Wanting to avoid all albergues

[Bradypus]

Hmm. I am looking at trying to walk in the UK and only finding touristy walks with B&Bs and inns that I can't afford. And these are called pilgrimages.

I agree that accommodation in the UK is often very expensive compared to Spain. But I do not see that the cost of beds is a factor in defining a journey as a pilgrimage or not: surely that is a matter of personal intention and motivation rather than external circumstances? My solution when walking in the UK tends to be wild camping or bivvying overnight, with low cost accommodation as a welcome plus when available.

 

[kelleymac]

I agree that accommodation in the UK is often very expensive compared to Spain. But I do not see that the cost of beds is a factor in defining a journey as a pilgrimage or not: surely that is a matter of personal intention and motivation rather than external circumstances? My solution when walking in the UK tends to be wild camping or bivvying overnight, with low cost accommodation as a welcome plus when available.

Good point. But when walking from LePuy to Conques, I stayed at some places and was swept up in a more "touristy world". People were on holiday and seemed more interested in shopping and complaining about this and that. That gets into the "What entails a pilgrimage?" question again.

Where can I get info on the legalities and norms of wild camping in the UK?

 

[Bradypus]

Where can I get info on the legalities and norms of wild camping in the UK?

The situation is quite complicated as the different countries of the UK have different laws. I do not know the position in Northern Ireland. In England and Wales wild camping without permission from the landowner is generally illegal. In more remote areas it is usually possible with discretion though: pitching late in the day and leaving early and leaving no trace. Scotland has more liberal laws closer in spirit to those of Norway and Sweden. Wild camping in open areas is specifically allowed under Scots law. This link gives more information: https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/Practical-guide/public/camping

 

[Philip Hartney]

Hello,

I did years in the military and now that I am out I never want to sleep next to a stranger again. Ha ha, sorry.

So I want to hike the Camino but want a room and bathroom to myself at night. My son and I.

Are hotels plentiful or do I really need to book in advance? What are the chances of it nearing dark and without lodging for the night in July of 2019?

I started the CF on 1st May and finished 1st June this year, my first time. I stayed a few nights in Albergues, however gave up due to the obvious reasons and stayed in Pensions, Hostels, Hotels. The are advantages / disadvantages to both, however I dont regret mixing it up, and I have always found that you will always find a bed / room. Enjoy the trip, it is truly a wonderful and life changing experience, and in fact I am suffering so much from having done it that I am not still on it......

 

[Philip Hartney]

I walked the Frances in May and stayed in only one albergue. I booked my first two days from home (SJPP and Orisson), then relied on Booking.com for the rest. I tried to plan a few days in advance and had only a few problems. Sometimes my first choice of town was booked and I had to choose one a little closer or farther.

Chuck, how ya doing friend, hope you got back well......

 

[KER]

Trevor, I used Booking.com to make reservations from SJPP to Pamplona in Sep 2019. I will book ahead daily after I get to Pamplona. Booking.com is very easy to use! It has a filter on the left side of the page that allows you to limit your search to accommodations with private bath. Simply select your preference from the list of hits to make the reservation in English. There is also a way to ask questions online. Finally, many of the accommodations allow late cancellations! I found the ease of use and flexaibility afforded by Booking.com extraordinary![/QUOTE
If you stay in private room, do they provide blankets? Will start the CF from SJPP in late Sept and fly home early Nov and trying to decide if I should pack a sleeping bag or liner or both. Thx for any advise as trying to keep pack weight below 10lbs and have a 28L pack. Thx.

 

[Stephen Hayes]

Hello,

I did years in the military and now that I am out I never want to sleep next to a stranger again. Ha ha, sorry.

So I want to hike the Camino but want a room and bathroom to myself at night. My son and I.

Are hotels plentiful or do I really need to book in advance? What are the chances of it nearing dark and without lodging for the night in July of 2019?

I would book in advance we have walked 3 different sections of 3 different caminos and used the camino travel centre each time

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Booking with a tour group, even with baggage transportation, can result in quite long stages each day. I like to walk SLOWLY. I cannot keep up with a group! I make my own way in short stages. I look at Gronze and Booking.com. Occasionally, I like to stay inn albergue which comes highly recommended!