richy_trip
New Member
Hi
I’m planning to walk the Via in September/ October and am in the planning stage now. I’m totally out of shape and only have a few weeks to prepare(!) but it’s now or never – a sudden change of circumstances allow me to take the time and who knows when I will have another opportunity?
Thanks to all, this is a brilliant forum with some great posts that have answered most of my questions and will enable me to do some rapid planning. I walked El Camino Frances some time ago - 1998 I think it was – so I sort of know what I’m taking on (so I tell myself!). As tough as Camino Frances was, it was an amazing experience with memories that I return to often – I don't need photos, the images (and sensation) are still clear in my mind. But now I have the opportunity for a 'top-up' and am hoping the Via will be the challenging and fulfilling boost to the spirit that El Camino was. But also I hope, and expect, the Via will be different from the Camino Frances.
So, to get to the point (!), has anyone who has walked both routes have any particular advice based on these comparative experiences? Of course, differences I will notice may be more to do with changes over the last decade, rather than the different routes? On this note - back in ‘98 I don't remember paying to use refugios. I only remember an occasional donation box. This appears to have changed and the cost of accommodation has become a significant part of budgeting? Or am I mistaken? Also, from my (limited) reading so far it appears that the main differences between the routes are: longer stretches between refugios and fewer peregrinos along the Via? But is the terrain significantly different, more ‘difficult’ on the Via compared to El Camino?
Apologies for rambling! Any advice much appreciated.
Rich
I’m planning to walk the Via in September/ October and am in the planning stage now. I’m totally out of shape and only have a few weeks to prepare(!) but it’s now or never – a sudden change of circumstances allow me to take the time and who knows when I will have another opportunity?
Thanks to all, this is a brilliant forum with some great posts that have answered most of my questions and will enable me to do some rapid planning. I walked El Camino Frances some time ago - 1998 I think it was – so I sort of know what I’m taking on (so I tell myself!). As tough as Camino Frances was, it was an amazing experience with memories that I return to often – I don't need photos, the images (and sensation) are still clear in my mind. But now I have the opportunity for a 'top-up' and am hoping the Via will be the challenging and fulfilling boost to the spirit that El Camino was. But also I hope, and expect, the Via will be different from the Camino Frances.
So, to get to the point (!), has anyone who has walked both routes have any particular advice based on these comparative experiences? Of course, differences I will notice may be more to do with changes over the last decade, rather than the different routes? On this note - back in ‘98 I don't remember paying to use refugios. I only remember an occasional donation box. This appears to have changed and the cost of accommodation has become a significant part of budgeting? Or am I mistaken? Also, from my (limited) reading so far it appears that the main differences between the routes are: longer stretches between refugios and fewer peregrinos along the Via? But is the terrain significantly different, more ‘difficult’ on the Via compared to El Camino?
Apologies for rambling! Any advice much appreciated.
Rich