I have walked both CF and CP, I can asure you that CP is a lovely route. And you could always stop in Lugo (or Melide), I undestand what you say about the underwhelming feeling of walking into SdC.
How much ground? Are you trying to get to Santiago from Burgos in, what, 6 days, 9 days? I would guess that most people walk for around 6 hours a day and would expect to get to Santiago in about 20 days from Burgos. You’re planning to walk 18...
If you want an idea what it's like to walk in January, I found the below blog incredibly helpful, as well as lovely to read.
https://jeremycamino.blog/
Since 2008 I have walked many and different Caminos, but I have to say the Camino Frances is closest to my heart, bc of nature, grandness, infrastructure, people (I like people), and ease in many forms, (communications etc.).
The way I do it, is...
Feeling a little alone at CF. Where is it most likely that I won't be the only one in the albergue, Villar de Masarif, Villavante, Hospital de Orbigo or Astorga (which is probably too long for me tomorrow). But if so, which albergue there? A bit...
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