Lynne,
My opinion is based on having already walked the Frances,
on the 106 to 107 degree F heat,
on the complete lack of water between stages because the wells are seasonal and DRY in the summer, and on the difference in difficulty.
Like I said in another post, I´m sure this is incredibly beautiful in the Spring. The wildflowers must be gorgeous and the scenery is stunning, but in Summer it is deadly if you are not in excellent condition and if you are unable to carry 3 to 4 liters of water, which weighs a LOT when you´re a small person.
I´d like to come back in another season and try it. But never again in Summer.
According to locals this is the worst and hottest summer in many years.
It came to the point we were walking 500 yards, stopping to squat in shade to let our body cool down, then walking 500 yards. It took us 2 hours to go 2 kilometers. For us, that´s just loco!
There were a few strong people achieving it.
Joe and I just are not two of them.
We decided after a week that we wanted to enjoy our Camino.
We did not want to suffer and be almost dead with heatstroke at the end of each stage, which is the state we found ourselves in.
My feet swelled to the point that my 7.5 shoe was too tight, and I generally wear a 5.5 or 6.
There is absolutely NO shade between Seville and Zafra except for a few short places, and there is literally no water. Even at Casa Forestal, the well was dry and the firemen were having to drive to town for water.
The Frances is not that busy and we´´re having a great time now.
Good decision for us!