• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Which route? Best walking surfaces

Kanga

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Francés x 5, Le Puy x 2, Arles, Tours, Norte, Madrid, Via de la Plata, Portuguese, Primitivo
Like @Kiwi-family, I am not planning a route next year, just idly researching.....

I decided after this year's Portuguese, that the actual surface of my walk is important to me. I don't like rolly pebbles or shaley surfaces (difficult with my poor balance and eyesight), nor did I like the hard cobbles and stone sets on the Portuguese.

I do not mind a bit of road walking if it is not too hot.

Of all the walks I have done so far, the best surface by far, was the Madrid.

So, my question for you intrepid, walked many different caminoists - any ideas? Which paths have the best surfaces? Excluding those I've already done (CF, Norte, Portuguese, Madrid, VdlP, Le Puy, Tours, Arles).
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
I loved the San Salvador / Primitivo combination!

Good luck with your ‘research’ 😉
 
My hypothetical research into the Ruta de la Lana makes me wonder if it might fit the bill. Or Levante?
Salvador/Primitivo is surely a must-walk too, although it can get a bit pebbly (although more path-ish)
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Like @Kiwi-family, Which paths have the best surfaces? Excluding those I've already done (CF, Norte, Portuguese, Madrid, VdlP, Le Puy, Tours, Arles).
The one we have been working on the last couple of years is the Vezelay. We've done about 200 miles of it. It is mostly country roads like the Norte, only easier ups and downs. Very quiet. You might see another walker maybe once every 3 or 4 days, except in the evening in the albergues. The people you see have started in the Netherlands, Germany or other distant places and have been already walking a month or more, so they are fast.
 
@backpack45scb yes, it’s on my list. It’s a few years since I walked a French route, and the ones I’ve done all had lovely surfaces.
 
If you liked Madrid the most then I suggest Levante (or Sureste which overlapse on few stretches). Apart from first 3-4 days there is not much tarmac but mostly light gravel service/AG roads or paths. Very nice, solitary and contemplative Camino.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Have to add this for Levante. You have some pretty nice castles (some in ruins) and small villages on the way not to mention towns like Valencia, Toledo, Avila and Zamora with amazing architecture and history.

And self-proclaimed garlic capital of the world Las Pedroneras :D
 
Have to add this for Levante. You have some pretty nice castles (some in ruins) and small villages on the way not to mention towns like Valencia, Toledo, Avila and Zamora with amazing architecture and history.

And self-proclaimed garlic capital of the world Las Pedroneras :D
And I thought ir was Gilroy!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Would super-like that @LesBrass - it is a very lovely part of the world.

All plans now in storage until after the New Year!
 
Have to add this for Levante. You have some pretty nice castles (some in ruins) and small villages on the way not to mention towns like Valencia, Toledo, Avila and Zamora with amazing architecture and history.

And self-proclaimed garlic capital of the world Las Pedroneras :D

Totally agree with Kinky, except for the first 3-4 days out of Valencia with only asphalt (especially hard in the summer when I did it), the rest is a mixed bag. It certainly is nothing like the Norte (especially in Cantabria) or the Portuguese, the last being IMHO the worst as far as hard surfaces.

My favorite part is actually the Toledo-Zamora section with a few mountain passes but both very doable.

I'm contemplating the Lana which I hope will also be kind to the feet and joints.
 
I walked the Primitivo last fall and loved it! I am 74 and just in average shape and had no trouble. Those who say it is difficult must live in Kansas! I walked the hospitalis route and was a bit disappointed. If I were to walk it again,I would take the other route. I took the Camino Verde from Lugo to Sobrado and really liked it. It was well-marked and pretty easy. I walked on to Lavacola and Santiago,completely avoiding the Frances. It was also easy to follow,in spite of what has been said about it. The primitivo has plenty to keep a 12 year old interested! Also,the walk on to Muxia is relatively easy,very pretty,and well worth the trip. I did it in 3 days,which was very dooable as there is not much up and down. Whatever you choose,BUEN CAMINO
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!

Most read last week in this forum

Could I ask what may be naive question. This will be my 1st Camino and I will be mostly staying in alberques. Could you please explain the bathroom/shower etiquette to me? I have no idea what...
Do i need both these apps? I want to spend as little time my device as possible so if one app will do fine that’s my preference.
I was planning to document my journey through my blog (or Vlog, as I would probably take lots of videos). I was thinking of using my iPhone, and I ordered a foldable keyboard to facilitate typing...
I did the Norte in 2017. This set off a wild ride of changes in life - shifting many things. I am now at a new plateau and it feels like the right time to do Camino #2, this time the...
Hi to all, I'm looking for a really, really good place (an artist) to get a Tattoo in Santiago, it could be before Santiago but I presume in Santiago I will be ready to have my first one. The...
My daughter and I will be on the Portuguese on June and July starting in Lisbon. We will arrive in Porto about the 27th of June. We want to stay for three nights. Can we stay in an albergue for...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top