Recommendations for which route?

[IntlGuyJim]

My wife and I (late 60's & early mid 70"s) are planning to walk just enough miles to earn the certificate. We've both had recent surgery that makes a longer trek seem too challenging (though hope to recover enough to take another stab someday....) We're both completely bilingual, she speaking Spanish as her native language, me as my second (since moving to latinamerica at age 7, and undergoing complete immersion.) I also can fake my way through some Portunol if needed.

My question is: Which of the three routes that make just over 100km is most recommended, and why? One factor is, we (especially my wife) will need to start the first few days with short distances, while we build stamina, so need plentiful options for lodging close together:

- End of French route, starting at Sarria;

- the English route, starting at Ferrol;

- the Portuguese route, starting at Tui

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[jcat]

All three routes could be good options for various reasons, but I would suggest the Ingles. It's a beautiful walk and you will have completed an entire camino.

You can easily break up the first two traditional sections in half to start.

Ferrol - Neda
Neda - Pontedeume
Pontedeume - Mino
Mino - Betanzos
The rest of the stages can be split also.

 

[IntlGuyJim]

All three routes could be good options for various reasons, but I would suggest the Ingles. It's a beautiful walk and you will have completed an entire camino.

You can easily break up the first two traditional sections in half to start.

Ferrol - Neda
Neda - Pontedeume
Pontedeume - Mino
Mino - Betanzos
The rest of the stages can be split also.

Thanks! Any particular albuergas you would recommend?

 

[domigee]

Look at Gronze.com

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Gracias, excelente fuente de informes.

 

[J Willhaus]

There is also a couple of other routes on the Sanabres which you can start in Ourense (easy to get to on.the train from Madrid or Santiago) or the last part of the Invierno from Monteforte de Lemos which joins the Sanabres.

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Thanks! will check it out.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@IntlGuyJim , welcome to the forum.

All three have their positives, seeing as the Inglès has already been suggested ( I loved it) let me also put in a plug for it.
The camino is very easy to access, with good infrastructure throughout, and Ferrol is a great starting point. (Well worth a full days exploration before you start)
I love the coast, starting there was for me an additional bonus. As was the excellent seafood available along much of the route!
It's quieter than the other two, but still well travelled.

For shorter stage suggestions I don't think you can go past the work put in by @Elle Bieling, you'll find a link in this thread:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lengthen-camino-ingles.79846/post-1125740

This camino has its challenging moments but by breaking it up into these shorter stages you should find it very manageable. Luggage transport is also available if needed.

As with any camino a little training would be beneficial.

Buen Camino!

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Thank you, Peter! A quick glance at Elle's map seems priceless! RE: training. Agreed. It has been a few decades, but in my youth I did a LOT of backpacking and other outdoor/off-trail sports. My wife is new to all this, so am trying to convince her to buy and break in some good hiking boots, invest in true rain gear, etc.
We will definitely do luggage transport, but I'll carry a mid-sized backpack for everything we should need during the day, and changes for if we don't make it to the intended hostel to which we sent our luggage.

Gracias, y Buen Camino para vuestro proximo caminata!
By the way, NZ is one of my favorite places on Earth! I just wish I had had more opportunities to get out of business meetings into the countryside, like I did on my first trip.....

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

My wife is new to all this, so am trying to convince her to buy and break in some good hiking boots, invest in true rain gear, etc.

Footwear is very individual, however I would point out that unless your wife has weak ankles a decent pair of walking shoes would perhaps be better.
Whilst there are some here on the forum that swear by their boots (as I myself used to), the majority of us prefer trail runners or similar. They are significantly lighter, very comfortable and as a bonus generally cheaper than a good pair of boots. Plus boots require breaking in, whereas trail runners really only require a day or two - and that simply to ensure that there are no manufacturing defects.

Remember the camino is not a hiking trail - in fact the Inglés for example is probably something like 40% back country roads. Comfort is most definitely King, and the less you carry - regardless as to whether that is on your back, around your waist, or on your feet - the less work your body has to do.

As far as raingear is concerned, again you don't have to spend a fortune.
Whilst I have a good rain jacket (and rain trousers for that matter) on camino I typically prefer to wear one of the Decathlon ponchos. (Again this is a much debated topic here on the forum!).
If you had a day in either Santiago or Ferrol first you could visit their local Decathlon.
They have two types: one is sleeved but only a quarter zip, so you pull it over your head. The other (which is more waterproof) is fully zipped so perhaps easier to use. Neither are particularly expensive.

Of course if you buy her a decent raincoat to use at home, you might be able to get her out on a few more training walks first!

As to your concerns about whether or not you get to the days destination just make sure that you carry a local taxi driver's number, worst case you can always just go into a bar or cafe and ask them to call for you. You might have to wait a little while, but at least you'll be warm, dry and have sustenance to hand!