Wall Map of Portuguese Camino

[truthi]

Hi there! I’d like to have one big map to put up on my wall to plan my cycling trip for the Portuguese Camino. I’m using John Brierley’s book as my guide. I’ll be doing the coastal route, mostly following the path, and at times going off the path when it’s too crowded or it seems like asphalt (hopefully there is asphalt and not just cobblestone!) would be better for me to travel on.

Any suggestions on where to purchase a large and detailed map?
Thanks,
Ruth

 

[naplesdon]

No idea about where to find a map but as far cycling the coastal, I would suggest avoiding some of the boardwalks because they might be tough to maintain your balance with a fully loaded bike. The N13 runs all the way up the coast and is not heavily trafficked.

 

[Walton]

Yes. Some of the boardwalks are in brilliant condition, other parts have the odd broken or damaged boards and or railings. Some have sand hills that have moved under the boardwalk and broken through the wooden steps.

Additionally, some boardwalks are not very wide in places and cyclists may not be all that welcomed on these.

The other problem is that cyclists often ring their bell or shout while coming up behind walkers, assuming the walker in front of them can hear. People with a hearing defecit like myself usually cannot hear the warnings.
especially if a wind is blowing as well.

Additionally, looking quickly behind oneself while loaded with a backpack puts a lot of strain on the back.

If you slow down when you see walkers ahead and are prepared to wait until you can pass safely, you will be well regarded and thanked.

 

[TulaB]

My group is cycling this June on the Camino Central with some side trips and hopefully the Variante Espiritual. I am using the Brierley guide and going with the assumption of a well marked path. I am a consummate planner needing to know all the details before hand. I love maps! I have not found a map for this route but believe that we will find our way by downloading google maps before we leave and using the Brierley guide on our ride. After all the detailed planning and arranging I am now free to let it play out and enjoy the experience. We are not traveling at a fast pace, only 25-40K/day so lots of time to explore on the way and slow down for every walking pilgrim as we go! Sharing the road!! This forum has been a big help in reinforcing the attitude of slow pace, soaking up the experience and learning something about ourselves in the process. Enjoy your planning, keep open to adventure, it will work out.
Bom Caminho!!

 

[TulaB]

I confess I did find a map of Portugal at AAA, (Michelin) and hung it in my dining room. My husband and I are doing a 2 week exploratory trip of Portugal before the Camino. Going by car and booking our own accommodations. The map is about 6 feet long! Highlighters and sticky post-its are part of planning life. Like the Camino we are open to everything that lies between the places we stay.

 

[truthi]

No idea about where to find a map but as far cycling the coastal, I would suggest avoiding some of the boardwalks because they might be tough to maintain your balance with a fully loaded bike. The N13 runs all the way up the coast and is not heavily trafficked.

Thanks for the tip about the N13. I will definitely take this into consideration. I imagine the boardwalks are quite slick when wet, and possibly sandy, too. Is the N13 asphalt or cobblestone? Perhaps, it’s a bit of both??

 

[truthi]

Yes. Some of the boardwalks are in brilliant condition, other parts have the odd broken or damaged boards and or railings. Some have sand hills that have moved under the boardwalk and broken through the wooden steps.

Additionally, some boardwalks are not very wide in places and cyclists may not be all that welcomed on these.

The other problem is that cyclists often ring their bell or shout while coming up behind walkers, assuming the walker in front of them can hear. People with a hearing defecit like myself usually cannot hear the warnings.
especially if a wind is blowing as well.

Additionally, looking quickly behind oneself while loaded with a backpack puts a lot of strain on the back.

If you slow down when you see walkers ahead and are prepared to wait until you can pass safely, you will be well regarded and thanked.

Hi there,
Thanks for your reply. After reading your post and others that are similar, I have to say it’s too bad that it seems like hikers have had a tough time with cyclists. I read that local cycling clubs have been known to rush and quickly pass hikers. In general, I like to think of myself as a thoughtful and aware person, and I’ll be sure to respectful as I share the path with others. It sounds like you’ve had some rough experiences with cyclists.

Thank you for the heads up of what conditions I might find on the boardwalk.

Best,
Ruth

 

[truthi]

My group is cycling this June on the Camino Central with some side trips and hopefully the Variante Espiritual. I am using the Brierley guide and going with the assumption of a well marked path. I am a consummate planner needing to know all the details before hand. I love maps! I have not found a map for this route but believe that we will find our way by downloading google maps before we leave and using the Brierley guide on our ride. After all the detailed planning and arranging I am now free to let it play out and enjoy the experience. We are not traveling at a fast pace, only 25-40K/day so lots of time to explore on the way and slow down for every walking pilgrim as we go! Sharing the road!! This forum has been a big help in reinforcing the attitude of slow pace, soaking up the experience and learning something about ourselves in the process. Enjoy your planning, keep open to adventure, it will work out.
Bom Caminho!!

 

[truthi]

Hi Tula,
I think we have a lot in common. I’m such a planner! And I agree, that it will be good to have a plan and then see how it all plays out.

I appreciate how you plan to take it slow and not rush. I’ll follow your lead. Lately, I’ve been getting that message as I plan the trip and manage my every day life. I need to go slow!

I wish you Buen Camino!!

Best,ruth

 

[truthi]

I confess I did find a map of Portugal at AAA, (Michelin) and hung it in my dining room. My husband and I are doing a 2 week exploratory trip of Portugal before the Camino. Going by car and booking our own accommodations. The map is about 6 feet long! Highlighters and sticky post-its are part of planning life. Like the Camino we are open to everything that lies between the places we stay.

Hi again!
For some reason I didn’t realize it was you that wrote this. Would have said something in my other message.

If you feel like it, I’d love to hear what you think after you’ve done the exploration.

The planner in me thinks the map sounds awesome! So big! I think it would fit on my wall!

-Ruth

 

[naplesdon]

Thanks for the tip about the N13. I will definitely take this into consideration. I imagine the boardwalks are quite slick when wet, and possibly sandy, too. Is the N13 asphalt or cobblestone? Perhaps, it’s a bit of both??

The N13 is a national highway that connects all of the towns on the coast. It is not heavily trafficked, i.e. not may semi truck, etc. It is asphalt and wide enough for bike traffic.
I agree with another response about the boardwalks: they are fairly narrow and the rails are ropes in most place which are in need of repair. If I was on a bike I'd avoid them.

 

[TulaB]

Hi again!
For some reason I didn’t realize it was you that wrote this. Would have said something in my other message.

If you feel like it, I’d love to hear what you think after you’ve done the exploration.

The planner in me thinks the map sounds awesome! So big! I think it would fit on my wall!

-Ruth

I would be happy to relay some info about our trip. Thanks for the Bom Caminho! you too!!!