Via de la Plata: Camino Sanabrés or Camino de Invierno?

[MesaWalker]

After a great experience walking the CF last fall, my wife and I are considering walking the Via de la Plata to SdC in Spring 2023. There seem to be lots of route choices toward the end, but we are interested in comparing two - having recently walked the CF from Astorga to SdC we would prefer a different and less heavily traveled route.

The two that are intriguing are:

(a) the Camino Sanabrés through Ourense;

(b) the CF via Astorga to Ponferrada, then the Camino de Invierno.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the pros and cons of these two routes? Does anyone think we're missing an even better route?

Thank you.

 

[OZAJ]

I have walked both and enjoyed both. Invierno had fewer pilgrims.

 

[Kevin Considine]

After a great experience walking the CF last fall, my wife and I are considering walking the Via de la Plata to SdC in Spring 2023. There seem to be lots of route choices toward the end, but we are interested in comparing two - having recently walked the CF from Astorga to SdC we would prefer a different and less heavily traveled route.

The two that are intriguing are:

(a) the Camino Sanabrés through Ourense;

(b) the CF via Astorga to Ponferrada, then the Camino de Invierno.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the pros and cons of these two routes? Does anyone think we're missing an even better route?

Thank you.

Ive done both twice. They are both great so you can’t go wrong either way. Though as Ozaj stated Invierno is less crowded. Though Sanabres is relatively quiet as well especially compared to Frances. If you are doing VDLP though it flows into Sanabres whereby Invierno would require you to return to Astorga and then repeat your walk to Ponferrada where Invierno begins. If you are interested I blogged last September’s Invierno pilgrimage on my website and am blogging Camino Sanabres now. Also have some posts on VDLP. www.globalpilgrim.net

 

[Guy Strachan]

I walked the Sanabres from Ourense in 2018 and can highly recommend.
Beautiful scenery, sensible stage lengths & good facilities en route.
I haven't walked the Invierno yet (2020 plans cancelled due to CoViD) but have heard there are minimal services on some stages and long gaps between so on that basis I'd suggest the Sanabres.
Buen Camino whatever you decide!