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Precisely. My statistics teacher would view the Via de la Plata data as statistically insignificant in isolation. But my financial advisor would view the Via de la Plata as underperforming, compared with market averages.I think my Statistics Teacher at University would call that Statistically Insignificant!
But the key is perhaps no increases as seen on the other Routes.
It's not "undoable" at all, depends what you are used to. Northerners seem to freak out if the temperature gets above 25. I always walk in European summer for 2 reasons..to avoid winter in Oz and the crowds.The numbers on the Via de la Plata seem to have stabilised for quite some years now. And yes, that is different to (almost) all the other Caminos. It surprised me, because I loved it. But I think I am starting to get it. I don't believe it has much to do with pilgrim infrastructure. That same problem counts for the Norte and there the numbers are rapidly growing.
I think it is because of the short and divided seasons. The VdlP is quite undoable in summer, which means it splits into a spring season and an autumn season. What happened to the Francés and is now happening to the Norte as well, is that the season is expanding. So the Norte used to be only crowdy in the summer months, but now more and more pilgrims start walking in spring already or keep on walking in autumn. While the VdlP will always have an empty summer in the middle.
Weather can be pretty rough anyhow, because you are walking 800k northwards in a couple of weeks through different climates. So you might start in soaking hot Sevilla the end of September and arrive in chilly and rainy Galica the beginning of November.
Well I think a lot of people disagree with you. I walked part of the Via de la Plata in August 2014 and I met exactly zero other walking pilgrims. Only a few on bikes. They all thought I was crazy.It's not "undoable" at all, depends what you are used to. Northerners seem to freak out if the temperature gets above 25. I always walk in European summer for 2 reasons..to avoid winter in Oz and the crowds.
I walked in august a few years ago and met quite a few..in fact further nirth the albergues were full. The max temperature is usually late afternoon..who's walking then?Well I think a lot of people disagree with you. I walked part of the Via de la Plata in August 2014 and I met exactly zero other walking pilgrims. Only a few on bikes. They all thought I was crazy.
Besides that, Andalucía often hits temperatures over 40 degrees celsius in summer.
Well I think a lot of people disagree with you. I walked part of the Via de la Plata in August 2014 and I met exactly zero other walking pilgrims. Only a few on bikes. They all thought I was crazy.
Besides that, Andalucía often hits temperatures over 40 degrees celsius in summer.
I started in early September and I'm from Australia. By 2pm you need be at your destination or under a large tree. It is seriously hot.It's not "undoable" at all, depends what you are used to. Northerners seem to freak out if the temperature gets above 25. I always walk in European summer for 2 reasons..to avoid winter in Oz and the crowds.
I started in early September and I'm from Australia. By 2 pm you need be at your destination or under a large tree. It is seriously hot.
Perhaps. Hotel space is certainly at a premium at Easter.The reported "crowding" in some recent posts is very likely just a bubble of pilgrims at Easter time.
@t2andreo thanks for these thoughts.
Though rather than Peak Pilgrim being reached in 2021 for the CF, given the business opportunity, don't you think we'll merely see more beds becoming available? Each time I walk the CF I seem to see new places appear...
Just don’t walk it in the SummerBummer. I have to walk slowly so my walking days are quite long. Generally arrive about 4-5 pm.
I can picture being found the next day like some kind of 'desiccated' road kill, face down on the path.......
Perhaps everyone should help stats by going for the Compostela whether they want it or not. I and many others have not so not countedAccording to the article in the Extremadura newspaper, Hoy, pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata. The pilgrims office in Santiago reported 11 fewer pilgrims who walked the Via de la Plata in 2018, compared with 2017.
Since the data isn't perfect, for reasons that are discussed in many other threads, it's debatable whether pilgrim numbers are in decline. But I think it's safe to say that, in contrast to most other pilgrim routes, the numbers on the Via de la Plata are not increasing.
The article speculates that the Via de la Plata needs more infrastructure (i.e. albergues) to attract more pilgrims.
El único Camino de Santiago que baja en peregrinos es el de Extremadura | Hoy
Ante los albergues cerrados, su dureza y peligrosidad, que ha originado muertes, muchos prefieren hacer el Camino Portuguéswww.hoy.es
People are reporting that the Via de la Plata is crowded this year - so perhaps there's no "trend" just normal ups and downs for a less travelled path.
Just don’t walk it in the Summer
2
Australia (Oz) is such a small island on the globe (with only a dozen climate zones). You will hardly notice the 5 hours flight from one edge to the other. So you can't expect any difference between north and south, nor east and west. Take the forecast for Alice Springs and you will exactly know what happens in Melbourne and Darwin.
@t2andreo I agree with you about the load of (commercial) facilities on the Francés and that other Caminos are not for everyone, but it doesn't explain why the numbers on the Norte have been rising and the numbers on the VdlP have not.
And that is where I think the short season on the VdlP comes in. Makes it also more complicated to open an albergue and live off that.
Perhaps everyone should help stats by going for the Compostela whether they want it or not. I and many others have not so not counted
Are you Australian?
The difference can be 15 c North to South........
[/QUOTE
We are considering this Camino for one of our next ones. Can someone suggest where I could do more reading on the Via de la plata? In particular, I'm wondering about terrain (knee problems) and distance between towns/accomodation.Yikes! Then the afternoon queues will extend from 2+ hours to much longer...
Thanks in advance,
I agree. The biggest growth has been mainly in those walking a relatively short distance on those Caminos like the Frances and the Portugues which have a very well-developed infrastructure. Which means that walkers can choose to walk very short stages, have luggage transported, and make frequent stops for food and water along the way. As it stands at the moment the VdlP is far more challenging and is unlikely to attract those who are drawn to the more popular routes precisely because they are straightforward and undemanding.All in all it's actually no surprise that we haven't seen greater growth along the Plata.
For zero cost, I suggest that you start by reviewing threads on this forum, Wise Pilgrim's free online guide, and a couple of blogs. There are, of course, books that you can buy, but you might want to decide if this is the camino for you before you part with any money. (FWIW, I did not buy a book or app and I found the information from free resources to be more than adequate):We are considering this Camino for one of our next ones. Can someone suggest where I could do more reading on the Via de la plata? In particular, I'm wondering about terrain (knee problems) and distance between towns/accomodation.
Thanks in advance,
But again, that would still not explain the rise of the numbers on the Norte, which is a long Camino as well. And a lot of pilgrims would describe the Norte as a Camino with longer distances, more climbs and descents, less facilities and less of a Camino feel compared to the Francés. And a lot more mud and rain. But these are the numbers:I agree. The biggest growth has been mainly in those walking a relatively short distance on those Caminos like the Frances and the Portugues which have a very well-developed infrastructure. Which means that walkers can choose to walk very short stages, have luggage transported, and make frequent stops for food and water along the way. As it stands at the moment the VdlP is far more challenging and is unlikely to attract those who are drawn to the more popular routes precisely because they are straightforward and undemanding.
But again, that would still not explain the rise of the numbers on the Norte, which is a long Camino as well. And a lot of pilgrims would describe the Norte as a Camino with longer distances, more climbs and descents, less facilities and less of a Camino feel compared to the Francés. And a lot more mud and rain. But these are the numbers:
2012 - Norte: 12.919, VdlP: 8.163
2018 - Norte: 19.040, VdlP: 9.127
So in 6 years time the Norte grew with 47% and the VdlP with 12%. The biggest difference betwee the two Caminos that I can think of is the much shorter and divided seasons on the VdlP.
As Davey said, it's coastal. That means beautiful scenery and more temperate temperatures. Even in the summer there is often a nice cool coastal breeze.But again, that would still not explain the rise of the numbers on the Norte, which is a long Camino as well.
On this matter, at least, I expect that the Pilgrims Office has a policy and applies it fairly consistently.The Norte numbers are even more complicated. If you start on the Norte and continue on the Primitivo to Santiago on what Camino are you registered?
In my case, the First week of the Norte is harder than any I have done. We are now on our way to walk the Salvador/PrimitivoBecause it is on the coast. New pilgrims tend to favor the Frances (rightly so), if not the Frances then Portugues or the Norte. As a second camino, a lot go for the Portugues or the Norte. I think both these routes are expanding massively in only a few years. The Norte because it already has infrastructure (tourist) that can help any shortcomings with pilgrim accommodations. Also, I really do think many prefer a coastal walk than the ruggedness of the VDLP (or other inland route). I prefer the likes of the VDLP myself though.
There is also a perception, rightly or wrongly, that the VDLP is 'tough' or 'lonely' but the Norte is not.
Davey
Another factor in the apparent bubble at places like Zamora... I remember the volunteer hospitaleros saying that some people who are not really intending to walk the camino come with new credentials and say they are starting there - a very common starting point. It is low budget accommodation. They are never seen walking or at the following village albergues.Staying today Zamora albergue. Was Completo 16.30 . There are 32 beds
In that case I'm almost sure it would be Norte. At least it was Levante for me in 2015 when I went to collect pro vicario Compostela. It wasn't VdlP or Sanabres.If you start on the Norte and continue on the Primitivo to Santiago on what Camino are you registered?
In my case, the First week of the Norte is harder than any I have done. We are now on our way to walk the Salvador/Primitivo
Must be crazy
I want to walk VdlP as soon as possible: But.
On CF, I can walk as little or as long as I wish and find: bed, food, mass, etc.
With the Via, those long stages are a consideration. A daily 28 to 30k average was once no problem, but now: Um. I don’t relish the idea of walking X number of miles, hailing cabs to albergue, then next day cabbing back, and start walking.
Also, the spring or fall option means a possible bed race. I love summer. I love heat. I loved my black hair becoming sun-bleached blonde on CF camino number one walked in August. But 35+ Celsius is awfully caliente.
And, as a lone woman on CF, I was never out of sight of another pilgrim, or occupied town/village/city, or vehicular traffic for more than fifteen, twenty minutes tops. However, VdlP seems quite barren on all points.
These are my reasons for rethinking VdlP as next camino.
My general comment here having just walked from Sevilla to Salamanca is that many people I did meet on the VdlP were not walking the entire route.
Joe
The VdlP might not be for you. The daily walking options are either short or long, imo.
The accommodation available is more private than Municipal or association. Therefore, once they collect the fee, you do not see them again. There are exceptions but not many between Sevilla and Salamanca, imo.
There is a lot of Roman Architecture along the way, if you are into that.
There are several stretches of highway walking and pasture walking. If you do not like either, this route might not be for you.
If you are looking for hills, between Sevilla and Salamanca, there are very few climbs on this route. There are a couple short steep climbs but very few.
Speaking Spanish on this route is also very helpful.
I found the Mozarabe a much more enjoyable Camino. Much more welcoming and better supported from local associations, especially from Almeria to Granada.
Keep walking,
Joe
Rather reluctantly (tongue in cheek) i second the mozarabe.....ANYONE going to spain is told not to miss the Alhambra,probably THE top attraction. Also on the mozarabe is Cordoba with the amazing Mezquita.My general comment here having just walked from Sevilla to Salamanca is that many people I did meet on the VdlP were not walking the entire route.
Joe
The VdlP might not be for you. The daily walking options are either short or long, imo.
The accommodation available is more private than Municipal or association. Therefore, once they collect the fee, you do not see them again. There are exceptions but not many between Sevilla and Salamanca, imo.
There is a lot of Roman Architecture along the way, if you are into that.
There are several stretches of highway walking and pasture walking. If you do not like either, this route might not be for you.
If you are looking for hills, between Sevilla and Salamanca, there are very few climbs on this route. There are a couple short steep climbs but very few.
Speaking Spanish on this route is also very helpful.
I found the Mozarabe a much more enjoyable Camino. Much more welcoming and better supported from local associations, especially from Almeria to Granada.
Keep walking,
Joe
Oddly enough your reply has confirmed my need to do VdlP.
I’ve let CF comfort provide five reasons, five caminos, to only do CF.
Once time, money, and opportunity allow; VdlP here I come.
Face the fear!
Even in the summer there is often a nice cool coastal breeze.
Im on day 4 stage 5 and I can tell you it's busy!! Not so much the trails but the Albergues and hostels are getting full and sometimes booked out.According to the article in the Extremadura newspaper, Hoy, pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata. The pilgrims office in Santiago reported 11 fewer pilgrims who walked the Via de la Plata in 2018, compared with 2017.
Since the data isn't perfect, for reasons that are discussed in many other threads, it's debatable whether pilgrim numbers are in decline. But I think it's safe to say that, in contrast to most other pilgrim routes, the numbers on the Via de la Plata are not increasing.
The article speculates that the Via de la Plata needs more infrastructure (i.e. albergues) to attract more pilgrims.
El único Camino de Santiago que baja en peregrinos es el de Extremadura | Hoy
Ante los albergues cerrados, su dureza y peligrosidad, que ha originado muertes, muchos prefieren hacer el Camino Portuguéswww.hoy.es
People are reporting that the Via de la Plata is crowded this year - so perhaps there's no "trend" just normal ups and downs for a less travelled path.
Oh my!Just finished in Astorga (today). The VdlP has been *far* busier than I expected with easily 40-60 people on each ‘stage’. To me it has seemed busier than when I walked the Frances in June (albeit a quiet June) last year. My observation is that the current number of albergues, and places in the albergues, cannot cope with this demand. We had to book ahead most days (when possible) and at times it was impossible to move on due to the lack of accommodation and distance between the albergues.
... and by the way, we took the last two places in the 156 bed albergue in Astorga at 4pm...
Hola; I walked the VDLP in the Fall of 2018; it was my first Camino, and I loved it. I also found the infrastructure to be quite adiquate. I don't think that all the Caminos have to be or should be like the CF or any other Camino. They should each be unique and offer a Pilgrim the experience they are looking for or not. Maybe we should not compare the Caminos and appreciate what each has to offer. Buen Camino y UltreiaAccording to the article in the Extremadura newspaper, Hoy, pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata. The pilgrims office in Santiago reported 11 fewer pilgrims who walked the Via de la Plata in 2018, compared with 2017.
Since the data isn't perfect, for reasons that are discussed in many other threads, it's debatable whether pilgrim numbers are in decline. But I think it's safe to say that, in contrast to most other pilgrim routes, the numbers on the Via de la Plata are not increasing.
The article speculates that the Via de la Plata needs more infrastructure (i.e. albergues) to attract more pilgrims.
El único Camino de Santiago que baja en peregrinos es el de Extremadura | Hoy
Ante los albergues cerrados, su dureza y peligrosidad, que ha originado muertes, muchos prefieren hacer el Camino Portuguéswww.hoy.es
People are reporting that the Via de la Plata is crowded this year - so perhaps there's no "trend" just normal ups and downs for a less travelled path.
My general comment here having just walked from Sevilla to Salamanca is that many people I did meet on the VdlP were not walking the entire route.
Joe
The VdlP might not be for you. The daily walking options are either short or long, imo.
The accommodation available is more private than Municipal or association. Therefore, once they collect the fee, you do not see them again. There are exceptions but not many between Sevilla and Salamanca, imo.
There is a lot of Roman Architecture along the way, if you are into that.
There are several stretches of highway walking and pasture walking. If you do not like either, this route might not be for you.
If you are looking for hills, between Sevilla and Salamanca, there are very few climbs on this route. There are a couple short steep climbs but very few.
Speaking Spanish on this route is also very helpful.
I found the Mozarabe a much more enjoyable Camino. Much more welcoming and better supported from local associations, especially from Almeria to Granada.
Keep walking,
Joe
Merida is where the Mozarabe meets the VdlP. Almeria to Merida is 616km. For à shorter walk you could start in Malaga, Jaen, Granada, or Córdoba.Joe,
I’m planning the VdlP for next April and considered beginning on the Via Serrana. Considered...! How many Kms is the Mozarabe to where it meets up with the VdlP?
Thanks,
Lynn
Joe,
I’m planning the VdlP for next April and considered beginning on the Via Serrana. Considered...! How many Kms is the Mozarabe to where it meets up with the VdlP?
Thanks,
Lynn
Thank you for the info! Much appreciated!Merida is where the Mozarabe meets the VdlP. Almeria to Merida is 616km. For à shorter walk you could start in Malaga, Jaen, Granada, or Córdoba.
Check out the Almeria association’s guide on their Facebook page:
Camino Mozarabe De Santiago De Almeria a Granada | Almería
Camino Mozarabe De Santiago De Almeria a Granada, Almería, Andalucía. 6,432 likes · 1,892 talking about this. Asociación Jacobea de Almeria-Granada Camino Mozárabe. Todo lo concerniente al camino...www.facebook.com
Well said,I always walk in European summer for 2 reasons..to avoid winter in Oz and the crowds.
Lynn,
This route is 550 to 600km's. This route will be less populated and hillier (if that is a word) than the VdlP. Several others and I have posted past travels on this route. If I can be of assistance, please feel free to PM me.
Ultreya,
Joe
Lots of interesting branches onto and off of the Vldp! One sometimes sees the VdlP and Camino Sanabres referred to as Mozarabic routes "Camino Mozárabe-Vía de la Plata." That's because they were part of the network of routes (along with the paths through Granada and Cordoba) that were used by Christians** who lived under Moorish rule in the south of Spain. The VdlP is the Roman ** Autobahn that these various routes feed into and out of.I had been interested in the Mozarabe on its own—not realizing I could connect with the VdlP, which was my next planned Camino.
Check out the map in this link (scroll down a bit):...not realizing I could connect with the VdlP, which was my next planned Camino.
...
Thanks for the history and the humor!! I’m looking forward to this one!Lots of interesting branches onto and off of the Vldp! One sometimes sees the VdlP and Camino Sanabres referred to as Mozarabic routes "Camino Mozárabe-Vía de la Plata." That's because they were part of the network of routes (along with the paths through Granada and Cordoba) that were used by Christians** who lived under Moorish rule in the south of Spain. The VdlP is the Roman ** Autobahn that these various routes feed into and out of.
* Those Christians have latterly been labeled Mozarabs ("arabized") because they assimilated into Moorish culture in many ways - dress, diet, language - while continuing to follow their religion.
** Pre-Roman, actually. But the Romans improved the surface, fixed the drainage, erected regular milestones, and built the drive-thru hamburger restaurants and 24-hour diners that you need for a proper road trip.
Oh, now you’ve created a monster! I’m never going home again!!! Thanks!Check out the map in this link (scroll down a bit):
Draw cursor onto certain Camino and it will show you the name.CAMINOS DE SANTIAGO | El Camino de Santiago de RayyRosa
Descripción de todos los Caminos de Santiago. Con una completa información sobre todas las rutas a Santiago, así como su historia, etapas, mapas etc.www.rayyrosa.com
Happy planning!
Good point. I didn’t collect mine either.Perhaps everyone should help stats by going for the Compostela whether they want it or not. I and many others have not so not counted
Perhaps just wait till the next morning . I should’ve but I didn’t go back.Yikes! Then the afternoon queues will extend from 2+ hours to much longer...
Hi, I walked the Portugues Coastal last year and this year I’m going to walk the VDLP starting in Salamanca. I’m looking for to a whole new experience. I’m aware it is not going to be so picturesque as the CP but in its own way still beautiful. I know the days will be longer and perhaps hotter (? ) but I’m glad I’m mixing it up to experience something else. Only time will tell if I go on to do another like the VDLP. I’m excited for September to hurry up.Oddly enough your reply has confirmed my need to do VdlP.
I’ve let CF comfort provide five reasons, five caminos, to only do CF.
Once time, money, and opportunity allow; VdlP here I come.
Face the fear!
Snap Omar ... Our first camino was also in 2006, the VdlP, only from Salamanca... a heat wave in May/June. Since then, have done VdlP or parts of it, a number of times, once from Huelva to Santiago and it remains my favourite, especially for the wonderful pilgrims we've met along the way and still friends with. May the tourism and masses stay elsewhere!you got my hopes up!!
my first camino in 2006 was the VDLP and I loved the solitude..none of that mindless race on the overrated overcrowded CF.....please stay away!
Have a look at the routes (there are 2) from Mont St Michel...but keep it quiet!Snap Omar ... Our first camino was also in 2006, the VdlP, only from Salamanca... a heat wave in May/June. Since then, have done VdlP or parts of it, a number of times, once from Huelva to Santiago and it remains my favourite, especially for the wonderful pilgrims we've met along the way and still friends with. May the tourism and masses stay elsewhere!
Madrid Camino a close second favourite, and 2018s Invierno was super special though lonely at times on my own..... Oh well, each route is different I guess.
Not sure I'd call the VdlP 'flatlining'. Its numbers are consistent from year to year with the occasional bubble of pilgrims and crowded albergues. Buen camino, Carole.
Hunh??!?!! Pull the other one! Oh, I geddit, joke, right?20 pilgrim at the same time wasn't that bad for VdLP, while I did it. I don't expect more than 50% of the ~9000 had been starting between Seville and Salamanca, while a good amount is just doing the last 100km from Ourense (Too lazy to do the math right now).
Leaving the place were I sleept between 6am and noon is fine for me, arriving between 2pm and 9pm works like a charm, a much later arrival has some limits, but why not? In the darker months I prefer to leave and get in with a bit of natural light.
Refering to the temperatures I use to like the thirty something °C. Others start to complain about heat at 20°C with a little glimpse of sun through the clouds, while I do look for gloves and scarf. A bit of that is training. After a few hot (>30°C) weeks in summer the colder 20°C days after that are totally different than the same 20°C after a long winter.
Australia (Oz) is such a small island on the globe (with only a dozen climate zones). You will hardly notice the 5 hours flight from one edge to the other. So you can't expect any difference between north and south, nor east and west. Take the forecast for Alice Springs and you will exactly know what happens in Melbourne and Darwin.
I used flatline in the sense of "Failure to increase; remain static," (i.e. consistent numbers of pilgrims over time). I think that this is a precarious situation, which could lead to flatlining in the other sense - i.e. the demise of the facilities on the route that many of us appreciate.Not sure I'd call the VdlP 'flatlining'. Its numbers are consistent from year to year
Don't let age become a mental barrier. I've seen people in their 20s struggle and quit long before the end of their intended destination. Go for it!The VdlP is the most wonderful Camino, if time is not an issue.
We spent 54 days walking from Almaden de la Plata to Santiago in 2014. We started In late August when it was very warm and we decided to avoid the long lonely stage prior to Almaden because of the heat. Three of the days were spent sightseeing in Merida, Salamanca and Ourense. There were many other fascinating towns and villages along the way, most notably Caceres, but we tried to get to such places early in the day to take in the sights.
Accommodation was never a problem, although I remember two places where later arrivals had to sleep on the kitchen floor or look elsewhere. In two towns the albergues were closed "for painting" ie. bed bugs, but we managed to find relatively low cost accommodation nearby. In another I think we got the last room in a town where bed bugs was the admitted cause of the closed albergue. We learned later that six people took a taxi to the next town and two people slept on the floor of the town hall. On at least four occasions we were either alone in the albergue or were joined by just one other person. Occasionally there was no albergue but we found comfortable hostals that didn't break the bank. Of course a private room with a comfortable bed, clean sheets and real towels was always a welcome option.
I am not sure that we ever went a full day without seeing another peregrino.
I would love to do it again but I was already 70 in 2014 and I am not sure I would be up to it now.
Liam
Ok, slightly off topic, how much road walking on the via de la plata ? I did the Frances from St . Jean de p dep last summer August onto Fisterre and Muxia, and preferred hillier bits from Leon onwards, and about ok with the amount of road walking,
Back a week from the Primitivo, Oviedo ,and onto Muxia and Fisterre, and less road walking, would be tempted to do this again and add the Salvador, but looking into alternatives for next year, or later this year,
Rambling a bit , but roughly how much asphalt on this route,
Cheers Bill
Ahem. That's not even slightly on topic.Ok, slightly off topic, how much road walking on the via de la plata ?
Thanks Raggy, will look up that thread,Ahem. That's not even slightly on topic.
Check out this thread which discussed the amount of road walking on the VdlP
Thanks, like everyone, or maybe most people, the more tarmac ,there is , and I start to question why I'm even doing this camino, and my tendons definitely don't like it,Hi Bill,
Good to hear you made it to Muxía and Finisterre!
The Vía de la Plata does not have too much asphalt, more than the Primitivo if I recall well but much less than the Portuguese and Norte. Go for it!
We haven't given up walking entirely and will be setting out from Porto on May 22 - following the Litoral.Don't let age become a mental barrier. I've seen people in their 20s struggle and quit long before the end of their intended destination. Go for it!
Refering to the temperatures I use to like the thirty something °C. Others start to complain about heat at 20°C with a little glimpse of sun through the clouds, while I do look for gloves and scarf. A bit of that is training. After a few hot (>30°C) weeks in summer the colder 20°C days after that are totally different than the same 20°C after a long winter.
Australia (Oz) is such a small island on the globe (with only a dozen climate zones). You will hardly notice the 5 hours flight from one edge to the other. So you can't expect any difference between north and south, nor east and west. Take the forecast for Alice Springs and you will exactly know what happens in Melbourne and Darwin.
I think we all know that Australia is huge. Pilger was just trying to be funny (hence the tongue out icon). Put it down as a "Lost In Translation" moment.Australia has more than 12 climatic zones.
Ok, slightly off topic, how much road walking on the via de la plata ?
Rambling a bit , but roughly how much asphalt on this route,
Thanks Espee , I think it's probably a camino I will do , but maybe in shorter stages, the tendon issues , are from over use, we weren't designed to walk for days on end ,on unforgiving surfaces, if the road goes up and down a bit , that helps too.There are a few long stretches of 15km or so and some shorter sections of 6-8km but much of the time when the route follows the road there is a path running along side the road. That said, most of the route is on dusty gravel tracks which are quite hard work underfoot (shoes completely worn down!) and some even tarmac can be a welcome change...
Good words Hermano; remember Ultreia...Reading some posts here and elsewhere others could get the impression the VDLP is akin to crossing the Sahara in high summer. It's not that bad! I always go in summer and had no problems sure there some long sections,,the 40km from Carcaboso comes to mind but I just checked my diary and left at 8.50am for that stretch the last time I was on the VDLP. There are only 3 sections over 30kms and a further 5 in the high 20's with most being 20-25
I found the Mozarabe much harder, and I believe there are many more difficult routes. I found the VDLP to be quite moderate, in physical demands, although I walked in early spring when the weather was mild. The "difficulty" of the VDLP is only that you need to figure things out for yourself, occasionally, and it is a big advantage to speak some Spanish.I’ve heard it said that the VdlP is the hardest camino.
But this is not the case! The longest stretch that cannot be avoided except by taking a taxi part way is the 30 km from Castilblanco to Almaden de la Plata. Now that the albergue at the Embalse de Alcantara is open, there is no other place one must walk more than 30 km to find accommodation. Most people walk some longer stages because they choose not to stay in the accommodation that is available at, say, 15 km. This is where the "figuring things out" comes in - if you want to avoid very short days, you might need to walk a long one.long stages of 30+km are unavoidable
The reopening of the albergue seems to have been a little haphazard. I've read a couple of reports of people finding it closed on occasions even after its official reopening last year. Well worth checking in advance for the current position as there are no alternatives nearby.Now that the albergue at the Embalse de Alcantara is open, there is no other place one must walk more than 30 km to find accommodation.
I agree that it is different, and that it calls a little on a person's self-sufficiency and ability to work out solutions. That is what I love about it. The VDLP is not a moving sidewalk that you can step on and do no more thinking. However, it is not a bold hazardous trek into the wilderness and isolation. It is not particularly demanding physically (assuming, of course, that water needs are taken care of).it is worth pointing out how different it is to the Frances
Estimating what someone else will find "difficult" is not easy. When describing the VDLP to prospective walkers a big problem is that many people assume that the Camino Frances is the norm for pilgrim routes - the standard by which all other routes should be judged. Perceptions of difficulty are very personal and subjective. I have often read descriptions of the Camino Frances which make it sound like a cross between the ascent of Everest without oxygen and the Marathon des Sables. In reality the Camino Frances is the exception in almost all respects and possibly the most straightforward and feather-bedded long-distance route on the planet. Those who have walked the less popular Caminos in Spain or long-distance routes elsewhere may well find the VDLP relatively straightforward as it makes demands with which we are already familiar. But if your only prior experience of long-distance walking is the Camino Frances in recent years then the level of challenge can easily be underestimated.I just think that the "difficulty" of the route is exaggerated or misunderstood. I think it is a perfect level of challenge.
So true! Even the ascent to Orrison is not bad, if you (a) have a reasonably light pack, (b) walk veeerrrrryy slowly, (c) don't try to stay in step with anyone else, and (d) stop talking in excitement to every passing pilgrim. Of course this assumes there aren't health problems that add special challenges.I have often read descriptions of the Camino Frances which make it sound like a cross between the ascent of Everest without oxygen and the Marathon des Sables.
I agree with all the above!I agree that it is different, and that it calls a little on a person's self-sufficiency and ability to work out solutions. That is what I love about it. The VDLP is not a moving sidewalk that you can step on and do no more thinking. However, it is not a bold hazardous trek into the wilderness and isolation. It is not particularly demanding physically (assuming, of course, that water needs are taken care of).
I am a moderately fit 70 year old woman. I have never walked 40 km and don't expect to. However, I could probably do so if it were absolutely necessary. (Most people could, but they'd need to take the next day off!) I carry a detailed list of places and distances so I can see the facilities for a day or two ahead, I have a KML track on my phone, backup battery, enough knowledge of Spanish to call for help and explain myself, enough water for the circumstances, and I wear my thinking cap.
I just think that the "difficulty" of the route is exaggerated or misunderstood. I think it is a perfect level of challenge.
From Granja to Astorga looks like an interesting and peaceful little stretch of Camino. I followed Steve Cole on instagram when he walked it earlier this year:I have just finished but I took the Astorga route as I wanted to do the entire VDLP and save the Sanabres for when I walk from Alicante or Valencia.
Perhaps there are bubbles of pilgrims at different times and on different sections of the Camino. The folks who did a section from Seville at easter this year might return in a few months or a year to do a section from Salamanca ...Seemed way more down in Sevilla but I am guessing many drop out perhaps?
Yes - this is certainly the case. People were walking stages of 1-3 weeks but I didn’t meet anyone who had started later along the route than Seville.From Granja to Astorga looks like an interesting and peaceful little stretch of Camino. I followed Steve Cole on instagram when he walked it earlier this year:
Steve Cole (@steve1963cole) • Instagram photos and videos
477 Followers, 120 Following, 4,669 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Steve Cole (@steve1963cole)www.instagram.com
Perhaps there are bubbles of pilgrims at different times and on different sections of the Camino. The folks who did a section from Seville at easter this year might return in a few months or a year to do a section from Salamanca ...
You really don't need to, if you review the route, accept some short days instead of long ones, and take a taxi to help once or twice.I simply cannot do 30+ km days
True. Godesalco offers a tool for initial route planning and distance calculations on VdlP:You really don't need to, if you review the route, accept some short days instead of long ones, and take a taxi to help once or twice.
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