Which camino to do?

[BeastofEast]

Hi folks!

First off, thank you so much for all the advice! These forums are fantastic!

I'm 28yo M who has done quite a bit of hiking in the Himalayas/Appalachian. Starting my first camino in early April, and was wondering which one to do (I have a little over a month).

On one hand, I've read from ya'll that the CF is the only one to do as a first timer. But going in April (and seeing your sheet that shows an increase in the number of pilgrims) and the fact that this is a holy year makes me hesitant. It'd be nice to have some time for solo reflection and be on my own (in addition to meeting people along the way)-- and I'd be fine with the long distances between albergues if it means a little more solitude. The reasons people have given for the CF>others have been the infrastructure/shorter distances, and it likely wouldn't be a big problem for me.

On the other hand, from what you guys have written, it seems as if I'd lose out on the fundamental "feeling" of the camino by not doing the Frances first-- that it is just THE path and how much more incredible its history/camraderie/feeling is. Due to my job being insane, it might be a long time before I can do anything like this again (possibly ever!) so I don't want to mess it up!

Or should I look in at starting either the CF/Norte and switching by going on a path through the Picos de Europa?

Thanks so much for the help and advice!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It is not a real Holy Year, so the crowds may not be any greater than normal growth. Starting in early April will put you ahead of the big crowds, so you won't have a problem then. To me, the real experience is the fellow travelers; that is why the busier, more traditional Camino Frances is probably the best starter camino.

 

[jpflavin1]

Hi folks!

First off, thank you so much for all the advice! These forums are fantastic!

I'm 28yo M who has done quite a bit of hiking in the Himalayas/Appalachian. Starting my first camino in early April, and was wondering which one to do (I have a little over a month).

On one hand, I've read from ya'll that the CF is the only one to do as a first timer. But going in April (and seeing your sheet that shows an increase in the number of pilgrims) and the fact that this is a holy year makes me hesitant. It'd be nice to have some time for solo reflection and be on my own (in addition to meeting people along the way)-- and I'd be fine with the long distances between albergues if it means a little more solitude. The reasons people have given for the CF>others have been the infrastructure/shorter distances, and it likely wouldn't be a big problem for me.

On the other hand, from what you guys have written, it seems as if I'd lose out on the fundamental "feeling" of the camino by not doing the Frances first-- that it is just THE path and how much more incredible its history/camraderie/feeling is. Due to my job being insane, it might be a long time before I can do anything like this again (possibly ever!) so I don't want to mess it up!

Or should I look in at starting either the CF/Norte and switching by going on a path through the Picos de Europa?

Thanks so much for the help and advice!

BeastofEast:

This walk will be nothing like the Himalaya's or Appalachian trail. It also depends somewhat on what you want from your Camino.

The Frances is a very communal Camino. By that, I mean it will be the most populated and it has the most infrastructure. Other than a couple of days, you will pass through a town, village or city about every 10k and there will be Pilgrims at every stop. This, imo, is the best part of the Frances and makes it a little different than the other Camino's. The quantity of infrastructure allows for a lot of flexibility on daily walks and the volume of Pilgrims creates an opportunity to make many new friends along the way.

If you find the CF not to your liking, you can jump to the Norte or Primitivo in Leon. Just pick up the Salvador there and after a 4-5 day walk you will reach Oviedo. Then you decide to walk North to the coast (Norte) or West through the hills (Primitivo).

So many choices.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi @BeastofEast and welcome to the Forum. Starting on the CF from StJdP / Roncevalles / Pamplona will give you a great taste of the Frances and as Joe has suggested a switch to the Salvador / Primitivo from Leon gives an opportunity for a quieter route as would a later switch to the Invierno from Ponferrada.

The Picos in April? The Lebaniego / Vadiniense route is spectacular but I think April is too early in the year. You could easily hit bad snow. That said you may well encounter snow on the Salvador at that time of year and at the high points on the Frances. Keep an eye on the weather.

I used to have a job that seemed to mostly stop me from doing much. Now I don't have a job I find I'm kind of restricted in what I can do. Walk the Camino (any Camino) you'll have a blast.

 

[BeastofEast]

Thank you all so much for the advice! The CF w/ the Salvador/Primitivo sounds incredible. Of course, it all depends on who I meet along the way, but thank you all so much! This is such a wonderful family! I can't wait to get started!

 

[xymmot]

No regrets doing the CF last year. Love it so much, I am going to do it again in May. Making friends along the way you will see how much of a small world we live in and the things we have in common. Doing the Camino is a lot different then walking the trails. You come into cities and read of history of the area and legends of the trail. You find peace of mind and solitude. At the same time you might find God and the spiritual aspects of this trail. Don't stress the small stuff, just do it and "The Way" will be meaningful for a lifetime. Peace to all the pilgrims , and God Speed