Start in Llanes

[Redfishsword]

Hi everyone,

am starting the El Camino del Norte from Llanes on May 6 and am hoping to be in Santiago around May 26. Does anybody have some recommendations regarding the hostels or private pensions? Weather along the coast does seem a little unpredictable but gathering from the pictures on this site the Camino del Norte really has its highlights.

 

[Barbara]

Its quiet, peaceful and the people are friendly and helpful. The pilgrim accomodation is a bit limited, just ask around as you go. I am sure someone will have a list but I always found something. The guardia are good at finding places, the religious establishments less so, with one or two honorable exceptions. The terrain is fairly up and down.....Buen Camino!

 

[Redfishsword]

Thank you. Have just arrived in Santiago after completing the route in 21 days. About half the time the weather was bad, but the solitude and the route itself especially from Ribadeo was an exhilirating experience. The alberques in Andalusia were in part in a pitiful state. The albergue in Codaveira had a leaking roof and the walls were covered with mould - escaped to nearby private accommodatino - Casa Carin - which I can really recommend. There is a new albergue also in Ganton which can really be recommended.

 

[Freddie]

Hello Redfishsword
Thanks for the info. I'll start the Camino del Norte this Sunday the 1st of June from Portugalete/Bilbao and I hope to make it to Santiago in 27 days. How was the way marking?
/Freddie

 

[Redfishsword]

Hello Freddie, the markings vary considerably. I had the impression that some municipalities placed great emphasis on pilgrims while others couldn't care. In Galicia in general the markings were clear and recently renewed but also had to ask locals for directions here and there. All in all the people are friendly and keen to show a pilgrim which way to go. In some areas on the coastal route the paths and markings were covered by dense undergrowth. Some pilgrims therefore chose to walk many of the stretches on the national roads which is unpleasant because of dense truck traffic. In recent days lots of the paths have become very muddy.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Congratulations Redfishsword! I raise my glass to you this day.

Rebekah