Which Way

[bobotron801]

I'm really struggling on choosing which way to walk this fall. I have been on the Frances a few times I'm even going on the French Way in April/May with my little sister.. There's a big part of me that wants to tackle the Norte. Although my flights are October 16th - December 4th. I think the greatest part of my Camino experience has been the people I've met along the way. I know that the Frances is my 'comfort zone' in both having been there, and knowing there will be an abundance of pilgrims along the way. Yet del Norte is new and exciting/scary. I don't know the way and I'm not sure there will be many pilgrims. After a long debate with myself I thought I would ask everyone else what they thought.

 

[caminoagogo]

Have you thought about doing the Portugese routes at all? It's not the Frances yet it is the next most popular Camino so you will still meet plenty of pilgrims along the way. There are a few different paths/variants that you can choose from so you have added flexibility. This is my plan of attack for next year: https://camino-a-go-go.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-plan-is-hatched.html. I can't wait!

 

[HighlandsHiker]

I second caminoagogo's suggestion. It wasn't too crowded in September 2017 when I did it, but there were plenty of other pilgrims to make friends with along the way, many of whom had walked the Frances before. There are plenty of good lodging choices (from Porto, anyway), Porto is a great town, and the other towns along the way were actually my favorite parts of the trip. I didn't find it especially scenic, but am still glad to have done it.

 

[Walli Walker]

You have about 7 weeks. The Portuguese from Porto will only take you about 2 weeks &, in my opinion, from Lisbon may be a bit daunting for you. Go for the Camino del Norte. I haven’t done it yet but will let you know more after July!
Buen Camino whichever way you go.

 

[Walking Lover]

Have you thought about doing the Portugese routes at all? It's not the Frances yet it is the next most popular Camino so you will still meet plenty of pilgrims along the way. There are a few different paths/variants that you can choose from so you have added flexibility. This is my plan of attack for next year: https://camino-a-go-go.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-plan-is-hatched.html. I can't wait!

I have done F twice and Port once. I disagree that you will see a lot of pilgrims. I walked in July and except for the end of the day, frw pilgrims. The number did increase after Tui but nothing like the F.

 

[domigee]

I haven’t walked the Norte (yet) because I walk in July/August and there are lots of holidaymakers at that time. It is a beautiful Camino I am told (my husband walked it) and I know parts of the coast already (as a tourist). Stunning!
If I were you, I’d try it! You can always bus back to the camino francés if you don’t like it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walked the Frances in April/May 2015, then for variety and new scenery I chose the Norte/Primitivo combination in April/May 2016. I loved them both equally, but each in different ways. There were not alot of other walkers during the day, but enough interaction end of day in the albergues and cafes. I would venture to say there will be fewer walkers during your time frame. Maybe others can tell you if lodgings will be a problem that late in the season on the Norte.

 

[AlwynWellington]

@bobotron801 , for a change of style but with many similarities to the Camino Frances I suggest walking from Le Puy to Saint-Jean. It is about the same distance and is quite popular. There is good pligrim infrastructure.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)