VdlP via Sanabres or Continue along to the Frances

[Marcus-UK]

I am considering cycling the Via de la Plata in May next year. The options appear to be leaving the VdlP at Granja de Moreruela and following the Camino Sanabres into SDC or continuing up the VdlP and linking up with the Camino Frances.
Has anyone got any recommendations? I know this is a subjective matter but any recommendations/reasons would be appreciated.

I am not directing this question to the Cycling forum but direct to the VdlP forum.

 

[Rosalinda]

I walked the Camino Sanabres and I thought it was very beautiful. After Cea you have two options. We went via the Monasterio de Oseria. On the first day leaving Ourense there is a very steep hill. We saw several group of bike riders. There are not as many people walking the Sanbres.

 

[ranthr]

When I walked VdlP in 2011 I walked to Astorga and continued on Camino Frances. I did so because that year in May there were a lot of pilgrims, and the albergues were full most nights. I enjoyed the walk from Astorga after 4 weeks on VdlP.
The route from Granja to Astorga was a lot of road, so easy for cyclists. I recommend that route and to continue from Ponferrada on Camino de Invierno to A Laxe where you will meet up with the Sanabree again.

 

[Marcus-UK]

When I walked VdlP in 2011 I walked to Astorga and continued on Camino Frances. I did so because that year in May there were a lot of pilgrims, and the albergues were full most nights. I enjoyed the walk from Astorga after 4 weeks on VdlP.
The route from Granja to Astorga was a lot of road, so easy for cyclists. I recommend that route and to continue from Ponferrada on Camino de Invierno to A Laxe where you will meet up with the Sanabree again.

I was originally planning to walk the Invierno this Autumn, but my plans have had to change and can no longer do this. Your suggestion appeals to me and would make an interesting Camino in actual fact four caminos:-}

 

[Davey Boyd]

There is a 'dodgy' bridge a day or so after Granja towards Astorga (a lot of the floor missing with a very narrow strip on the side to walk on - very high over a river) that I don't think you could easily get a bike across. While there is no nearby way to bypass this I am sure you could take a road route past it. Just be aware of it before you get there.

I walked both, I walked to Astorga then took the bus back to Granja and walked the Sanabres. I much preferred the Sanabres to be honest.

Davey

 

[Elle Bieling]

I am considering the Sanabres for the fall of this year. I have heard from many a pilgrim that it is beautiful. Did anyone take the variation to Verin? Any photos, or recommendations?

 

[musicman]

The Sanabres is special and yiu avoid the Frances - don’t miss it!

 

[Deleted member 397]

The Sanabres is special and yiu avoid the Frances - don’t miss it!

I agree...anything that avoids the frances is to be recommended

 

[Martyduc]

Whatever you choose ,,, you can always come back at some future time and walk the route you didnt choose !!! last year i turned left onto the Sanabres,,, this year (leaving here in Australia this Friday ) as part of a mixed Camino ,will walk north from Granja to Astorga ,, (then Salvador ,Primitivo ,,starting way back on the Via Serrana)

 

[Martyduc]

I am considering the Sanabres for the fall of this year. I have heard from many a pilgrim that it is beautiful. Did anyone take the variation to Verin? Any photos, or recommendations?

hi,, the Sanabres was fantastic ,,,,meet some that had walked from Verin but no feedback ,,,, highlight was the "me gusta comer" in Rionegro del Puente ,,, special restaurant directly across from the Albergue ,,,best food and vibe !! so good !!! Puebla la Sanabria and Ourense (hot baths and cathedral ) and all experienced Peregrinos too!! loved it

 

[James H]

My wife and I cycled Seville to SdeC via the VdlP and the Sanabres. Fantastic cycling. We chose the Sanabres because of the crowds on the Frances as there is constant cyclist vs walker friction on the busy stretches. The Sanabres was perfect. V quiet till the last day into SdeC.

 

[Walli Walker]

The Sanabres would be my pick, loved it.

 

[Marcus-UK]

I forgot to thank everyone for their advice. So my apologies are given and thanks.

 

[pipello]

My wife and I cycled Seville to SdeC via the VdlP and the Sanabres. Fantastic cycling. We chose the Sanabres because of the crowds on the Frances as there is constant cyclist vs walker friction on the busy stretches. The Sanabres was perfect. V quiet till the last day into SdeC.

My husband and I are planning to cycle the Via de la Plata in October this year. Wondering if you cycled on the camino or via the parallel road? We have road bikes. Also, we are thinking of cycling north to south as we have been to Santiago as an end stop 4 times. Since it will be later in the year, we thought that going north to south might be preferable. Comments? Suggestions? Thank you.

 

[Marcus-UK]

My husband and I are planning to cycle the Via de la Plata in October this year. Wondering if you cycled on the camino or via the parallel road? We have road bikes. Also, we are thinking of cycling north to south as we have been to Santiago as an end stop 4 times. Since it will be later in the year, we thought that going north to south might be preferable. Comments? Suggestions? Thank you.

The blog below talks about cycling the VdlP and lists his experience on and off track. From the text it would appear that the intention is to produce a cycling guide for Cicerone publications. However it has not yet gone into print.

The Ruta Vía de la Plata - off road 2018

The Ruta Vía de la Plata is an ancient route that traverses the heart of Spain from Seville in the deep south to Gijón on the north coast....

www.johnhayeswalks.com

 

[pipello]

The blog below talks about cycling the VdlP and lists his experience on and off track. From the text it would appear that the intention is to produce a cycling guide for Cicerone publications. However it has not yet gone into print.

The Ruta Vía de la Plata - off road 2018

The Ruta Vía de la Plata is an ancient route that traverses the heart of Spain from Seville in the deep south to Gijón on the north coast....

www.johnhayeswalks.com

Thank you. Yes, I saw this. Great blog! Thanks.