walker, and I LOVED the experience. Leaving Leon I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, and I needed to adjust my plans a bit as I went along (but what's a Camino without a little adjustment?), but I had an incredible time. It was tough, but as others have said here, it's not impossible. It helps to be fit, it helps to have had some hiking/trekking experience, but I found that going slow, planning ahead with food/water, and a good and positive attitude went a long way.
The route was incredibly quiet, despite walking in late July (when I thought I would surely encounter small groups of people). Aside from day #4, I didn't pass a single pilgrim on the route, and one night I was alone in the albergue (which felt sort of adventurous!).
Some might caution about walking this route solo; I didn't have a problem, but I'm grateful for an injury free Camino (aside from a bee-sting on the forehead, ouch!). It's wise to have a working cell on you in case you need it (and to call ahead to albergues when needed). But the entire time I felt safe, assured of my direction by all the excellent waymarking, and in general just loved having those mountains to myself.
I recently wrote an 'overview' post on the San Salvador for my blog, and I wanted to share that here- it's got some photos and information and tips that I'd gathered from my experience. If you're considering this route, I hope it can help you!
https://singlestepcamino.wordpress....ms-an-overview-of-the-camino-de-san-salvador/
Buen Camino!
Nadine
Hi Nadine, thankyou for all your tips. I am doing the San Salvador in June after the Portuguese and then will do the Primitivo following the San Salvador. It was so informative to read your blog also. I am so looking forward to the solitude of the mountain walking but I am hoping there will more pilgrims in the evenings like you.
Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?Hi Nadine
I walked the San Salvador in June 2015 and loved it! Your photos are wonderful!
buen camino
Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?
Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?
Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?I've walked the Salvador three times now, and my best and my worst weather was in June. My October Salvador was chilly but dry. My two June walks were very different-- a few years ago, it was glorious, in 2016 we had a fair amount of rain.
Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?Hi Vivienne,
Like @peregrina2000, I had the best and worst of weather in June (only within the one camino!!).
Days 1 & 2 were lovely, leaving Leon in sunshine but not too hot.
Half way through day 3 the rain came - poncho worthy weather!
But by the next day the sun came out and it was quite warm for the rest of the camino into Oviedo.
I guess my advice would be to be prepared for anything! It is definitely a beautiful camino.
Make sure you get the special credential in Leon and collect your Salvadorana from the cathedral in Oviedo. I was also given a free audio tour of the cathedral.
buen camino
I remember from 2016 that albergues in Buiza, Pajares, Benduenos and Pola de Lena have blankets but I'm not really sure for La Robla.Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?
I remember from 2016 that albergues in Buiza, Pajares, Benduenos and Pola de Lena have blankets but I'm not really sure for La Robla.
On Salvador rain isn't of the same kind of nuisance as on CF for example. There are far less infrastructure in-between and some of the stretches are quite steep and muddy, slippery, in rain (Carbajal de la Legua - Cabanillas, Buiza - Campomanes). Also some parts could be quite overgrown.
Ultreia!
Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?
Excellent, thanks Joe. I Can't wait.Vivienne:
Cabanillas had blankets, Poladura de la Tercia did not, I do not remember Pajares but it was a nice Albergue, Pola de Lena was a hostel, Mieres - no.
This is a great walk, enjoy.
Ultreya,
Joe
@NadineK Just wanted to say thanks for your post and the link to your blog which i've just finished reading through - your extra notes are much appreciated as i'm in the research/information gathering phase - i'm planning on walking the Frances from SJPP to Leon then the Salvador and Primitivo - I walk out of SJPP on the 4th September 2017 and have walked the Frances in 2013 and SJPP to Burgos in 2015.
Sorry that you felt so rough while walking - it's no fun at all is it! In 2013 I picked up a cough and felt awful from Sarria onwards - I was coughing for weeks afterwards!
Hi Wildplace, I will be ahead of you by maybe 10 days or so in Sept! I am walking the Salvador and Primitivo and heading out of Leon on the 13th Sept. Like you, I have been greatly encouraged by those on this forum who have shared their own experiences of these walks and also I downloaded (again from this forum) Ender's English Guide to the Salvador and a couple of guides to the Primitivo.
Good luck!
Nadine, BEAUTIFUL writing and photos. I am heading onto the Del Salvador this weekend after recently knee-planting onto concrete. Planning to take it slow, because I am both 58 and am scheduled to meet up with my daughter to do the Primitivo a second time. Have you run across anyone commenting on sending backpack forward for the mountain days? Just wondering, and hoping. Thanks! Kt
Sorry I forgot to mention about backpack forwarding, you could tryNadine, BEAUTIFUL writing and photos. I am heading onto the Del Salvador this weekend after recently knee-planting onto concrete. Planning to take it slow, because I am both 58 and am scheduled to meet up with my daughter to do the Primitivo a second time. Have you run across anyone commenting on sending backpack forward for the mountain days? Just wondering, and hoping. Thanks! Kt
Thank you Nadine. Rick has written me that Jacotrans may be able to be hired. In any case, On the road! I will post at some point between this Camino and Primitivo.Oh, I do hope you'll enjoy the San Salvador route, it is truly astonishing! I would also love to hear updates on how your trek goes (so if you post in this forum somewhere, I'll be sure to follow along).
I wish I had some information for you on baggage services, but I'm not aware of anything. That's not to say that there aren't options, however... I think maybe your best bet would be to ask around in Leon (if that's where you're starting the San Salvador, which I assume it probably is). I got my credential at the Benedictine albergue (which is in the Plaza Santa Maria del Camino), and the volunteers there spoke English and were helpful with information on the route (or could probably try to find an answer on the baggage transport question).
I hope you have a wonderful journey, and Buen Camino!
Hola I'm walking the same two routes solo starting early Sept. Great to read all the input on the routes. I'm very grateful for all the sharing and will keep reading as my departure date approaches. Perhaps some of our paths will cross in September! buen camino to all. Hasta la vista, TsondruNadine, thank you so much. I am planning walking solo this sept, both the Salvador and Primitivo. The reassurance about both walking solo and the route are just the tonic needed in January!
What are you planning next if that's not too cheeky to ask!
Elaine
Tsondru yes I hope we do meet. I set off from Leon on the 13th. Sounds as yhpuhh we wont be alone which is great.Hola I'm walking the same two routes solo starting early Sept. Great to read all the input on the routes. I'm very grateful for all the sharing and will keep reading as my departure date approaches. Perhaps some of our paths will cross in September! buen camino to all. Hasta la vista, Tsondru
Is this normal ? I don't consider October to be winter, but maybe the altitude makes it more inclement.My October Salvador was chilly but dry.
I'm walking again in October. Was goign to re-do some of the CF, then thought maybe the Portugues, now this makes me think about the Salvador.
Is this normal ? I don't consider October to be winter, but maybe the altitude makes it more inclement.
Hi Tim - when in October might you be on the Salvador?I'm walking again in October. Was goign to re-do some of the CF, then thought maybe the Portugues, now this makes me think about the Salvador.
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