Security Warning On Via de Plata

[Charles Chamberlain]

Wisepilgrim has a PERSONAL SAFETY warning on the first stage of the VLDP leaving Seville, in particular the River Route to Santiponce. Has anyone had any issues on this route?

 

[elke888]

Wisepilgrim has a PERSONAL SAFETY warning on the first stage of the VLDP leaving Seville, in particular the River Route to Santiponce. Has anyone had any issues on this route?

I walked this route about a month ago and had no problem, none of the other pilgrims didn't mention anything at all

 

[Charles Chamberlain]

Thank you.

 

[MikeJS]

I think that warning was there when I walk that route in 2016!

 

[peregrina2000]

I think that warning was there when I walk that route in 2016!

I’ve asked Wise Pilgrim for his help on this, but based on @MikeJS’ comment, I’m betting it relates to the guys who were ultimately arrested in 2013. I don’t think there have been recent incidents, but I could be wrong.

See this thread.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I’ve asked Wise Pilgrim for his help on this, but based on @MikeJS’ comment, I’m betting it relates to the guys who were ultimately arrested in 2013. I don’t think there have been recent incidents, but I could be wrong.

See this thread.

I haven’t done the VDLP but I have walked the first stage (totally forgotten about it) when I was in Sevilla for a birthday event last year. No problems at all! It was during the festival and whilst leaving Sevilla at around 6am and crossing the first bridge, I walked by a van selling booze and a few revellers tried to get me to share a few drinks but that was my only contact with anyone. I didn’t have a drink strictly adhering to the old British tradition that 6am drinking is saved ( and is almost compulsory) for airports. Certainly no issue!

 

[henrythedog]

the old British tradition

I’m on an early flight out of Manchester to Barcelona in the morning and I’m not looking forward to it tbh. It’s about time the alcohol licence was removed from British airports.

 

[Lindsay53]

I read the warning on the app last year and as it was dark when I left Seville I avoided the river route. Later I met someone who had walked it with no problems.

 

[wisepilgrim]

FWIW I have removed the warning from the app in today’s update. I had left it in out of caution but the comments here lead me to believe it is not necessary.

Thanks all!

 

[Charles Chamberlain]

Thanks everyone for your valuable comments. All much appreciated.

We will now feel safe and really looking forward to the VLDP.

Charles

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks everyone for your valuable comments. All much appreciated.

We will now feel safe and really looking forward to the VLDP.

Charles

Be prepared for some really huge dogs, hogs and at times I was surrounded by big flocks of sheep. Was like a ballet dancer so I wouldn't get stepped on. Don't forget to close the gates behind you! There are farmers that allow us to walk through their land. It is really important that we close gates behind us. For those of us who have walked before we should be giving this advice all the time. I am as guilty as anyone for not doing this. It is a wonderful camino.

 

[Giorgio99]

Wisepilgrim has a PERSONAL SAFETY warning on the first stage of the VLDP leaving Seville, in particular the River Route to Santiponce. Has anyone had any issues on this route?

Part of the road was flooded but we waded across

 

[geraldkelly]

The Camino before Camas looks a bit dodgy because there are a few run-down shacks where people live but this area isn't known for crime and as far back as I can remember no pilgrim has experienced problems there.

The incidents of robbery which others have mentioned happened further north after Santiponce. These incidents were years ago and I haven't heard of any more recent problems.

Buen Camino!
Gerald

 

[Giorgio99]

Wisepilgrim has a PERSONAL SAFETY warning on the first stage of the VLDP leaving Seville, in particular the River Route to Santiponce. Has anyone had any issues on this route?

We walked it earlier this year and had a funny wading experience which was videotaped by my companion!! I’m sure the water level will not be an issue now. It’s a fabulous camino with lots to see, variety of landscapes, albergues, bird life etc etc. Have a great time