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In browsing the Camino de Madrid recently, I noticed several forum members have mentioned they will or might be walking the Madrid this Spring - Anniesantiago, jpflavin1, CK007, don88, HeidiL, maybe Undermanager, Rod the Slob, t2andreo... any others - yet?
Just curious, since I'm pretty sure I'll be there too as of about 18 April from Plaza Castilla - but going slowly... I like solitude up to a point - so will be looking for friendly faces!
Looking forward to a different season and a different route..
Have REALLY enjoyed reading Kinky's, Undermanager's, and Annie's daily postings and blogs from the last couple of years -- about to start on Laurie's soon!
Are there weekly markets in any of the towns along the way? Are ATMs fairly frequent? Are the dogs reasonably friendly? Will I finally see storks?? Soooo looking forward to this next one!!!
Buen Camino!
Terry
Hi Joe, I think the storks leave for Africa in the Fall? When I was in Peace Corps in Niger I loved watching them arrive from Europe, but from about mid-Sept and Oct, I didn't see any along the Camino.Terry:
I will be starting from Madrid on March 31st. I am not familiar with this route so I am not sure if I can answer any of your other questions.
That said, It is hard to believe you walked the Frances and did not see any Storks. As I recall, They were pretty much everywhere.
Since we are leaving 2+ weeks apart, it is unlikely we will meet but I wish you a "Buen Camino Madrid".
Are you going all the way to Madrid? If you are continuing on and like solitary routes, you might want to walk the Salvador when you reach Leon.
Ultreya,
Joe
Hi Joe, I think the storks leave for Africa in the Fall? When I was in Peace Corps in Niger I loved watching them arrive from Europe, but from about mid-Sept and Oct, I didn't see any along the Camino.
I'm planning for Madrid & Frances to Santiago mid-April to mid June - taking my time. Could change route at some point, but even tho I like solitude, I also like to be able to see a few people around!
Terry
I have seen storks year round in Spain. I had heard that many have stopped migrating for the winter because of climate change, online sources seem to confirm that. But in any event, there will be lots and lots on the Camino de Madrid.
As far as dogs go, Terry, I am one of the big dog-phones on the forum, and I don't recall any problems at all. Certainly won't be a big issue.
And to those of you walking the Madrid this year -- see if you can visit the inside of the church in Wamba. I had been looking forward to it so much, and it was closed when I arrived (no surprise there), but later learned that there is someone nearby who will open up for you. Would love to hear what it's like inside. Started in the 10th century, kind of square and imposing.
Buen camino to everyone heading out on the Madrid. Looks like it may not be as solitary as it has been in the past. Laurie
According to Google searches, the inside is quite nice. And there is one of those slightly gruesome ossuaries with skeletal remains spanning several centuries. But it also looks like there are some mural remains, some nice capitals, etc.We will check out the church at Wamba, Laurie.
When Joe wakes up I'll ask if he went inside. Seems he said he did. And if so, he probably has photos.
And I don't remember any dogs, either.
I'm another person who is afraid of dogs!
Hola, Terry!In browsing the Camino de Madrid recently, I noticed several forum members have mentioned they will or might be walking the Madrid this Spring - Anniesantiago, jpflavin1, CK007, don88, HeidiL, maybe Undermanager, Rod the Slob, t2andreo... any others - yet?
Just curious, since I'm pretty sure I'll be there too as of about 18 April from Plaza Castilla - but going slowly... I like solitude up to a point - so will be looking for friendly faces!
Looking forward to a different season and a different route..
Have REALLY enjoyed reading Kinky's, Undermanager's, and Annie's daily postings and blogs from the last couple of years -- about to start on Laurie's soon!
Are there weekly markets in any of the towns along the way? Are ATMs fairly frequent? Are the dogs reasonably friendly? Will I finally see storks?? Soooo looking forward to this next one!!!
Buen Camino!
Terry
As I remember in Castromonte there is a carniceria opened only in the morning and as the siesta ends this van come to the village told me the old senor in Bar Caribe. But it didn't show up the day I was thereKinky's comment about markets reminded me that I shopped at what was by far the best "supermarket in a van" I have ever seen in Spain in Castromonte. The produce was out of this world, and it tasted as good as it looked (a novelty for those of us in the US who are used to getting perfectly shaped and colored fruits and vegetables that have no taste). NOt sure how often it comes through town, though.
And just reading through Kinky's list of towns brought back wonderful memories, it is a VERY nice camino. Castles, plazas, churches, pillories, you'll see it all! I walked in 2012, starting in early May and met two pilgrims on foot and two or three groups of cyclists.
According to Google searches, the inside is quite nice. And there is one of those slightly gruesome ossuaries with skeletal remains spanning several centuries. But it also looks like there are some mural remains, some nice capitals, etc.
http://www.turismo-prerromanico.com...anta-mara-de-wamba-20130411152814/#ad-image-0
Thanks, Annie, Buen camino,Laurie
Are ATMs fairly frequent?
Will I finally see storks??
I have seen storks year round in Spain. I had heard that many have stopped migrating for the winter because of climate change, online sources seem to confirm that.
Information Telephone: City of Wamba: 983.56.33.17 Visiting hours: To visit contact the hall Friday from 17:00 to 19 : 30 hours. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 19:30. Free visit.
The web of the town council provides a different phone and says the schedule you quoted is from May to October. The rest of the year you (just) can visit it on Sundays after mass (at 13:30, they say). See: www.wamba.ayuntamientosdevalladolid.es/?q=node/179
www.elrincondesele.com/osario-wamba-valladolid, an article about the ossuary of the church published on April 2015, quotes a different phone and schedule...
Great plan. I actually love that area around Nuevos Ministerios, you can find lots of little family-run places, some good restaurants, and if you stay off the main drags, you will be surprised at how residential and non-prefab the area is.Okay folks, as threatened above, I just made my travel reservations for my Camino de Madrid this April. I will arrive a Madrid on Tuesday 5 April. Also, I made hotel reservations for two nights at the Hotel Gran Atlanta on Comandante Zorita #34. My plan is to leave Madrid on foot on 7 April.
I intentionally booked at this hotel as it is on the way out of the city, up the Paseo de la Castellana. The nearest metro station is Nuevos Ministerios. Line 8 direct from the airport ends here. There is a HUGE el Corte Ingles here as well, for last minute gear needs,like in case I packed for the wrong weather...it happens. It is a very convenient location. There are also several Mail Boxes etc. shops in the neighborhood. I find these more convenient than the Correos for shipping stuff ahead to Ivar at Santiago. I always ship stuff to Ivar...
Okay, if any one wants to tag along, now you know where and when I will be starting.Alternatively, you can avoid me as easily.
My thought is to drop my gear at the hotel coming in from the airport on the 5th. I will get my credencial "started" at the Iglesia Santiago y San Juan Bautista, probably the day before I start walking. I use the extra day to adjust to the time zone, coming from Florida, it is a six-hour difference. I need to get my digestive tract inline as well.
So, there it is...and it is what it is. See you there, or not.
Santiago or bust!
Ultreia!
I'm sure you won't miss anything spectacular if you skip first 10 or so kms to Fuencarral (metro line 8). Soon after that you'll be on AG paths and the view back to Quatro Torres of Madrid is amazing. If you go to Tres Cantos or further on with bus/cercanias etc. you'll miss that. From Fuencarral to Tres Cantos is "only" 10-12kms, ideal for the first day of walking. And after Fuencarral no more suburbs except for Segovia and SahagunThanks for the museum tips. I love the Reina Sofia and the Prado, as well as the Thyssen. I will put this on my "to do" list. I will make the time.
How do you recommend making my way out of town? I am not fond of industrial estates and dreary suburbs.
Is it legitimate to skip to Tres Cantos, or to Colemar el Viejo or even as far as Manzanares el Real, and how is it best done?
I do not want to miss any of the "authentic" Camino route, but I also do not want to "squander time" walking soulless portions. Actually, I do have plenty of time. I am just trying to fine tune my planning for maximum enjoyment. Am I making sense here?
I have the CSJ Guide as well as the several excellent recommendations I scrounged here in the forum. If I recall correctly, one of them was produced by you. It has been long since cut and pasted into my planning worksheet.
Any additional recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Though Kinky is right that you wouldn't miss anything spectacular by hopping ahead, one of the things that is pretty amazing about the Camino de Madrid is that you don't leave Madrid through any industrial estates or dreary suburbs. First arrow is at the Plaza de Castilla outside the Rodilla sandwich shop. You walk straight on for a while, then the arrows turn off the Castellana, go past a big hospital, maybe alongside one factory, and bam you are in the country. I'm sure my memory of this isn't perfect but I do remember thinking it was one of the most painless city exits on any camino I've walked. But if you want to get out to Tres Cantos or beyond you can use the Cercanias RENFE trains (the commuter line), which has a stop at Nuevos Ministerios. Look for the RENFE sign before you go down in the maze of underground passageways at the stop, though, it's an enormous transfer station.Thanks for the museum tips. I love the Reina Sofia and the Prado, as well as the Thyssen. I will put this on my "to do" list. I will make the time.
How do you recommend making my way out of town? I am not fond of industrial estates and dreary suburbs.
Is it legitimate to skip to Tres Cantos, or to Colemar el Viejo or even as far as Manzanares el Real, and how is it best done?
I do not want to miss any of the "authentic" Camino route, but I also do not want to "squander time" walking soulless portions. Actually, I do have plenty of time. I am just trying to fine tune my planning for maximum enjoyment. Am I making sense here?
I have the CSJ Guide as well as the several excellent recommendations I scrounged here in the forum. If I recall correctly, one of them was produced by you. It has been long since cut and pasted into my planning worksheet.
Any additional recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I'm sure you won't miss anything spectacular if you skip first 10 or so kms to Fuencarral (metro line 8). Soon after that you'll be on AG paths and the view back to Quatro Torres of Madrid is amazing. If you go to Tres Cantos or further on with bus/cercanias etc. you'll miss that. From Fuencarral to Tres Cantos is "only" 10-12kms, ideal for the first day of walking. And after Fuencarral no more suburbs except for Segovia and Sahagun
It's a beautiful Camino especially if you don't want to walk on tarmac and you love open spaces..., ahhhhh.......
Enjoy!!!
I arrive on April 14 and we don't start "walking" until the 18th.
I may walk these first few stages on my own and just train back each night.
Is that possible, Laurie? Do they stop near trains?
Thanks! This is great!Hi, Annie,
Take a look at these gps tracks. http://www.mapacaminosantiago.es/caminosantiagomadrid/01-madrid-colmenar-viejo.htm
If you zoom in enough, you can see the metro stop Fuencarral, and all the Cercanías stops (the little backwards C with a red background). You can also see what I mean about not having to deal with any big industrial mess and how quick the transition to country is.
I believe that the last stop on this line of the Cercanías is Colmenar.
Hi, Annie,
Take a look at these gps tracks. http://www.mapacaminosantiago.es/caminosantiagomadrid/01-madrid-colmenar-viejo.htm
If you zoom in enough, you can see the metro stop Fuencarral, and all the Cercanías stops (the little backwards C with a red background). You can also see what I mean about not having to deal with any big industrial mess and how quick the transition to country is.
I believe that the last stop on this line of the Cercanías is Colmenar.
Okay, so if I am leaving from the airport, other than a taxi, what would be the best way to get to the Cathedral of Santiago?
If it opens at ten, I should be able to pick up my credential, get a blessing and be on my way to make Tres Cantos by evening.
Does that sound reasonable?
Joe
Laurie:
If I am reading this map link correctly, it starts at the Cathedral not the Plaza de Castillo?
Joe
Sure, if the priest has had his breakfast! lol!
We had to wait for him when we were there.
You can catch a bus into town from the airport.
Here are walking directions from Sol to the Church:
View attachment 23812
You can actually see the cathedral in this screen shot, too, it's to the left and down from the church. It's Catedral de la Almudena, probably my least favorite cathedral in Spain, but I'm sure it's a fine place to pick up a credential.
Actually, I do have plenty of time.
I believe that the last stop on this line of the Cercanías is Colmenar.
Okay, so if I am leaving from the airport, other than a taxi, what would be the best way to get to the Cathedral of Santiago?
You can actually see the cathedral in this screen shot, too
It's Catedral de la Almudena, probably my least favorite cathedral in Spain,
Laurie:
Thanks for the map. Looks like a short walk. If my plane is on time, I should have no problem getting to the church by ten. As I am looking at the Cercanias map, it appears the train to Puerta de Sol is the Purple line? Am I reading that right? My familiarity with Cercanias trains is from Chamartin to the airport. No chance of catching wrong train. Upon arrival, I have always taken cabs to Chamartin and Atocha due to close connections and arrival at T1.
Joe
Only the metro has colored lines, so maybe you are not be looking at the Cercanías map.
it appears the train to Puerta de Sol is the Purple line?
My familiarity with Cercanias trains is from Chamartin to the airport. No chance of catching wrong train.
Laurie:
If I am reading this map link correctly, it starts at the Cathedral not the Plaza de Castillo?
Joe
Only the metro has colored lines, so maybe you are not be looking at the Cercanías map. C-1 is the only Cercanías line that goes to the airport, and then you have to change in Chamartín. From Chamartín, 3, 4A and 4B go to Sol. Total trip time is around 30 minutes, including the transfer. It all runs very smoothly, and you will see scrolling signs announcing which track to go to.
You can see the schedule on the RENFE site: http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/madrid/index.html
Laurie:
So I take the C-1 to Chamartin and then pick up another train to Sol. Does this require another ticket? Going upstairs to check train schedules? From that point it looks as if C-3 and C-4 both go to Sol.
Joe
I'll most likely be starting in the last week of April, but I still have to sort out my plane ticket (and one for my wife, who'll be travelling to Madrid with me to see me off).
will there be snow on the mountains in mid-April?
And do I see a Cercanías stop on the other side of the pass - at Puerto Navacerrada? - where does it come from and where does it go?
OMGoodness! I may just start walking from Iglesia Santiago rather than metro to Plaza de Castilla! Laurie, you make it sound wonderful - walking out of Madrid!! Thanks so much for the narrative guide and the map!
I have a very mundane question - apologies in advance -- I'm an old lady (argh) and have arthritis, and my hands do NOT like washing clothes. Will there be any places with laundry facilities along the Madrid? I can probably convince the hands they need to help, but ...On the other hand (so to speak), I might not be using trekking poles much, so maybe the exercise of washing will be good for them.
Also, will there be snow on the mountains in mid-April? And do I see a Cercanías stop on the other side of the pass - at Puerto Navacerrada? - where does it come from and where does it go? ---just in case....
Thanks mucho!!
Terry
I think there's a washing machine in the albergue in Castromonte. At least if my memory is right. Or maybe it was a dishwasher.
Memory still serves you, LaurieI think there's a washing machine in the albergue in Castromonte. At least if my memory is right. Or maybe it was a dishwasher.
And thanks for sorting me out here - I read Puerto de la Fuenfria, but it didn't quite stick!But the Camino de Madrid doesn't cross the Puerto de Navacerrada but the Puerto de la Fuenfría so I don't think it'll be useful for you.
I got this from the Villa Castora Youth Hostel in Cercedilla.
Thought someone might need it.
They said we can only reserve rooms one month in advance.
Do you remember what they charged pilgrims? It is up past the town, right?I stayed here when I walked the Madrid and it was quite a fine place. I wouldn't eat here unless you have to, but the accommodations are fine. They told me they saved several double rooms for pilgrims, and I was walking with two guys, so I had a room all to myself. Clean sheets, private bath, what's not to like? There was a big group of kids and it added a lot of joie de vivre to the place. It's right on the Camino, a km uphill from town, so it gives you a good start on the long slog the next day to Segovia.
Hi, Annie,Do you remember what they charged pilgrims? It is up past the town, right?
If you are there when I am, feel free to contact me. If you want to start out together on the 7th, send me a PM (start a conversation) and I will share my SMS, iPhone and email with you). We van connect in Madrid.
Maybe I can practice my Nederlands on you...
Ik spreek een beetje Nederland, maar niet zo goed. Ik woonde in Vlaanderen, in de buurt van Antwerpen voor twee jaar, en hebben een jong "neefje" die wordt opgevoed spreekt Nederlands. Dus, moet must ...
Tom
Do you remember what they charged pilgrims? It is up past the town, right?
Annie, since my memory couldn't answer your question, I searched around a bit for info on prices. Here's the official site with prices listed: http://www.madrid.org/cs/Satellite?cid=1142322437488&language=es&menuIzquierdo=true&pagename=PortalJoven/Page/JUVE_contenidoFinalMenuIzquierdo&rootpageid=1152517028736
I THINK they give pilgrims the youth price, which looks like 14 for bed and breakfast. If not, it's 18. We started out before they opened their cafeteria, so they left us a bag with some basic stuff like juice and a pastry inside (another day I was very happy to have my electric coil, though there may have been coffee machines there).
If the weather is nice, the grounds around the hostel are very nice and would be a good place for a picnic supper.
Annie, it's much nicer (although tougher) uphill walk from Cercedilla than gently downhill on the tarmac road to Valsain. You'll see when you come out from the forest to a large empty space with tarmac road going left and right (and Camino to Segovia straight across it) that you should turn right for the Valsain. Nothing much really to see on that stretch. Try to hitchhike there if needed. Or simply call the hostal/pension proprietor to pick you up? It would be very easy to explain where you are at that point.Ok. Thanks.
I do have reservations at Aribel, and I've stayed there before.
It was fine and only €25.
The hostel won't allow reservations until a month before and my walking partner is in charge of that.
I just was a bit confused about the pricing on the brochure (and the website). It looked like it was over €35, and I'm working from a budget.
The hostel would be a better place to stay as far as the day's walking goes.
For me, this is a particularly long stage because of the hill, and it seems to take forever to get to Valsain!
I may just stay at Aribel, then take a taxi next morning up to the entrance of the park.
That would shave off a few kilometers.
I'm really getting excited!
We will play it by ear.
Thanks Laurie.
Annie, it's much nicer (although tougher) uphill walk from Cercedilla than gently downhill on the tarmac road to Valsain. You'll see when you come out from the forest to a large empty space with tarmac road going left and right (and Camino to Segovia straight across it) that you should turn right for the Valsain. Nothing much really to see on that stretch. Try to hitchhike there if needed. Or simply call the hostal/pension proprietor to pick you up? It would be very easy to explain where you are at that point.
Ultreia!
Hi TerryIn browsing the Camino de Madrid recently, I noticed several forum members have mentioned they will or might be walking the Madrid this Spring - Anniesantiago, jpflavin1, CK007, don88, HeidiL, maybe Undermanager, Rod the Slob, t2andreo... any others - yet?
Just curious, since I'm pretty sure I'll be there too as of about 18 April from Plaza Castilla - but going slowly... I like solitude up to a point - so will be looking for friendly faces!
Looking forward to a different season and a different route..
Have REALLY enjoyed reading Kinky's, Undermanager's, and Annie's daily postings and blogs from the last couple of years -- about to start on Laurie's soon!
Are there weekly markets in any of the towns along the way? Are ATMs fairly frequent? Are the dogs reasonably friendly? Will I finally see storks?? Soooo looking forward to this next one!!!
Buen Camino!
Terry
In browsing the Camino de Madrid recently, I noticed several forum members have mentioned they will or might be walking the Madrid this Spring - Anniesantiago, jpflavin1, CK007, don88, HeidiL, maybe Undermanager, Rod the Slob, t2andreo... any others - yet?
Just curious, since I'm pretty sure I'll be there too as of about 18 April from Plaza Castilla - but going slowly... I like solitude up to a point - so will be looking for friendly faces!
Looking forward to a different season and a different route..
Have REALLY enjoyed reading Kinky's, Undermanager's, and Annie's daily postings and blogs from the last couple of years -- about to start on Laurie's soon!
Are there weekly markets in any of the towns along the way? Are ATMs fairly frequent? Are the dogs reasonably friendly? Will I finally see storks?? Soooo looking forward to this next one!!!
Buen Camino!
Terry
Hi Kerti, Welcome to the Forum! Other people who have walked the Madrid will be able to give you better answers, but I've found Camino Lingo (e-version) has helped me a lot on the Frances - where many locals seem to have a unique way of communicating with pilgrims with limited (or no) Spanish. I've picked up some Spanish, but am not sure how useful it will be on the MadridHi, I will be walking Camino de Madrid starting April 6. I have been thinking who else will be walking this route at that time. I am not rushing, I want to take it slow as wellI plan to walk for two weeks. My Spanish is not very good, will it be a big problem while looking for a place to stay overnight??
Hola, Kerti!Hi, I will be walking Camino de Madrid starting April 6. I have been thinking who else will be walking this route at that time. I am not rushing, I want to take it slow as wellI plan to walk for two weeks. My Spanish is not very good, will it be a big problem while looking for a place to stay overnight??
Hi, I will be walking Camino de Madrid starting April 6. I have been thinking who else will be walking this route at that time. I am not rushing, I want to take it slow as wellI plan to walk for two weeks. My Spanish is not very good, will it be a big problem while looking for a place to stay overnight??
Hi, Kerti, You do not say which station you are referring to, but Chamartin has a "consigna", which is the Spanish term for left luggage and I'm sure Atocha does as well. Charge ranges from 3-5 euros a day.Hi, it is so good to hear that we will be walking at the same periodAs I have only two weeks to walk, I would rather start as early as possible but as I do not plan to rush then most possibly we will meet on the route! I am thinking of taking the train out of town to Tres Cantos because I prefer to walk in the nature...
What to do with the stuff I do not want to carry? Is it possible to leave it to Madrid- train station locker? I plan to get to Sahagun and next time continue from there to Santiago..
I will keep in touch, because it is my first time on the camino and lots of things are new. I am following this forum and up to now it has been very helpful.
Owww I'm so excited we fly in from NZ in May. Start walking 10th may, am tempted to miss the first few km and start at fuencarral. We will still be adjusting to the time change, so thinking it will be kinder on our bodies the first day.. Thanks everyone for great infoI'm sure you won't miss anything spectacular if you skip first 10 or so kms to Fuencarral (metro line 8). Soon after that you'll be on AG paths and the view back to Quatro Torres of Madrid is amazing. If you go to Tres Cantos or further on with bus/cercanias etc. you'll miss that. From Fuencarral to Tres Cantos is "only" 10-12kms, ideal for the first day of walking. And after Fuencarral no more suburbs except for Segovia and Sahagun
It's a beautiful Camino especially if you don't want to walk on tarmac and you love open spaces..., ahhhhh.......
Enjoy!!!
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