Via de la Plata or Camino de Madrid

[anajoy15]

Hi folks! My husband and I have plane tickets to Madrid, arriving Sept. 22, 2017 and are trying to decide which Camino to follow. This is our first time and we are hoping for a some regularity of facilities and a beautiful walk. We have done quite a bit of reading on both paths, but can't decide between Camino de Madrid or starting Via de la Plata at Caceres. I'd love any input from those that have gone before! Thank you so much!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I suppose you can decide as you step off the plane, and I have only walked VLDP to a bit passed Caceres, but one thing that may help you decide is how quiet vs social you want your walk to be. VDLP will have you walking alone with hubby during the day, meeting up with others in the afternoon. The Madrid, and I hope if I am wrong I will be corrected, will have the two of you alone still Sahagun or so.

 

[anajoy15]

Awesome! Thank you! We do like to socialize a bit, so having company in the evenings would be fun. What was your experience with the albergues along the VdlP? Hoping to not have to walk *too* far between stays.

 

[trecile]

Is there are reason that you aren't considering the Frances, Primitivo or Norte? I think that any of those would have more regularity of facilities, especially the Frances.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

What was your experience with the albergues along the VdlP? Hoping to not have to walk *too* far between stays.

I loved it. It was like walking the Frances 10 years ago when it comes to density.

But ... if you like distances in the low 20s, then you have to plan and sketch. Some days may have to be 15 so the next one is only 25 and not 40. Or you have to figure out where there might be a town with a cafe from where you can call a taxi to take you to an albergue after 2x km and take you back to where you were picked up in the morning.

Also, it is HOT!!! You need to carry kgs of water and some food. I highly recommend gazpacho is tetrapacks found in the fridge sectio at the grocery store.

2nd also, nowhere to sit, unless you want your legs at a 90 degree angle, and your rear on prickly bits. It really is not a Camino that allows for naps in the shade.

Finally, it is HOT!!! I carried a Euroschrim silver dome umbrella and LOVED it. I walked in April and I pulled it out of my bag at noon. By 1pm I still wanted to collapse.

So it does take more thinking and precautions, and a working cell to call a cab, bit it is a beautiful route, one I will finish, and do again from tne start another time.

 

[anajoy15]

Is there are reason that you aren't considering the Frances, Primitivo or Norte? I think that any of those would have more regularity of facilities, especially the Frances.

Mostly, we're flying in to Madrid and would love to start near there.

 

[anajoy15]

I loved it. It was like walking the Frances 10 years ago when it comes to density.

But ... if you like distances in the low 20s, then you have to plan and sketch. Some days may have to be 15 so the next one is only 25 and not 40. Or you have to figure out where there might be a town with a cafe from where you can call a taxi to take you to an albergue after 2x km and take you back to where you were picked up in the morning.

Also, it is HOT!!! You need to carry kgs of water and some food. I highly recommend gazpacho is tetrapacks found in the fridge sectio at the grocery store.

2nd also, nowhere to sit, unless you want your legs at a 90 degree angle, and your rear on prickly bits. It really is not a Camino that allows for naps in the shade.

Finally, it is HOT!!! I carried a Euroschrim silver dome umbrella and LOVED it. I walked in April and I pulled it out of my bag at noon. By 1pm I still wanted to collapse.

So it does take more thinking and precautions, and a working cell to call a cab, bit it is a beautiful route, one I will finish, and do again from tne start another time.

I could be wrong, but from my reading, our later start should save us from some of the heat, especially starting a little farther north. What would you suggest as the best planning tool for hitting the right places along the way?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Google "climate Caceres Spain" and see what you get.

This is one of the sites I got, and it shows much warmer twmps in September than in April.

https://fr.climate-data.org/location/2147/

I also walked the Norte is late September in day after day at 34C.

Yes September is better than July, but it is still hot.

 

[anajoy15]

Good to know! Thank you!!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Mostly, we're flying in to Madrid and would love to start near there.

There is no reason to Consider the Frances (crowds) or the Primitivo or Norte over VDLP. All similar in terms of social lofe, but different climate and topography. More places to sit, and a few more watering holes (mostly private houses with a hose by their outdoor laundry bassin).

 

[kardisa]

Regarding socializing on the Camino Dr Madrid...I did my first day today (Madrid to Colmenar Viejo) and saw only one other pilgrim. Unfortunately, he was on a bicycle, so I doubt I'll be seeing him again. Again, it's only my first day and perhaps things will change, but so far this seems like the perfect Camino for quiet and introspection. Not socializing.

 

[notion900]

www.gronze.com is very good for planning and scoping out how far between accommodations.
I have just been on the VDLP in April/May and found it pretty social.

 

[notion900]

By the way if you start at Caceres, your first or second day is a difficult one due to the closed albergue at the reservoir. See this resource.

 

[Magwood]

I've walked both, and blogged daily about each. You will find lots of info about scenery, accommodation, elevation, etc, with lots of photos. You are welcome to take a look at my blog. I walked the camino Mozárabe in 2015 which joins the VdlP at Merida, a couple of stages before Caceres (check out from day 21). And I walked the Madrid this year.

 

[anajoy15]

Due to a shortened time frame, it seems now that we'll be starting from Zamora, heading north to Astorga, then following Camino Frances the remainder. Any suggestions on that stretch? I'm bummed we can't do more of the VdlP, but maybe next time.

 

[domigee]

I followed the VdlP by walking the Camino Sanabres. I thoroughly recommend it.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've done both.
Both are lovely.
Entirely different.
The Madrid is less busy - at least it was two years ago.
I prefer it, personally.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Due to a shortened time frame, it seems now that we'll be starting from Zamora, heading north to Astorga, then following Camino Frances the remainder. Any suggestions on that stretch? I'm bummed we can't do more of the VdlP, but maybe next time.

Would you consider the Sanabres instead? Less mayhem than on the Frances, and it takes you into Santiago in about the same number of days.

 

[KinkyOne]

Would you consider the Sanabres instead? Less mayhem than on the Frances, and it takes you into Santiago in about the same number of days.

Definitely nicer the Sanabres than Frances. Also much less crowds. It is hilly but not really that much. If you take it you're in for some fabulous vistas!
Not to mention entering the Santiago, few blocks and you're at the cathedral instead of kilometers of suburbs on Frances.

 

[MileHighPair]

Anajoy15, in 2016 we walked the Zamora to Astorga to Santiago route you mentioned. This March, I walked the Sanabres route. I blogged about both at ourboatleavestheharbor.blogspot.com Either route is nice in it's own way. You might be all by yourself on the 4 days from Granja to Zamora if you go that way. The Sanabres will not be crowded either. Buen Camino, and be sure to ask if you have any specific questions.

 

[Latecomer]

Would you consider the Sanabres instead? Less mayhem than on the Frances, and it takes you into Santiago in about the same number of days.

I agree that this part of the VDLP is probably the best. The day from Lubián to A Gudiña was a little bit long but overall it was great. Keep in mind I have not done the Camino Frances yet, but someday I will do the whole thing.

 

[KinkyOne]

I agree that this part of the VDLP is probably the best. The day from Lubián to A Gudiña was a little bit long but overall it was great. Keep in mind I have not done the Camino Frances yet, but someday I will do the whole thing.

Officially that's Sanabres, not VDlP which goes up north to Astorga

 

[Latecomer]

Officially that's Sanabres, not VDlP which goes up north to Astorga

Yes. Sorry.

 

[Staggerlee]

Decision time is when you see this sign in Granja de Moreruela.
I've tried both ways.
Left is better.

Buen Camino

Andy

 

[Houlet]

I have walked the VdlP and Sanabres but not the Madrid. I flew into Madrid though and got the rain to Seville, transport there is not a problem. There are a lot fewer people on this route than the Camino Frances which means less socialising or socialising with fewer people.

I loved the route itself but again you are less flexible in terms of etapa length because of there being less accommodation.

 

[selebi51]

In 2014 walked via de La plata through Astorga. On my own from Granja to Astorga then very busy to Santiago.

2016 on Sanabre. Quiet in the day but company for dinner.

Both very enjoyable. Train from Madrid airport to Zamora easy.

 

[Old Gringo]

If you want a flavor for the VDLP and Sanabres you can check out our blog from two years ago-

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ta-and-the-camino-sanabres.41690/#post-428141