Best guide book for CP?

[LynneR]

Researching guide books and I've come across a couple on Amazon that look good, but I'd like some input before I make a purchase.
I see there is a Brierley (I had a copy of the CF version and it served me well), but I also see one by Katrina Davis.
Both look good, but have any of you used a book that you would recommend?
Thank you.
Lynne

 

[Anamya]

I used the Brierley one and it was very good. Also, CP was very well marked and accommodation was easy to find along the route, so I didnt needed to use the guide much to find things.
I don´t know aboout Katrina, but the other one I heard was good too was Wise Pilgrim.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Researching guide books and I've come across a couple on Amazon that look good, but I'd like some input before I make a purchase.
I see there is a Brierley (I had a copy of the CF version and it served me well), but I also see one by Katrina Davis.
Both look good, but have any of you used a book that you would recommend?
Thank you.
Lynne

Hi, Lynne. . .

It may help to know what features of a guidebook that you particularly find useful: route finding, historical information, cultural notations, accommodation and eating recommendations, etc.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Researching guide books and I've come across a couple on Amazon that look good, but I'd like some input before I make a purchase.
I see there is a Brierley (I had a copy of the CF version and it served me well), but I also see one by Katrina Davis.
Both look good, but have any of you used a book that you would recommend?
Thank you.
Lynne

When I walked the CP in 2015, I think Brierley was the only (English) guidebook available. Although no guidebook is perfect (there will always be errors), let's just say that the main topic of conversation at dinner of a night was about the strongly-worded emails we were going to send when we got home...!
If the Kat Davis guidebook had been published back then, I would have gone with her.
Kat is a very experienced solo female traveller & long distance walker. Her second guidebook, on the Kumano Kodo in Japan, will be released soon.
If you want to get a 'feel' for who she is and how she travels/writes, she has a blog called 'Following the Arrows' you could read to help you decide.
Kat is currently hiking the PCT in the US. She knows her stuff!
Bom Caminho

 

[Elle Bieling]

Mine! Camino Portugues Ebooks.
You can actually preview all the info first on my website. I also include a link to an updated file of all the accommodations along the way, published here on the forums. Please see my website at Pilgrimage Traveler - The Many Ways on the Camino Portugues.

 

[LynneR]

Mine! Camino Portugues Ebooks.
You can actually preview all the info first on my website. I also include a link to an updated file of all the accommodations along the way, published here on the forums. Please see my website at Pilgrimage Traveler - The Many Ways on the Camino Portugues.

Oh!! Great! I actually viewed your website already. Didn't notice that you have a guide but I will check it out. Now I know you are a great resource! Thanks so much. I am new to CP and planning to walk on the coast, then take the Variante Espiritua into Santiago. Can you tell me how many days I will need. From what I can tell, the coastal walk adds some days. And the VE adds how many?
Again, thank you for responding. I am happy to find a good guide book and experienced CP pilgrims!
Lynne

 

[Elle Bieling]

It took us 11 days to do the Coastal. I believe the Variante would add a few more days, but I am not sure.

 

[AlwynWellington]

@LynneR , I would divide guide books into two categories.

My first category would include Brierly, Rother and similar guides. These I would read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. Even make notes to keep on my tablet for reference when underway.

My second category would include Michelin guide 16x.
These are lightweight. On the first facing page there is an elevation profile and a selection of hostels for a stage. On the other is a Michelin map at an adequate scale for the same stage and a thumbnail showing how this stage fits into the overall progress. At the back are street maps for major towns.

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

Best free resource es www.caminador.es which has all routes marked in every format Google Maps,pdf etc with lots of info too