Where to start

[hsabs]

We have 4 weeks off work in May 15 adnd are considering starting in Burgos to Santiago. We would like to spend a couple of days in Santiago before returning to reality and work. Does that seem a reasonable timescale or would anyone suggest an alternative starting point. We would love to walk the full Camino but it seems that we would be too pushed to make it meaningful rather than just a rush to the finish ( will probably have to wait for retirement before we can do the full route sadly)! Any suggestions gratefully received. H

 

[brettr]

We have 4 weeks off work in May 15 adnd are considering starting in Burgos to Santiago. We would like to spend a couple of days in Santiago before returning to reality and work. Does that seem a reasonable timescale or would anyone suggest an alternative starting point. We would love to walk the full Camino but it seems that we would be too pushed to make it meaningful rather than just a rush to the finish ( will probably have to wait for retirement before we can do the full route sadly)! Any suggestions gratefully received. H

That sounds very workable. I've heard that it's possible to walk from Burgos to Santiago in three weeks, so I think 4 would give you some slack, as well as a chance to spend time in Santiago at the end. If you are keen to actually reach Santiago on this trip, that is a good starting point. Since you plan to one day walk the whole thing, another option is to start at or closer to the beginning and just see how far you get. That's what my wife and I just did -- we started in Pamplona and walked for 2 1/2 weeks. It's nice not to have the pressure of reaching a specific destination on a deadline. I also liked the idea of "saving" the arrival in Santiago for if/when I am able to return and complete the trip. But I certainly understand the appeal of finishing in Santiago too.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hy , 4 weeks must be no problem. Its about 470 km. When you walk 20 to 25km a day you can do it nice and easy .I wish you happy planning
and a Buen Camino.

 

[tyrrek]

Yes, Burgos is where I would start with that amount of time. It's easy to get to, gives you some flexibility for rest days etc. and also for a couple of days in Santiago. If you find that you arrive earlier than expected you can always walk on to Finisterre. Buen Camino!

 

[Kanga]

In 4 weeks I would think you could do more quite comfortably. What about Logroño? It is a good transport hub so easy to get to. That way you get a bit of La Rioja before hitting the meseta (which starts at Burgos).

 

[Olivares]

This past July I walked for a while with two teachers from Mexico who started in Burgos and programmed three weeks to Santiago. They had also scheduled a week for a literary tour of Andalucia and they did not seemed concerned at all with timing. I saw them as they made it to Santiago ahead of plan. Go for it. Buen Camino!

 

[hsabs]

Thanks for the tips - may look at Logrono too - but the joy may be taking it as it comes and possibly continuing on to Finsterre.

 

[waveprof]

We have 4 weeks off work in May 15 adnd are considering starting in Burgos to Santiago. We would like to spend a couple of days in Santiago before returning to reality and work. Does that seem a reasonable timescale or would anyone suggest an alternative starting point. We would love to walk the full Camino but it seems that we would be too pushed to make it meaningful rather than just a rush to the finish ( will probably have to wait for retirement before we can do the full route sadly)! Any suggestions gratefully received. H

I think you could easily pull off starting in Logrono, youd still miss Euskal Herria but you'd at least get La Rioja. And by our timeline you'd still be easily able to do what you want-----and our timeline was slow (we were carrying a 15 month old)

I actually think you could start in Logrono and still make it to Finestarre if you really wanted