Suggestions for two weeks on the VdlP?

[Madamjoy]

Via de la Plata
I will be in Sevilla and will have two weeks where I can walk part of the Via de la Plata. Im interested in thoughts on the best section for two weeks. Im in good shape and have walked previous Caminos and a large section of the Via Francigena. I don’t really like to walk more than 22-25k/day. Thoughts? Thank you!

 

[C clearly]

Faced with that situation/opportunity, I would walk from Merida to Salamanca or Zamora.

 

[Marcus-UK]

Via de la Plata
I will be in Sevilla and will have two weeks where I can walk part of the Via de la Plata. Im interested in thoughts on the best section for two weeks. Im in good shape and have walked previous Caminos and a large section of the Via Francigena. I don’t really like to walk more than 22-25k/day. Thoughts? Thank you!

In the vicinity of Seville, the best bits are probably between Zafra, Merida, Caceres in my own opinion others may have other views.
This area encompasses the Dehesia landscape, Cork oak trees for shade, Grazing for cattle etc. You also get the benefit of two major Roman historical sites. Zafra has a nice Parador Hotel and interesting plaza major with good restaurants. Alsa run coaches between Seville, Merida and Caceres so transport is relatively easy.

 

[Madamjoy]

Faced with that situation/opportunity, I would walk from Merida to Salamanca or Zamora.

Thank you! I was looking at this option so it’s good to get some reinforcement.

 

[Madamjoy]

In the vicinity of Seville, the best bits are probably between Zafra, Merida, Caceres in my own opinion others may have other views.
This area encompasses the Dehesia landscape, Cork oak trees for shade, Grazing for cattle etc. You also get the benefit of two major Roman historical sites. Zafra has a nice Parador Hotel and interesting plaza major with good restaurants. Alsa run coaches between Seville, Merida and Caceres so transport is relatively easy.

Thank you. Your reply is very helpful. Maybe I can splurge for a night at the Parador .

 

[lt56ny]

Faced with that situation/opportunity, I would walk from Merida to Salamanca or Zamora.

I have to agree. One of the beautiful things to me about the VDLP is the simplicity of it all. There are many times where the solo pilgrim is just that. Alone for much or all of the day. It does take some planning and to know that many days you need to take food with you. Maybe just for lunch or for lunch, dinner and breakfast. For some, myself included you do have to plan a few days in advance to make sure the distances you are capable of will have an albergue to sleep in. There may be days (Remember this is my experience only) that I walked shorter days to make sure I did not have a 30+ day the next day. I love caminos like the VDLP, Aragones and this year I am sure with the Vasco Interior where all you have is yourself, the sights and sounds of nature and a stillness. A comfortable bed and clean albergue is all the luxury a pilgrim needs, especially on a camino such as this one.

 

[Marcus-UK]

Thank you. Your reply is very helpful. Maybe I can splurge for a night at the Parador .

There are special rates for Pilgrims at many Paradors, you need to produce a Pilgrims passport to qualify.
I booked into the Parador in Santiago at the end of my first Camino using the Pilgrim rate. This was after Booking.Com messed up my cheap and cheerful hotel booking!

There are also special rates for over 55's