Is the Via de la Plata difficult? Remote?

[Raindrop]

[Moderator note: The following posts have been moved from this thread, as they are not really relevant to the LIVE thread, from which the OP has departed. We might get better discussion on a new thread.]

After a few troublesome crossings I mostly did the walk by road. Folk were amassing injuries daily.

What kind of injuries? Did you ever meet any of the hurt people? I think this particular Camino is pretty long and secluded.

 

[duncanwhyte]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

 

[LTfit]

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

That's interesting as I would not consider the Vía de la Plata a "remote type of walk". You go through the cities of Sevilla, Mérida, Salamanca and Zamora. I've walked several other Caminos with far fewer pilgrims and less infrastructure such as the Levante and the Lana.

Remote? The Olvidado fits that bill for sure, especially if you walk the mountain stages.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Ltfit. How would you describe it?

 

[LTfit]

Ltfit. How would you describe it?

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

 

[Raindrop]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

 

[WalkingInGers]

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

That is THE reasons that I am walking the VdLP with the Estrecho and Augusta. I like people but in limited…supply…reason why from Portomarin on the Camino Frances, it was a bit of a downer at the end and to finish like that.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

As far is getting injured or risks from strangers is concerned you might wish to consider downloading the Spanish alertcops app. It's an English speaking service and is not just for emergency use.

AlertCops - Apps on Google Play

Law Enforcement Agencies App

play.google.com

I would add that the 'stranger' risk is minimal, the biggest danger is, as always, crossing the road!

 

[duncanwhyte]

Thanks for your reply. I do worry about getting injured or being alone as you never know who you will meet etc…I guess you don’t hear too many horror stories though. I have started to watch U tube videos which are very interesting and show a lot of the walks and albergues. The albergues on the VDLP look very nice and modern I heard the El Cubo is very small and tight though obviously compared to A laxe. I’ll keep researching. I’m glad I joined this site for reference.

The conditions in Feb/march made the marked trail an obstacle course. With each flooded crossing, problematic. Whereupon many will persist and endeavour to cross, resulting in the injuries.

I found better options on Google maps and eventually walked most of it by road. So opt for that in poor conditions.

Unless you go with someone you may find yourself walking a lot of it alone.

I chose the VERIN alternative and got into those nice new albergues.

 

[Raindrop]

The Spanish I believe could describe parts of it as España profunda, regions steeped in tradition and culture. It is such an interesting route as it is so diverse with its small hamlets and towns interspersed between larger cities full of history.

Culturally and geographically it is also so diverse with dehesas in the south and mountains in the north.

It is a quieter route than the Francés, Portuguese, Norte and Primitivo that's obvious. It's not for everyone but if you enjoy a more solitary route - not remote - then it has a great mixture to offer.

Oh thank you! I got interested in doing this as a couple years ago my best friends husbands friend was telling us all about the Caminos, he had done a few! He actually just finished this one as well and met the lady who fell and got stitches, they were on the same schedule for a few days for the last week. I do worry about being alone and getting hurt I think it’s best to ask a friend to go also

 

[Raindrop]

It took 5 weeks. I expected 6. But there were long sections and no rest days. I didn't stay in SdC as my flight was the day I arrived. But it was busy.

I met a woman who had stitches for her cut. A guy who lost his shoe and used sandals, and cut his feet. Me and most had bruises, scrapes etc. that usually we don't get.

Yes it's a remote type of walk. More so by road. There were many times i found a closed down cafe or shop.

Oh 5 weeks is really good! My best friends husbands (friend )took 6 weeks. He’s done many caminos and took his time. He also met a lady who had to get stitches she was around 70 I think and fell in water because it was just so deep. I hope that has been resolved now. I also heard of a man who needed stitches. I will be considering this one but I’ll just start around Zamora I think. It will be my first one. Thank you for your comments.

 

[LTfit]

Oh thank you! I got interested in doing this as a couple years ago my best friends husbands friend was telling us all about the Caminos, he had done a few! He actually just finished this one as well and met the lady who fell and got stitches, they were on the same schedule for a few days for the last week. I do worry about being alone and getting hurt I think it’s best to ask a friend to go also

On my two occasions starting out from Sevilla (July 2011 and February 2014) I started out alone from Triana Backpackers Hostel. By the time I arrived in Guillena there were 5 of us in total, both times. Many of us walked the first few stages together then dispersed, doing different stages except for myself and a fellow pilgrim. Both times I ended up walking with someone until I stopped, once it was in Zamora and another time in Salamanca. Often we were the only ones in the albergue.

The reason I'm telling you this is because it has been my experience that you may be a more compatible walking partner with someone you meet along the Camino because they have the same walking pace and enjoy walking the same distances. We never had a pact to walk together, it just happened organically. If you go with a friend it may be tricky knowing this in advance. Just my 2 cents


I personally like the freedom of going at my own pace and stopping when I feel like it, not be attached to someone else but I understand that we are all different. Since I speak Spanish I also understand that I have an advantage.

 

[Raindrop]

On my two occasions starting out from Sevilla (July 2011 and February 2014) I started out alone from Triana Backpackers Hostel. By the time I arrived in Guillena there were 5 of us in total, both times. Many of us walked the first few stages together then dispersed, doing different stages except for myself and a fellow pilgrim. Both times I ended up walking with someone until I stopped, once it was in Zamora and another time in Salamanca. Often we were the only ones in the albergue.

The reason I'm telling you this is because it has been my experience that you may be a more compatible walking partner with someone you meet along the Camino because they have the same walking pace and enjoy walking the same distances. We never had a pact to walk together, it just happened organically. If you go with a friend it may be tricky knowing this in advance. Just my 2 cents


I personally like the freedom of going at my own pace and stopping when I feel like it, not be attached to someone else but I understand that we are all different. Since I speak Spanish I also understand that I have an advantage.

Oh thank you! You are so right! Good to meet someone you can gel with. I also like my own space/pace. Your tips are helpful

 

[camino07]

If you want some company on the Via start just after Easter. Many pilgrims then who gradually disperse as you go along . There was even a bed race this year for the albergues.

 

[WalkingInGers]

If you want some company on the Via start just after Easter. Many pilgrims then who gradually disperse as you go along . There was even a bed race this year for the albergues.

You will be behind me…and eventually can pick up the pieces if you find a decomposing body on the side of the road. LOL

 

[Corned Beef]

Have you considered splitting the VDLP at say Salamanca which is about the half-way point and a short train journey from Madrid. The route is quiet and remote and I found the Sanabres even quieter than the VDLP.

It's not a difficult route just very quiet with a few high spots - Merida, Salamanca, Zamora and Seville.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Corned beef. I'd agree with the remote feeling and aspects thereof. Albeit during the actual day's walk. But likely to be experienced on most days.

 

[duncanwhyte]

You will be behind me…and eventually can pick up the pieces if you find a decomposing body on the side of the road. LOL

More likely a pilgrim in artistic mode, will make a cairn out of it........

 

[camino07]

You will be behind me…and eventually can pick up the pieces if you find a decomposing body on the side of the road. LOL

I went this year for the 4th time and enough is enough!! Something shorter next year .

 

[Raindrop]

More likely a pilgrim in artistic mode, will make a cairn out of it........

More likely a pilgrim in artistic mode, will make a cairn out of it........

Lol that’s funny! It’s the same thing my friends husband said. Being in the Camino
the VDLP was kinda lonely compared to the Frances.

More likely a pilgrim in artistic mode, will make a cairn out of it........

lol a carin! You sound like my friend

 

[Raindrop]

The conditions in Feb/march made the marked trail an obstacle course. With each flooded crossing, problematic. Whereupon many will persist and endeavour to cross, resulting in the injuries.

I found better options on Google maps and eventually walked most of it by road. So opt for that in poor conditions.

Unless you go with someone you may find yourself walking a lot of it alone.

I chose the VERIN alternative and got into those nice new albergues.

The new albergues look amazing. There is one that’s old but is so nice called Casa Leiras. My friend stayed there it’s very nice