Starting 17 May for 10 or 11 day Camino

[Yoga Girl]

I’m excited to be starting the Invierno in a week. I wish I had 16 days, but unfortunately I only have 10 or 11 days to walk.
I start 17 May in Ponferrada and pre-booked Pensione Fonseca in Santiago for 2 nights starting 27 May. I could cancel the 1st night to allow another stage. I usually love a few nights in Santiago but since I’ve been there a few times and will return each year, I think I should sacrifice a night for 11 stages of walking.
I am not into rushing Caminos, so I am seeking ideas on what sections I can expedite via bus, train or taxi. Those long pavement walks, or not so scenic sections can be sped through to save my legs.
I will walk solo and plan to stay mostly in albergues, but I’d love to stay in that Parador in monforte de lemos for a treat and a hot bath.
Thanks all!
Laurie

 

[MikeJS]

It sepends on how far you want to walk each day. I like long sections so walked the Invierno in 8 days, but there are plenty of posts on here with 10/11 day sections. Have you looked at the Invierno guide on this forum?

 

[Yoga Girl]

Thanks! I ended up walking 28 km on day 1. In las Médulas now. Will post my recap separately.

 

[Yoga Girl]

I am using the Invierno guide PDF for the suggested 10 day itinerary, and might stick with that. Thank you @peregrina2000!
The advice I sought I now can offer to those who don’t like asphalt / road walking and need an assist at the end of the day.
Day 1: The walk from Ponferrada to Castillo de Cornatel is mostly dirt, rocks, farm roads (ideal surfaces, IMO). After that, it’s a lot of asphalt. Consider getting a taxi at the Castillo to take you to either Borrenes or Las Médulas. I think this would save about 10-12 km to Las Médulas and you wouldn’t miss much.
Day 2: To O Barco de Valdeorras, similar to above. Consider a train or taxi from Sobradelo to save you legs. There is a lot of road walking and poor signage through Entoma. I recommend stopping at MarBar in Sobradelo for the warmest welcome to pilgrims. The owner is a Camino fan and family is nice. He could call a taxi or you can check train schedules using their WiFi. This would save about 5 km and give you more energy to enjoy O Barco.
I tracked 30 km on this day and was completely too exhausted when I arrived.

I really wish I had known this for my first 2 stages but I persevered on foot. I need some shorter days from here on. I hope my lessons learned can help future pilgrims.