Tui/Ourense/Sarria???

[Soulshinesailor]

I have had a calling to walk spontaneously,with less than a week to prepare and no particular gear, just a handful of normal clothes. I am naturally drawn to coast and waterways so Tui to SCQ seems logical but from what I read the path is mostly tarmac and built up (could someone who’s done TUI-Santiago give me a % of the path which is tarmac/cars pls)? I understand some accept those industrial routes as reflection of life on their own pilgrimage but personally I opt for natural paths and quiet peaceful tracks of BEAUTY right now (not walking along cars or industrial areas)…I have reconsidered starting from Sarria but how far in advance would I need to book accommodation end Sep/Oct as I prefer to listen to my body and rest when I need rather than have to get to certain places because it’s booked - or spend ages looking for a place to sleep. Also I prefer to avoid the cliquey groups who are dismissive or judgemental of others’ pilgrimage - is the ‘attitude’ more likely on the Sarria route?

Finally, Is it comfortable to travel without a sleeping bag/liner - do the hostels really not give clean sheets, blankets/duvets/ towels? I am trying to travel with the smallest day bag I have. Thank you all kind souls in advance who are willing to share their experience with me x

 

[Soulshinesailor]

My first post(!)…I forgot to mention that I can only manage about 10km per day so that is also a consideration when picking the best route for me. Thank you so much in advance

 

[grdemedeiros]

Hi, we also walked pretty slow in June & July of this year. Not exact, but I think the route from Tui to Pontevedra* is about 50% roads/cars. But in many instances the roads are through small towns and neighborhoods so it's not the same as walking along a major avenue or highway.

There are many opportunities to take "complementario" routes that may add kilometers but also add beauty. For example, we heard that walking in to Porriño on the official route is quite industrial but there's a clearly marked diversion that takes you along the river through trees.

More details in our Live from the Camino post, starting at day 10. Thread 'Slow and Steady' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/slow-and-steady.87626/

*We veered off the Central Route at Pontevedra to walk the Variante Espiritual.

 

[J Willhaus]

Sarria to Santiago may be the only route that you could walk 10 km per day. There are plenty of state government albergues on this route of varying sizes called Xunta albergues with names like Albergue de Pergrinos and then followed by the name of the village or town. They don't take reservations and dont accept luggage transport, and you will need bedding such as a sleeping bag. They are open 365 days per year.

There are lots of other private albergues on this stretch and you will need a sleeping bag. There are also lots of small hotels or albergues that offer a private room with bedding included at most. Some of these private facilities will begin to close toward the end of October. Most private lodgings do accept luggage transfer if you want to walk with very little daily, but it does require planning at least one day ahead.

The other routes will not have the abundance of lodging for a 10 km per day pilgrimage.

 

[Soulshinesailor]

Hi, we also walked pretty slow in June & July of this year. Not exact, but I think the route from Tui to Pontevedra* is about 50% roads/cars. But in many instances the roads are through small towns and neighborhoods so it's not the same as walking along a major avenue or highway.

There are many opportunities to take "complementario" routes that may add kilometers but also add beauty. For example, we heard that walking in to Porriño on the official route is quite industrial but there's a clearly marked diversion that takes you along the river through trees.

More details in our Live from the Camino post, starting at day 10. Thread 'Slow and Steady' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/slow-and-steady.87626/

*We veered off the Central Route at Pontevedra to walk the Variante Espiritual.

Wonderful I will check it out thank you so much!

 

[Soulshinesailor]

Sarria to Santiago may the only route that you could walk 10 km per day. There plenty of state government albergues on this route of varying sizes called Xunta albergues with names like Albergue de Pergrinos and then followed by the name of the village or town. They don't take reservations and dont accept luggage transport, and you will need bedding such as a sleeping bag. They are open 365 days per year.

There are lots of other private albergues on this stretch and you will need a sleeping bag. There are also lots of small hotels or albergues that offer a private room with bedding included at most. Some of these private facilities will begin to close toward the end of October. Most private lodging does accept luggage transfer if you want to walk with very little daily, but it does require planning at least one day ahead.

The other routes will not have the abundance of lodging for a 10 km per day pilgrimage.

Thank you so much for your helpful advice, I am thinking I can survive on a day bag for 10 days (with washing) and leave my suitcase at pilgrim house (I am on a 2mnth very varied trip and this part of the Camino is spontaneous but I want to do my best endeavour to get it right with limited time for planning). I am surprised to hear I’ll struggle to find accommodation 10km every day as seems such a populated Route…thank you again, best blessings!

 

[lt56ny]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice, I am thinking I can survive on a day bag for 10 days (with washing) and leave my suitcase at pilgrim house (I am on a 2mnth very varied trip and this part of the Camino is spontaneous but I want to do my best endeavour to get it right with limited time for planning). I am surprised to hear I’ll struggle to find accommodation 10km every day as seems such a populated Route…thank you again, best blessings!

If you get the Brierley guide it breaks down the terrain and walking conditions for each of the stages. He did this (now his daughter, may he rest in peace) in all his guidebooks. I am sure you can get a copy in a bookstore in Santiago. On Rúa do Vilar there is a bookstore and I remember seeing his guidebooks there. Based on your profile I see you live in Santiago.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I have had a calling to walk spontaneously,with less than a week to prepare and no particular gear, just a handful of normal clothes. I am naturally drawn to coast and waterways so Tui to SCQ seems logical but from what I read the path is mostly tarmac and built up (could someone who’s done TUI-Santiago give me a % of the path which is tarmac/cars pls)? I understand some accept those industrial routes as reflection of life on their own pilgrimage but personally I opt for natural paths and quiet peaceful tracks of BEAUTY right now (not walking along cars or industrial areas)…I have reconsidered starting from Sarria but how far in advance would I need to book accommodation end Sep/Oct as I prefer to listen to my body and rest when I need rather than have to get to certain places because it’s booked - or spend ages looking for a place to sleep. Also I prefer to avoid the cliquey groups who are dismissive or judgemental of others’ pilgrimage - is the ‘attitude’ more likely on the Sarria route?

Finally, Is it comfortable to travel without a sleeping bag/liner - do the hostels really not give clean sheets, blankets/duvets/ towels? I am trying to travel with the smallest day bag I have. Thank you all kind souls in advance who are willing to share their experience with me x

I love that you want to be mindful of packing light. I would say though that from my experience in Sept/Oct. in Galicia I would have frozen without my liner and I brought a down blanket I sewed large snaps on (because it was much smaller than a sleeping bag). I guess it depends on your preference. There are no rules for the Camino. Do what works for you. The only thing I would say is that some routes have less infrastructure so if you want to walk 10 km, you would probably need to look at a guidebook and decide if there are Albergues to stay in. On YouTube there is a couple who walked shorter distances in the Portuguese Camino. It is worth watching and you can correspond with them, they respond quickly. Maybe they can help you with the distance bed piece.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

I walked Valença/Tui to Santiago last October. The route does include a lot of walking along roads, but these are mostly country backroads with little to no traffic. Beds did seem to be available for those walking without reservations. If you are as you wrote drawn to coast and waterways, this route doesn’t seem like a good match.

 

[Tincatinker]

I have had a calling to walk spontaneously,with less than a week to prepare and no particular gear, just a handful of normal clothes. I am naturally drawn to coast and waterways so Tui to SCQ seems logical but from what I read the path is mostly tarmac and built up (could someone who’s done TUI-Santiago give me a % of the path which is tarmac/cars pls)? I understand some accept those industrial routes as reflection of life on their own pilgrimage but personally I opt for natural paths and quiet peaceful tracks of BEAUTY right now (not walking along cars or industrial areas)…I have reconsidered starting from Sarria but how far in advance would I need to book accommodation end Sep/Oct as I prefer to listen to my body and rest when I need rather than have to get to certain places because it’s booked - or spend ages looking for a place to sleep. Also I prefer to avoid the cliquey groups who are dismissive or judgemental of others’ pilgrimage - is the ‘attitude’ more likely on the Sarria route?

Finally, Is it comfortable to travel without a sleeping bag/liner - do the hostels really not give clean sheets, blankets/duvets/ towels? I am trying to travel with the smallest day bag I have. Thank you all kind souls in advance who are willing to share their experience with me x

Depending on who or what that calling has come from the Camino Santiago from Sarria might meet both that calling and your apparent needs. Plenty of accommodations; pleasant countryside and the opportunity to walk into the city as a pilgrim to the shrine of Santiago. The other routes provide that opportunity but not the plethora of accommodation and other resources.

There are multiple ways of shipping your luggage. I hope you have decent rain gear

 

[DoughnutANZ]

You won't need to reserve your accommodation from Sarria when you plan to walk.