Trail markers

[KentuckyJay]

I'm a compulsive planner. Even though I won't be on the Camino until late April, I already have been making plans and studying the Michelin guide, as well as Brierly's. While both guides are obviously similar, Michelin's illustrates one route while Brierly's often gives several options. For those of you who have been there and done that, I have a question. Are the optional trails also marked with the familiar arrows or shells?
I have done 1800 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the U.S. and it is marked with white 2"by 6" slashes on trees, rocks, fence posts---. Alternate trails must be marked with a slash of another color. Anything similar on the Camino?

 

[dougfitz]

The alternatives I took on the CF were all marked. In most cases there was an indication at the point where the alternative route split off, and then the usual markers along the way

 

[mspath]

The alternatives I took on the CF were all marked. In most cases there was an indication at the point where the alternative route split off, and then the usual markers along the way

True, but the important phrase here is 'in most cases'. Of course we all look for the famous yellow arrows and/or stylized shells but they may be small or large, high or low, painted on a rock, nailed to a tree, etc. When the path is further hidden by fog, rain, mud or snow any marker can be especially hard to spot. Sections of the CF and the alternates are tended by various local groups. Hence, like everything else on the camino, and in life, there is NO CONSISTENT marking system. Enjoy the challenge!!

Margaret Meredith

 

[camino-david]

Yes, the alternatives that I have been on are all marked with arrows. These alternatives are:
a. Between Uterga and Puenta La Reina. A beautiful little church at Eunate - highly recommended
b. Between Villatuerta and Estella, via Zarapuz. Not specially scenic except for the view over Estella, and you miss out on Estella. Not recommended
c. Between Irache (just after Estella) via Puenta and Luquin tp Cruce. Beautiful walk mostly through woods and with great views over the valley to the mountain range to the north. No food or drinks available on this route until you get to Los Arcos. Recommended.
d. Between Castanares and Burgos. The recommended route is on pavements beside busy roads. The alternative is beside the river and through parkland all the way, easy to find and follow although not many arrows at first but just keep going alongside the river. Definitely recommended.
e. Between Fromista and Carrion, take the recommended route through Villovieco. Very pretty. For some stramge reason, most people walk alongside the busy road all the way to Carrion.
f. Between Villafranca del Bierzo and Trabadelo. The recommended route via the hills which used to be an alternative route is beautiful. The initial hill climb is steep but not long and once up in the hills there are great views and you look down far below to see most peregrinos walking beside the busy road. In spring the hills are covered with wild flowers. Highly recommended. I have heard good reports also of the alternative route via Dragonte and I would like to try this on my next camino.
g. Between Triacastela and Sarria. I have walked both routes and it is a difficult choice because Samos Monastery is impressive and well worth visiting, and the alternative via San Xil is very beautiful and quieter.
I have only commentated on the routes in Brierley's book, but there are of course many more alternatives for the more intrepid peregrine with maps.

 

[dougfitz]

Not to forget the choice between Route Napoleon and Route Valcarlos if you start from SJPP

 

[mspath]

Not to forget the choice between Route Napoleon and Route Valcarlos if you start from SJPP

And that first important turn sharply right off route D933 out of SJPdP was marked last October with a very small strip hardly wider than two ice pop sticks! Other markers when crossing the stream known as le Nive d'Arneguy and then meandering eventually to Valcarlos were very varied!! Hope to check whether the signage has improved later this October.

 

[KentuckyJay]

Thanks for the responses. They are most helpful. Can't wait to become a CF alumnus.

 

[scruffy1]

I too have walked parts of the Appalachian Trail in the U.S and enjoyed every minute. The experience there has little relevancy for the Camino Frances. The bits of the Appalachian Trail which I walked put me into areas of zero settlement and most of the time we were only two, all alone, total self-reliance and a need every five or six days to come down find some food and go back up again. True I am not good at planning but when you are hungry you are hungry! With the exception of one or two very short stretches, the Camino Frances offers hospitality, food, drink, shelter, and lodging at very short intervals. Many places you will never be more than an hour and a half from a refreshing cup of coffee or other beverage of choice, you may prepare your own dinner or eat in style-that remembering a dinner on the West Virginia/ Virginia border of pre-cooked rice and -well-green things - that is - weeds I plucked just before it got dark. With the exceptions mentioned above you will find the Camino over-marked reducing some to a constant lookout for that next arrow straight in front of them instead of enjoying the view and you will almost always have company. Buen Camino you will love it.

 

[naplesdon]

Scuffy I would love to do the Appalachian Trail. Next time you plan a trip let us all know!

 

[KentuckyJay]

I too have walked parts of the Appalachian Trail in the U.S and enjoyed every minute. The experience there has little relevancy for the Camino Frances. The bits of the Appalachian Trail which I walked put me into areas of zero settlement and most of the time we were only two, all alone, total self-reliance and a need every five or six days to come down find some food and go back up again. True I am not good at planning but when you are hungry you are hungry! With the exception of one or two very short stretches, the Camino Frances offers hospitality, food, drink, shelter, and lodging at very short intervals. Many places you will never be more than an hour and a half from a refreshing cup of coffee or other beverage of choice, you may prepare your own dinner or eat in style-that remembering a dinner on the West Virginia/ Virginia border of pre-cooked rice and -well-green things - that is - weeds I plucked just before it got dark. With the exceptions mentioned above you will find the Camino over-marked reducing some to a constant lookout for that next arrow straight in front of them instead of enjoying the view and you will almost always have company. Buen Camino you will love it.

Your comments pretty well summarize why at age 67 I'm going to transfer my carcass from the AT to the Camino.

 

[Morning Glory]

We've taken a couple optional routes and found them to be well-marked. We saw this marker on the option past Estella on the way to Los Arcos. Humorous, but it was clear which way to continue on. Buen Camino!