Hobbledehoy
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via de la Plata, Camino Sanabrés, Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre. (2020)
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I found the food ‘yum’ on the Vdlp., and so much easier on the pocket than here in Oz and I’d guess much to your liking even coming from UK.Hello,
My brother and I are walking the VdlP in March. Does anyone have any experience of camping along the way, wild or municipal?
Also; like a shrew; I have to eat my own bodyweight each day or else I get somewhat crotchety. Was food ever a problem for anyone?
I found the food ‘yum’ on the Vdlp., and so much easier on the pocket than here in Oz and I’d guess much to your liking even coming from UK.
If you time your day to finish walking before they stop cooking the midday ‘menu Del día ‘ you’ll get plenty to sustain you. Usually 3 courses .. the first one is usually enough to fill most people. But if you’re like me ....... if it’s in front of me ., I usually find room. Especially for the ‘postres’ (desserts). The wine/or beer is ‘usually’included in the offering of the menu Del día.
There is also a Peregrino meal option but I prefer the menu del Día. Note : you don’t go hungry or thirsty in spain.
You will find once you have your route plan and an idea of your intended stops that there are sections where you should sensibly visit a supermarket the night before to ensure you’ve got some supplies. I take food that will keep if I do find a café open instead. So fruit, nuts, chocolates , biscuits etc. always good to have emergency rations .. (eg salami, bread roll , hard cheese etc is good too )and of course your water !!! A must.
Unless you’re thinking of camping as you’re unaware of Albergues etc .... just letting you know that the accommodation dotted along the camino is generally very moderately priced and you may just realise, too late/ that you didn’t need the extra burden of the camping gear. Very personal though.
When in March do you hope to set out. I’d recommend sleeping indoors in March
Buen camino.
Annie
As has been said, the albergues along the route are QUITE inexpensive. That said, I walked with a lady last time who camped all along the way with her dog. Much of the walking is quite remote. I'd consider a bivy instead of a tent, and no fires.
Thank you very much for the info, all very reassuring. The tent is backup in case we get caught out; or find accommodation is full; or if the weather is divine! Have booked private accommodation in Seville, didn't particularly like the look of Triana Backpackers and thought there will be enough snoring and farting further along the road!It is not going to be a walk and find campground type of thing. Walking campground to campground deal,, No.
So, you can rule out municipal camp grounds. Actually in Seville there is only one private campground. Out by Dos Hermanas. Bus ride into city from out there.
Most likely you will hardly see a campground.
I do t know where you are from, but it is unfortunate there are so very few camp grounds along the Via.
Even in and around Seville = one at best.
Most likely you will hardly see a campground along the Via. If any.
But, having done four Caminos, I have camped in...
-Alburgues...used either my bivy, tent or hammock at alburgues. Checked in. If there was outside location there, I.e. on balcony, poarch, garden, yard, etc then I used my gear to sleep outside there. Paid fee. Used shower. Did clothes., ate...slept.
If no place to camp at the alburgues or I didn’t care for the alburgue then stealth camped.
Stealthy....with these strict rules: no fires, no smoking, no music/radio, etc. left clean. Departure was early. Never went over fence or through gate. Asked permission when possible.
I have asked private places to tent outside. By the time I paid for that wasbetter to get a roon.
one private hotel did have a shower room and bath out back. Was great. She only wanted few euros.
you could also ask at fire stations. Schools or churches. I have tented at all of those.
even ask at bars and cafes. The locals will tell you what would be best for you. Even heading out to the Campo to stealth camp.
on all of my walks I had one camping item. Not all three, or even two at a time.
there were places where each were great. And places where I wished for the other one.
the is a nice city camp ground at SJDP. Many who read on this board have used it their walk. Such as Rick& Peg on here.
food... cafes, Restaurants, etc along the way. Some alburgues May have a meal. Others can tell you which ones on the Via have a meal.
small stores in almost every town. And large cities for sure.
see you are starting in March. Just starting the warm to hot weather here in Seville. Wouldn’t leave much later.
Holy Week and Féria are huge events in Seville. If going to be in Seville for either make sure you have a reservation. Make it early as possible.
I prefer hotel Simon in Seville. One block from cathedral. Or Hostal San Vincente II (located close to Gran Pl).
I do not care for Triana Backpackers. Many other walkers have told me the same. It is too noise and no rest before walking.
Hello P Rat, As this will be my first Camino I'm probably overthinking the journey and possibly the kit. I've decided the humidor and quilted smoking jacket aren't essential, or the natty clip on umbrella, but I have kept the uber lightweight trowel for burying poo and possibly my brother. There must be a Camino competition for the most unnecessary kit? I've got the Gerald Kelly 2020 guide which seems fine? I've suggested my brother download an app for backup and in case we need a break from each other! We won't have spent so much time together since leaving the parental home in the 70s.Hiya Annie! And Martyseville too. Our sentiments exactly re the food on the VDLP. never was an issue, and if there were places where no supplies were to be gotten the guide book gave ample warning (which one are you using btw?) We walked the whole last year, started in April, and yes, the evenings got pretty cold. Esp if you happen to get some rain too. So if you absolutely must/want to camp, you have to camp wild, or find out there and then if an albergue would let you camp in their grounds. I am told a lot of them don't mind, but certainly not all of them would have the facilities. We have not seen any formal camp grounds. And advise re free camping as above: leave only footprints and take only photos/memories, etc. Wish you a buen camino!
Thank you very much for the info, all very reassuring. The tent is backup in case we get caught out; or find accommodation is full; or if the weather is divine! Have booked private accommodation in Seville, didn't particularly like the look of Triana Backpackers and thought there will be enough snoring and farting further along the road!
Yours, Mark.
I found the Wise Pilgrim app very useful.Hello P Rat, As this will be my first Camino I'm probably overthinking the journey and possibly the kit. I've decided the humidor and quilted smoking jacket aren't essential, or the natty clip on umbrella, but I have kept the uber lightweight trowel for burying poo and possibly my brother. There must be a Camino competition for the most unnecessary kit? I've got the Gerald Kelly 2020 guide which seems fine? I've suggested my brother download an app for backup and in case we need a break from each other! We won't have spent so much time together since leaving the parental home in the 70s.
Yours, Mark.
mark, glad you found place in Seville.
Just in case, so others know, Hotel Simon is nice. One block from cathedral. Many walkers stay there.
also, Hostal Vicente II is a gem. Not too far from central. By Gran Pl.
good luck. When in Seville try to catch a bite at La Isla fish place. Also go to top floor of Corte Ingles. Great roof top viewing.
many other things to do/see in Seville.
Bl sings,
Enjoy
Keep walking
[/QUOTE
82! Obviously there are benefits to malingery! I spent a lot of time looking at bivvy bags but decided that I would just feel too vulnerable lying out with the "Restaurant Open" sign illuminated. Feel safer in a tent, despite a memorable encounter with several donkeys; in a field in Ireland; who were determined to eat the fly sheet and guy ropes. Can still see the massive ears silhouetted against the night sky!Agree mucho with this! The older I get ( 82) the more I realise I cant make the distances between habitations. To counter this I have yet again redesigned my trolley so that I can fling a tent on it and then fling myself down when I have had enuff!Further thought brought me to swop tent for tarp and am considering bivvy. The snag with a bivvy for me is getting in and out of the damn thing. Supple I aint! The thought of me stuck in it whilst being visited by wild boar gives me the horrors!
Yours aye
The Malingerer.
Thanks for your advice. Will definitely be carrying nuts, dates, and chocolate!Unlike other who have responded, I did have a few times when I couldn't find a decent meal. I generally didn't get to my destination in time for the menu del dia, so that could have been a factor. I recommend that you carry some high calorie snacks at all times.
good feed back!
Hi Annie,I found the food ‘yum’ on the Vdlp., and so much easier on the pocket than here in Oz and I’d guess much to your liking even coming from UK.
If you time your day to finish walking before they stop cooking the midday ‘menu Del día ‘ you’ll get plenty to sustain you. Usually 3 courses .. the first one is usually enough to fill most people. But if you’re like me ....... if it’s in front of me ., I usually find room. Especially for the ‘postres’ (desserts). The wine/or beer is ‘usually’included in the offering of the menu Del día.
There is also a Peregrino meal option but I prefer the menu del Día. Note : you don’t go hungry or thirsty in spain.
You will find once you have your route plan and an idea of your intended stops that there are sections where you should sensibly visit a supermarket the night before to ensure you’ve got some supplies. I take food that will keep if I do find a café open instead. So fruit, nuts, chocolates , biscuits etc. always good to have emergency rations .. (eg salami, bread roll , hard cheese etc is good too )and of course your water !!! A must.
Unless you’re thinking of camping as you’re unaware of Albergues etc .... just letting you know that the accommodation dotted along the camino is generally very moderately priced and you may just realise, too late/ that you didn’t need the extra burden of the camping gear. Very personal though.
When in March do you hope to set out. I’d recommend sleeping indoors in March
Buen camino.
Annie
.Stealthy....with these strict rules: no fires, no smoking, no music/radio, etc. left clean. Departure was early. Never went over fence or through gate. Asked permission when possible.
I have asked private places to tent outside. By the time I paid for that wasbetter to get a roon.
For the record- many give Triana backpackers a good recommendation/ I shied away from it as I perceived it as more for the young? Re snorers: the albergues weren’t packed early April when I walked. I doubt you’ll have much ‘competition ‘ in March. A thought.Have booked private accommodation in Seville, didn't particularly like the look of Triana Backpackers and thought there will be enough snoring and farting further along the road!
Gerald Kelly guide is good . You can also join his fb Via de la plata group for useful helpI've got the Gerald Kelly 2020 guide which seems fine? I've suggested my brother download an app for backup
I have stayed in Hotel Simon on my first visit to Sevilla. (Good + well situated near cathedral ) 2nd time (2019) in private Bnb for a couple of days. Lovely. Stacks to see in Seville. Check out the threads in this forum ‘ use search button’ things to do in Sevilla.Just in case, so others know, Hotel Simon is nice. One block from cathedral. Many walkers stay there.
also, Hostal Vicente II
I’ll be ahead of you /but starting same day .. I started in Seville last year but stopped at Tábara (on the Sanabrés section).. I’m completing from there this mar/apr.We'll be leaving Seville on 20th March. I might well mail the tent back to Blighty if it proves superfluous, along with half the other stuff!
Hi Annie,.
I see @martyseville comes from Sevilla. !! You can’t get better input than this then. Seeing it is you first camino Hobbledehoy - just put all this camping stuff in a pile and check it’s weight. You’ll be carrying it every day ! But I guess with 2 of you ; you can share the weight.
Question for @martyseville ?? Do you know the actual times that are ‘normal’ for serving ‘menu Del día ??
For the record- many give Triana backpackers a good recommendation/ I shied away from it as I perceived it as more for the young? Re snorers: the albergues weren’t packed early April when I walked. I doubt you’ll have much ‘competition ‘ in March. A thought.
Gerald Kelly guide is good . You can also join his fb Via de la plata group for useful help
- also in case you do have a tendency to get lost ?? Download app: maps.me (At home) and then; also the tracks for spain - it’s on this forum by @Thomas1962 Open this link which gives tracks on all spain. Your brother can do this. When you open the link he gives instructions on how to do it - so don’t be daunted. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...l-caminos-and-accomodation.51781/#post-816257
Maps me will run for you whilst phone is on aeroplane mode. Does not require wifi nor data. It uses your gps. Note: it will use battery though ; so close it when not needed.
I have stayed in Hotel Simon on my first visit to Sevilla. (Good + well situated near cathedral ) 2nd time (2019) in private Bnb for a couple of days. Lovely. Stacks to see in Seville. Check out the threads in this forum ‘ use search button’ things to do in Sevilla.
Note: get your credenciales stamped at cathedral. Remember to get a stamp from where you stay each night but other places have stamps/sellos. Ie tourismo offices , cafes bars , correos/post offices,
Etc.. even police, lol. Get 2 stamps per day on last 100km to Santiago to qualify for Compostela
I’ll be ahead of you /but starting same day .. I started in Seville last year but stopped at Tábara (on the Sanabrés section).. I’m completing from there this mar/apr.
Good luck if you take the tent - So many people even ditch their ground roll up mat !
Buen camino
Annie
Love your sense of humour!Hi Annie,
You should write a guide!
I'm quite Old School so I'm taking paper maps, compass, theodolite, pith helmet...........Not really! Though yes, trimmed down paper maps and a compass. Thanks for link.
I'm also thinking of taking my Jetboil as there is nothing like a cuppa al fresco. I expect you're all laughing; thinking; "He'll learn!"
Buen Camino, Mark.
I am also going to carry a camping stove on my two caminos this year (from Almeria and Irun).
I recall a lot of good kitchens on the VDLP without any means to cook. Also the outside space too - important if you are using a gas stove! I also found it hard to find cafes some early mornings and happy to make my own coffee.
My camino from Almeria this year will take 50 ish days, so I would like to be able to cook myself as I get a bit bored of Spanish food after a week or so and often crave international grub.
I’m sure I saw a Decathalon in Seville centre, a quick google should give a location.
Regards
George
Wise decision Imo. I don’t like putting a ‘dampener’ on anyone’s enthusiasm but I would feel even worse if I said nothing : there are scorpios in Southern Spain and spiders which I was told are more painful than the scorpios.... Better to be able to shut yourself in safelyFeel safer in a tent, despite a memorable encounter with several donkeys; in a field in Ireland;
Good reminder. I’m with you ! in saying that ‘snakes and spiders are outside my comfort zone too’.And yes there are snakes, I once washed out a giant centipede from my trouser leg, not sure how long I carried it but trust me while I can deal with weta, these slithering things are outside of my comfort zone.
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