AWalkabout
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2011, VdlP 2015+2017, Podiensis 2019
Hi,
In May 2011 I walked the Camino Frances, and May this year I want to do another camino - now together with my husband.
Initially we talked about Le Puy route, but due to not that good knees we now consider the Via de la Plata instead.
Based on information found in this forum and in guide books, I've noticed the following:
Le Puy:
Pros:
- Really great nature
Cons:
- high risk of bad weather (rainy and cold) and slippery paths in May
- very hilly (at least the first part)
- need for upfront reservations
- mostly French walkers - and due to holidays in May a lot of them (I don't mind the Frenchmen at all, but I don't speak French)
- not that much camino spirit??
- expensive
Via de la Plata (either Sevilla to Salamanca, or Salamanca to Santiago):
Pros:
- good chance for nice weather in May (or at least higher tempatures)
- not that hilly
- the relaxed Spanish style (coffee bars etc. - although apparrently not that many compared to Camino Frances)
- no need for upfront reservations
- Camino spirit
Cons:
- maybe not that beautiful nature?? (or maybe just more monotonous?)
- longer distances
Has anyone done both caminos - and if so, what is your opinion? Or has anyone any comments to my pros and cons? Weather is always a tricky issue since it's never to predict - my comments above is based on what I think has highest probability.
Btw. we will do a lot of upfront training, but doing it in hilly areas is not possible, since we don't have any mountains at all in our country!
Thanks in advance for any input you may have.
/Helle
In May 2011 I walked the Camino Frances, and May this year I want to do another camino - now together with my husband.
Initially we talked about Le Puy route, but due to not that good knees we now consider the Via de la Plata instead.
Based on information found in this forum and in guide books, I've noticed the following:
Le Puy:
Pros:
- Really great nature
Cons:
- high risk of bad weather (rainy and cold) and slippery paths in May
- very hilly (at least the first part)
- need for upfront reservations
- mostly French walkers - and due to holidays in May a lot of them (I don't mind the Frenchmen at all, but I don't speak French)
- not that much camino spirit??
- expensive
Via de la Plata (either Sevilla to Salamanca, or Salamanca to Santiago):
Pros:
- good chance for nice weather in May (or at least higher tempatures)
- not that hilly
- the relaxed Spanish style (coffee bars etc. - although apparrently not that many compared to Camino Frances)
- no need for upfront reservations
- Camino spirit
Cons:
- maybe not that beautiful nature?? (or maybe just more monotonous?)
- longer distances
Has anyone done both caminos - and if so, what is your opinion? Or has anyone any comments to my pros and cons? Weather is always a tricky issue since it's never to predict - my comments above is based on what I think has highest probability.
Btw. we will do a lot of upfront training, but doing it in hilly areas is not possible, since we don't have any mountains at all in our country!
Thanks in advance for any input you may have.
/Helle