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Yes to all of the above.Will I be walking mainly on paved roads, dirt paths, etc? Through vineyards? And the series of small towns/villages on the way?
Thanjs for this! I really thought I would be walking mostly on paved surfaces, but now I know more. I have just purchased some very good running/walking shoes, Hokas, and I will be wearing them soon to adjust to this different type of shoe for me. I’m leaving in late April so I think I’ll be ok with not too warm weather! Did you just live this experience?The terrain is a mixture of all of the above, plus some forest paths. There's some steep inclines, and descents. The paths are mostly good, though I remember 1 day some uneven surfaces.
Wear good, sturdy, comfortable footwear, including socks. Start wearing them now, practice on different surfaces, and build up to carrying the weight of bag you'll be using daily.
It gets very, very warm. We went September and I wouldn't have fancied walking after 1 or 2pm to be honest.
Buen Camino
These pics are great! I arrive in the Portugues side a full day before i start the walk. I’m taking a train from Porto to Valença, then I will somehow find my way to my lodging in Tui. Perhaps I should buy a little bottle of adult libation in Valença? After all, I am celebrating my 62nd birthday on that day!I found it to be a pleasant stroll. No real challenges, some nice towns here and there, a couple of options where one option was shorter but very urban while the other was slightly longer and less urban.
I managed to catch a street market the day before I left.
View attachment 164995
You will have lots of company.
View attachment 164996
Alcohol is cheaper on the Portuguese side of the border and so there are quite a few supermarkets just south of the border. May be worth walking across the bridge, depends on your own interests.
The first time that I came across a giant hibiscus flower was in Tui
View attachment 164997
There were other nice flowers along the way.
View attachment 164998 View attachment 164999
My favourite spots were coastal towns like this one.
View attachment 165000
My favourite pastime was sampling the local pastries.
View attachment 165001 View attachment 165002 View attachment 165003 View attachment 165004
But overall, I much prefer longer Caminos but you, of course, will have your own desires and expectations that result in your own experience
You're welcomeThanjs for this! I really thought I would be walking mostly on paved surfaces, but now I know more. I have just purchased some very good running/walking shoes, Hokas, and I will be wearing them soon to adjust to this different type of shoe for me. I’m leaving in late April so I think I’ll be ok with not too warm weather! Did you just live this experience?
They weren’t there in December. I think that the final KMs into SdC on the Portugues is much nicer than the Frances.It’s straightforward, no particular difficulties that I can recall. The majority of the way is on paved roads or footpaths. Sufficient infrastructure / catering en-route. The last couple of k into Santiago is through a dank wood that (last year) was festooned with face-masks. Hopefully they’ve gone by now.
As you’ve booked your accommodation you’ll not need any recommendations, but if you’re staying in Arcarde the seafood’s excellent.
No Lydia I did not know that. All of this is very new to me, and I’m hoping the company I booked through, Follow the Camino ,will explain all the subtle nuances and requirements needed! Maybe tell me how you went about getting two stamps each day? One at the beginning of each days walk and one at the end of the same days walk??Russ, Are you aware that on a short Camino like this you need to get two stamps each day. You can start in Valenca. The bridge over the River Minho was designed by Eiffel. It is two story, the trains go on top. Buen Camino.
It's very easy to get two stamps each day. All of the bars and restaurants where you might stop to eat will have a stamp, as will churches if they are open. There are even people who set up little stands by the side of the trail selling Camino trinkets that have stamps.Maybe tell me how you went about getting two stamps each day? One at the beginning of each days walk and one at the end of the same days walk??
So it is my passport that gets stamped?It's very easy to get two stamps each day. All of the bars and restaurants where you might stop to eat will have a stamp, as will churches if they are open. There are even people who set up little stands by the side of the trail selling Camino trinkets that have stamps.
Typically, when you register at your accommodation for the evening you will have to show your passport. I keep my passport and my credential together, and just pull them both out at the same time when I am registering. Then get a stamp when you stop for coffee, breakfast, second breakfast, or lunch.
Your ‘credenciale’ - your ‘pilgrim passport’.So it is my passport that gets stamped?
Ohhhhh! Now I understand. I suppose the company that I booked through will send me my credentials. Thanks for your help!Your ‘credenciale’ - your ‘pilgrim passport’.
Hopefully, they will. If not, you can order one from American Pilgrims.Ohhhhh! Now I understand. I suppose the company that I booked through will send me my credentials. Thanks for your help!
Thanks! I’m a bit nervous about this entire experience, but I’m going to just trust that all goes ok. I have never travelled solo, but I’m not worried about that. I’m certain( and hope) I meet people along to way enhancing my journey!I loved this hike! I did it in 2022. Coming from flat central Texas there was a couple of days that were steeper than expected, but I just took my time and bought a trekking pole. Also, when I arrived at my hotel when checking in I got my stamp and then leaving in the morning I got one as well. Then I didn’t have to worry about my stamps during the day. Hope this helps! You will have a wonderful time and the Camino will take care of you!
I also like walking longer Caminos so i'am going to walk Pamplona to Santiago then bus down to Tui and spend 6 days walking to Santiago so I get a long and short walk on the same trip.I found it to be a pleasant stroll. No real challenges, some nice towns here and there, a couple of options where one option was shorter but very urban while the other was slightly longer and less urban.
I managed to catch a street market the day before I left.
View attachment 164995
You will have lots of company.
View attachment 164996
Alcohol is cheaper on the Portuguese side of the border and so there are quite a few supermarkets just south of the border. May be worth walking across the bridge, depends on your own interests.
The first time that I came across a giant hibiscus flower was in Tui
View attachment 164997
There were other nice flowers along the way.
View attachment 164998 View attachment 164999
My favourite spots were coastal towns like this one.
View attachment 165000
My favourite pastime was sampling the local pastries.
View attachment 165001 View attachment 165002 View attachment 165003 View attachment 165004
But overall, I much prefer longer Caminos but you, of course, will have your own desires and expectations that result in your own experience
I’m so excited for you!Thanks! I’m a bit nervous about this entire experience, but I’m going to just trust that all goes ok. I have never travelled solo, but I’m not worried about that. I’m certain( and hope) I meet people along to way enhancing my journey!
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