Camino Lebaniego/Vadiniense!

[Pruden]

I just arrived home after Camino Lebaniego/Vadiniense.
It’s has been a beautiful experience to walk this two Caminos , the beauty is something really impressive even there are extremely hard to walk sometimes, we enjoy walking the path side to Nansa river , we enjoy the beautiful views going up after Fuentede crossing the mountains and walking on the snow, but again this is only affordable for people that are well trained o people used to walk on the mountains.
This is not like Camino Frances because everyday is very demanding, there are some areas were you would fine nothing but nature, no village, no bars , no supermarkets, just nature and walking paths.
If you do it get well informed and I suggest no to walk alone.
Ultreia et suseia!

Buen Camino!!

 

[peregrino_tom]

Hola Pruden, thank you for sharing your experiences and these lovely pics. Looks like you had a wonderful camino.
Cheers, tom

 

[Michael; Camino-addicted]

I can agree with every word from Pruden.

Its a really wonderful way, we did the Lebaniego/Vadiniense in 2017.

You have to plan more than usual and carry drinks and food for nearly every meter you want to walk.

But this wonderful path is all worth it.

Fantastic photos

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks so much, Pruden, lovely pictures! Would you mind sharing your stages? I have a hankering to go back and always like to try to walk different stages. By the way, I walked alone and it was fine. I did get lost at the top of the hill after Cicera as I was trying to find the path to Lebeña. I wound up sliding down through hundreds of meters of what the Spaniards call “maleza.” I wound up with a pair of shredded pants, but luckily I was able to buy a new pair in Potes.

Sorry to bombard you with a couple of questions —

I see Gronze indicates a new routing after Cicera. Since I walked before 2015, I assume I walked what it shows as a dotted line up to the Collado de Arceón, which is where I got lost and had to slide down the hill. https://www.gronze.com/etapa/lafuente/potes
Do you remember anything about that part after Cicera and whether you went on the dotted line or solid line?

When I stayed in Potes, they allowed me two nights in the albergue so I could walk out and back to the monastery (albergue in the monastery was closed) and then carry on the next day without having to stop in the monastery while walking. Did you do that? Loved that Potes albergue — in the former jail, windows opening right onto the river, it was great!

The one thing that would hold me back is all of that asphalt from the end of the Senda da Remoña (I think the asphalt starts right at the Puerto de Pandetrave or close to it). And then from there to the end, it is (or was) nearly all asphalt. I remember Rebekah said that groups were trying to find off-road options — I’m wondering if many of them are in place or it is is all still overwhelmingly road walking.

There was a hope I think that some holy year celebration would have increased traffic on the Lebañiego/Vadiniense, but that doesn’t seem to have happened — did you see anyone else?

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Pruden]

Hola Pruden, thank you for sharing your experiences and these lovely pics. Looks like you had a wonderful camino.
Cheers, tom

Yes I have a wonderful experience! I chose to be there and I knew it was going to be hard an beauty 50%!
I enjoy it!
Buen camino!

 

[Pruden]

I can agree with every word from Pruden.

Its a really wonderful way, we did the Lebaniego/Vadiniense in 2017.

You have to plan more than usual and carry drinks and food for nearly every meter you want to walk.

But this wonderful path is all worth it.

Fantastic photos

Thanks Michael for your wonderful words , beautiful camino and looking forward to next one , maybe Camino Olvidado!!

 

[Aglass]

Hi all
I did the Lebaniego in 2016. It was the 'new' way and only about 5 km of road walking if I remember right and even that was a rural road with stunning scenery.
Andrew

 

[Pruden]

Thanks so much, Pruden, lovely pictures! Would you mind sharing your stages? I have a hankering to go back and always like to try to walk different stages. By the way, I walked alone and it was fine. I did get lost at the top of the hill after Cicera as I was trying to find the path to Lebeña. I wound up sliding down through hundreds of meters of what the Spaniards call “maleza.” I wound up with a pair of shredded pants, but luckily I was able to buy a new pair in Potes.

Sorry to bombard you with a couple of questions —

I see Gronze indicates a new routing after Cicera. Since I walked before 2015, I assume I walked what it shows as a dotted line up to the Collado de Arceón, which is where I got lost and had to slide down the hill. https://www.gronze.com/etapa/lafuente/potes
Do you remember anything about that part after Cicera and whether you went on the dotted line or solid line?

When I stayed in Potes, they allowed me two nights in the albergue so I could walk out and back to the monastery (albergue in the monastery was closed) and then carry on the next day without having to stop in the monastery while walking. Did you do that? Loved that Potes albergue — in the former jail, windows opening right onto the river, it was great!

The one thing that would hold me back is all of that asphalt from the end of the Senda da Remoña (I think the asphalt starts right at the Puerto de Pandetrave or close to it). And then from there to the end, it is (or was) nearly all asphalt. I remember Rebekah said that groups were trying to find off-road options — I’m wondering if many of them are in place or it is is all still overwhelmingly road walking.

There was a hope I think that some holy year celebration would have increased traffic on the Lebañiego/Vadiniense, but that doesn’t seem to have happened — did you see anyone else?

Buen camino, Laurie

Thanks for reading me , I’m just nobody to on this Caminos.
I’ll try to answer you even my English is limited, I did walk alone in some parts of the etapas , I make San Vicente to Cades , Cabañes, San Pelayo, Espinama, Portilla de la Reina , Horcadas , Cistierna,Gradefes,Mansilla de las Mulas .
To tell you the truth after Cicera we went up just after you cross a little river, we pass a beautiful forest with huge beech trees , and when we got to the top after a very stiff climb we have a beautiful view, then we entered an oaks forest, going up for a while before going down on a very stiff descent ( making on the walking down what we call a Z all the way down to Lebeña and it was no easy walking for my knees). I can not tell you if this is collado Arceon or not because we did no see clearly the arrow one way or the other because we were talking.)But anyway the crossing from Cicera to Lebeña was extremely beautiful.
Then we went up to Allende and took the there the signed left way ( don’t take the right one) we were time after on the side of the noisy river cover with deep vegetation like in the pure jungle) and staying at Cabañes albergue , very good stay .
I did not stay in Potes and walked to San Pelayo Albergue ( just been made new inside).
After climbing up from Espinama and on the other side to Pandrave the is no option but the asfalt ( but maybe could walk for few kilometers on The Valley before the two river met), the rest is asfalt and feet get really broken.)
We only were most of the time 5 or 6 pilgrims that sometimes we ended up at the same place to spend the night.
We were lucky because we crossed the mountains in time before the storm and snow came the next day when we were passing Riaño .and could see the snow on the peeks near.
The first Etapa we walked side to the Nansa River.
I suggest the following places to stay, ( Cades was no good if I looked at other albergues , there is no option), Cabañes Albergue, San Pelayo Albergue, Espinama close to the river ( don't remember the name ) but it’s a private albergue very good, Portilla ( it’s a casa rural ruled by a Mexican born lady, Horcajadas casa rural it’s wonderful, ( used to be a municipal albergue).

 

[Michael; Camino-addicted]

We walked the same way as Pruden after Cicera and in my map its the new way, not crossing Collado Arcedon.
The way down is sometimes really steep and for sure not the best for you knees, but very beautiful.

And as Pruden said........."In Allende don´t take the right way "

Please, don´t do it. My sister and I did it - 1,5km distance with 300 mtr altitude difference

I still feel my burning lungs and my heavy legs today.

When we were up it was a view to fall on your knees, spectacular. But the way up in the sun was like the hell.

 

[Anamya]

Hi Laurie! The marked trail at the moment does not go to Collado de Arceon. Even in the Santander airport, the lady at the info booth told us that path was closed and no good for walking this April. We followed the other path, which I don't know the name, and then towards Rio Robero. It was breathtaking in so many ways

 

[peregrina2000]

I am definitely going to have to return. Probably the scariest road walking experience of any camino was on the road into Potes, along the N-621. So glad to see that Gronze doesn’t even show it anymore.

If only there were not so much asphalt after you get through the Picos and the Puerto de Pandetrave.... Maybe now that I am wearing Altras, though, my feet would tolerate it better. I think I was still wearing hiking boots on the Vadiniense!

 

[Pruden]

We walked the same way as Pruden after Cicera and in my map its the new way, not crossing Collado Arcedon.
The way down is sometimes really steep and for sure not the best for you knees, but very beautiful.

And as Pruden said........."In Allende don´t take the right way "

Please, don´t do it. My sister and I did it - 1,5km distance with 300 mtr altitude difference

I still feel my burning lungs and my heavy legs today.

When we were up it was a view to fall on your knees, spectacular. But the way up in the sun was like the hell.

 

[Pruden]

Yes , better take the ancient track on the left hand side an pass a small ermita ( maybe you would have to remove some fences, but you’re on the right pathway)!

 

[Pruden]

I am definitely going to have to return. Probably the scariest road walking experience of any camino was on the road into Potes, along the N-621. So glad to see that Gronze doesn’t even show it anymore.

If only there were not so much asphalt after you get through the Picos and the Puerto de Pandetrave.... Maybe now that I am wearing Altras, though, my feet would tolerate it better. I think I was still wearing hiking boots on the Vadiniense!

 

[Pruden]

From pandrave down to Portilla is the worst, especially if it’s a hot day ( ten kilometers of asfalt)!

 

[peregrina2000]

From pandrave down to Portilla is the worst, especially if it’s a hot day ( ten kilometers of asfalt)!

Pruden, thanks so much for the information. Did you continue all the way to Mansilla de las Mulas? Would love to hear how those stages went for you. The stages you gave stop in Horcadas.

I found this casa rural in Horcadas, which must be where you stayed. https://casa-rural-nevada.negocio.site. If I go back, I will definitely push on to this place, because Riaño is a weird little artificial town, built when the real town was flooded.

And that would make it easy to get to Cistierna the next day, brilliant staging, @Pruden!

When I walked, my feet just self-destructed from all that asphalt, and by Gradefes I was hobbling. So I never walked from Gradefes into Mansilla, it was my very first Camino bus! That gives me a reason to go back. And another great reason is the absolutely gorgeous church in San Miguel de la Escalada.

Thanks so much for all this info, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Pruden]

Pruden, thanks so much for the information. Did you continue all the way to Mansilla de las Mulas? Would love to hear how those stages went for you. The stages you gave stop in Horcadas.

I found this casa rural in Horcadas, which must be where you stayed. https://casa-rural-nevada.negocio.site. If I go back, I will definitely push on to this place, because Riaño is a weird little artificial town, built when the real town was flooded.

And that would make it easy to get to Cistierna the next day, brilliant staging, @Pruden!

When I walked, my feet just self-destructed from all that asphalt, and by Gradefes I was hobbling. So I never walked from Gradefes into Mansilla, it was my very first Camino bus! That gives me a reason to go back. And another great reason is the absolutely gorgeous church in San Miguel de la Escalada.

Thanks so much for all this info, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Pruden]

Yes , the house at Horcada is that one , but remember is nothing there for dinner unless the bar is open on weekends, or on holidays , si you must buy food at Riaño ( bocadillos o supermercado and it’s closed from 14,00 till 17,00).

From Cistierna to Gradefes the path is fine and no to much asfalt, and from Gradefes to Mansilla it’s very similar, but that’s part of la Meseta and is not as pretty us the journeys back.
San Miguel de la Escalada we could no see because it was closed at the time we went by, we did no find places for a coffee because we did not enter through the middle of the few villages on the way.

 

[Hansel]

From pandrave down to Portilla is the worst, especially if it’s a hot day ( ten kilometers of asfalt)!

Hola Pruden,
I was looking at walking the Camino Vadiense y Lebaniego, but didn't realise it had so much asphalt, is the bit you mention here the only bit or are there more ?
Looking at May time, do you think there might be too much snow, ?
Gracias Bill

 

[Anamya]

Looking at May time, do you think there might be too much snow, ?

There was snow in April this year after the Monastery of Liebana, but up to that point (4 days of walk), no snow at all. Also little asphalt in that path.

It is practically impossible to predict the weather, but if you look at historical averages, you may have a little snow in May, but not much, as you are going through Spring.

 

[Hansel]

There was snow in April this year after the Monastery of Liebana, but up to that point (4 days of walk), no snow at all. Also little asphalt in that path.

It is practically impossible to predict the weather, but if you look at historical averages, you may have a little snow in May, but not much, as you are going through Spring.

Thanks Anamya,
I realise it is impossible to predict the weather , even a week ahead, never mind six months, and in the mountains, I was doing what a lot of people do on here, talking out loud, and if you get a reply that's a bonus !
Tempted to book my flights, and then my next camino is semi- organised, ,
Good to know that there is little asphalt, so my shins/ tendons should be happy on this camino.
Bill

 

[Anamya]

Tempted to book my flights, and then my next camino is semi- organised

Hi Bill
If you check this topic, you can read a bit of my Lebaniego in April this year. We walked after my husband recovered from a seizure, and I tried to be detailed. Other forum members also contributed with information of past walks and videos.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-stages-camino-lebaniego-april-2019.62071/

Despite being short, the Lebaniego was the toughest and most beautiful of the 3 caminos I walked.

 

[oursonpolaire]

It was some years ago when I did this walk, but it is one of my top caminos. San Miguel de Escalada is like going back over a thousand years.

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks Anamya,
I realise it is impossible to predict the weather , even a week ahead, never mind six months, and in the mountains, I was doing what a lot of people do on here, talking out loud, and if you get a reply that's a bonus !
Tempted to book my flights, and then my next camino is semi- organised, ,
Good to know that there is little asphalt, so my shins/ tendons should be happy on this camino.
Bill

Hi, Bill,
When @Anamaya says there is little asphalt, I believe she is talking only about the Lebañiego from San Vicente to the monastery after Potes. That was not my experience, however, but I walked years ago. I know there has been some re-routing, so that may have decreased the asphalt on those three days.

But more to your point, the Vadiniense, from the monastery down to the Francés at Mansilla is almost all asphalt, except for the part to Fuente Dé and beyond on the Senda da Remoña. But from there, the road definitely is the predominant path. Again I have to say that I don’t know if things have been re-routed, and much of this asphalt was on very untraveled roads, but it was asphalt nonetheless.

Lots of lovely scenery in the first part, what’s not to like about walking in the Picos de Europa?! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Anamya]

I believe she is talking only about the Lebañiego from San Vicente to the monastery after Potes.

You are correct, @peregrina2000 . I was refering only to the Lebaniego part (from San Vicente to the Monastery). Most of it in natural trails. I can't speak for the trail after the monastery though, as I havent walked it yet.

 

[Hansel]

Hi, Bill,
When @Anamaya says there is little asphalt, I believe she is talking only about the Lebañiego from San Vicente to the monastery after Potes. That was not my experience, however, but I walked years ago. I know there has been some re-routing, so that may have decreased the asphalt on those three days.

But more to your point, the Vadiniense, from the monastery down to the Francés at Mansilla is almost all asphalt, except for the part to Fuente Dé and beyond on the Senda da Remoña. But from there, the road definitely is the predominant path. Again I have to say that I don’t know if things have been re-routed, and much of this asphalt was on very untraveled roads, but it was asphalt nonetheless.

Lots of lovely scenery in the first part, what’s not to like about walking in the Picos de Europa?! Buen camino, Laurie

Thanks Laurie, might be worth walking just the Lebaniego, to the monastery after Potes, I will have to look into getting some maps and guide books for the Picos de Europa, tarmac walking is my least favourite kind,
I am always looking for caminos with lots of off road walking , and preferably ups and downs thrown in for good measure.
Maybe back to the drawing board, it was a hospitalero, in a private albergue, near the cathedral in Leon who kindly printed out the Gronze info on these two caminos, he had walked about thirteen or so caminos, I never really got a chance to quiz him on the terrain etc.
Lots of time to plan, still 2019, so time to change my mind several times before next years camino, or two!
Bill

 

[Hansel]

Hi Bill
If you check this topic, you can read a bit of my Lebaniego in April this year. We walked after my husband recovered from a seizure, and I tried to be detailed. Other forum members also contributed with information of past walks and videos.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/our-stages-camino-lebaniego-april-2019.62071/

Despite being short, the Lebaniego was the toughest and most beautiful of the 3 caminos I walked.

Thanks Anamya sounds like you had a good walk,
Your packs were quite light did you need to carry sleeping bags ?
Be tempted to walk to Potes from SanVicente de la Barquera, and then walk back , maybe going by some of the variants. I was along the mountains from you in april, I walked the Primitivo, flew to Santander, and bus past SanVicente and onto Oviedo.
Bill

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks Anamya sounds like you had a good walk,
Your packs were quite light did you need to carry sleeping bags ?
Be tempted to walk to Potes from SanVicente de la Barquera, and then walk back , maybe going by some of the variants. I was along the mountains from you in april, I walked the Primitivo, flew to Santander, and bus past SanVicente and onto Oviedo.
Bill

If it were me, I'd consider going on from the monastery to Fuente De, and on the Senda da Remoña. You could go back to Fuente Dé when you emerge from the Senda at the Puerto de Pandetrave, or continue walking along the road to Portilla de la Reina and end there. But that stretch is gorgeous.

 

[Hansel]

If it were me, I'd consider going on from the monastery to Fuente De, and on the Senda da Remoña. You could go back to Fuente Dé when you emerge from the Senda at the Puerto de Pandetrave, or continue walking along the road to Portilla de la Reina and end there. But that stretch is gorgeous.

Thanks Laurie, good time to be planning during these short days,
Bill

 

[peregrina2000]

If it were me, I'd consider going on from the monastery to Fuente De, and on the Senda da Remoña. You could go back to Fuente Dé when you emerge from the Senda at the Puerto de Pandetrave, or continue walking along the road to Portilla de la Reina and end there. But that stretch is gorgeous.

And though my blog is old (I walked in 2011), there are some good picturtes. http://caminovadiniense.blogspot.com/

And just looking through my posts, it confirms my impression that those days from San Vicente to Potes were nearly all asphalt. So things must have radically changed since Anamaya says she had very little. I know there has been a re-routing through Cades and maybe something to take you off the most dangerous road walking into Potes, but I think that there must be a lot more.

 

[Hansel]

And though my blog is old (I walked in 2011), there are some good picturtes. http://caminovadiniense.blogspot.com/

And just looking through my posts, it confirms my impression that those days from San Vicente to Potes were nearly all asphalt. So things must have radically changed since Anamaya says she had very little. I know there has been a re-routing through Cades and maybe something to take you off the most dangerous road walking into Potes, but I think that there must be a lot more.

Thanks Laurie, I see you then walked onto the Salvador , to Oviedo, has the Salvador less tarmac/ asphalt ?
Bill

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks Laurie, I see you then walked onto the Salvador , to Oviedo, has the Salvador less tarmac/ asphalt ?
Bill

I've walked the Salvador three times now, and LOVE it. But the Salvador has its fair share of asphalt. Leaving Leon, you can avoid it by taking the river path. Going into La Robla, there is asphalt. From Pola de Gordon to Buiza it's all asphalt. From San Miguel to Puente Fierro is all asphalt. Some asphalt around Campomanes. Leaving Pola de Lena along the way to Mieres is mostly all asphalt, but a lot of it is on a pedestrian path along the river, so there is a dirt shoulder. From Mieres to Oviedo is a lot of asphalt. So yes, there is a lot of asphalt now that I think about it.

 

[Anamya]

Your packs were quite light did you need to carry sleeping bags ?
Be tempted to walk to Potes from SanVicente de la Barquera, and then walk back , maybe going by some of the variants. I was along the mountains from you in april, I walked the Primitivo, flew to Santander, and bus past SanVicente and onto Oviedo.

We had silk sleeping liners, so it was indeed very light packing. We stayed mostly in private small inns, so in the end we didn't use them.

I am not sure if walking back would be an easy task. the marks were challenging enough on the way in, not sure how they would be in reverse. Laurie's suggestion of Fuente De is actually pretty good.

Maybe you could also start in Santillana del Mar or Comillas instead of San Vicente, and add a bit of the Camno Del Norte to your trail, then finish at the Monastery?

 

[Kelly Catlow]

Thanks for reading me , I’m just nobody to on this Caminos.
I’ll try to answer you even my English is limited, I did walk alone in some parts of the etapas , I make San Vicente to Cades , Cabañes, San Pelayo, Espinama, Portilla de la Reina , Horcadas , Cistierna,Gradefes,Mansilla de las Mulas .
To tell you the truth after Cicera we went up just after you cross a little river, we pass a beautiful forest with huge beech trees , and when we got to the top after a very stiff climb we have a beautiful view, then we entered an oaks forest, going up for a while before going down on a very stiff descent ( making on the walking down what we call a Z all the way down to Lebeña and it was no easy walking for my knees). I can not tell you if this is collado Arceon or not because we did no see clearly the arrow one way or the other because we were talking.)But anyway the crossing from Cicera to Lebeña was extremely beautiful.
Then we went up to Allende and took the there the signed left way ( don’t take the right one) we were time after on the side of the noisy river cover with deep vegetation like in the pure jungle) and staying at Cabañes albergue , very good stay .
I did not stay in Potes and walked to San Pelayo Albergue ( just been made new inside).
After climbing up from Espinama and on the other side to Pandrave the is no option but the asfalt ( but maybe could walk for few kilometers on The Valley before the two river met), the rest is asfalt and feet get really broken.)
We only were most of the time 5 or 6 pilgrims that sometimes we ended up at the same place to spend the night.
We were lucky because we crossed the mountains in time before the storm and snow ❄ came the next day when we were passing Riaño .and could see the snow on the peeks near.
The first Etapa we walked side to the Nansa River.
I suggest the following places to stay, ( Cades was no good if I looked at other albergues , there is no option), Cabañes Albergue, San Pelayo Albergue, Espinama close to the river ( don't remember the name ) but it’s a private albergue very good, Portilla ( it’s a casa rural ruled by a Mexican born lady, Horcajadas casa rural it’s wonderful, ( used to be a municipal albergue).

Is there anyway to get phone numbers of the accommodation or the names of the accommodation?

 

[Kelly Catlow]

Hi Pruden
I loved reading your post. I would like to know more about the accommodation and the phone numbers and names if you have them. I am travelling solo and want to feel a little organised LOL

 

[Za38]

I am definitely going to have to return. Probably the scariest road walking experience of any camino was on the road into Potes, along the N-621. So glad to see that Gronze doesn’t even show it anymore.

If only there were not so much asphalt after you get through the Picos and the Puerto de Pandetrave.... Maybe now that I am wearing Altras, though, my feet would tolerate it better. I think I was still wearing hiking boots on the Vadiniense!

What are Altras? I have hiking boots...Planning my first Camino, part Norte part Lebaneigo, for early April....comments? Help...? Is 28.5.km 300m stage too ambitious? Thanks!

 

[peregrina2000]

What are Altras? I have hiking boots...Planning my first Camino, part Norte part Lebaneigo, for early April....comments? Help...? Is 28.5.km 300m stage too ambitious? Thanks!

Altras are trail runners, which are like a more heavily constructed and grippy running shoe. They are perfect for the Camino, at least for me. Do a search and you will see tons of great posts by @davebugg (and others, but especially Dave). My own opinion after reading tons and tons of posts here is that hiking boots are generally way too much shoe for camino walking, which always has a lot of asphalt and crushed rock trails. I have worn them now for three years, three caminos, and I will never change. Last year I walked some pretty heavy duty mountain stages on the Olvidado, they were great. The time when I appreciate them the most is when I have a multi-km slog on asphalt at the end of the day heading into the destination -- my feet never get that achy weary feeling, and I am good to go for 35-40 kms with no regrets.

Now to your Lebañiego question. 28.5 km with 300 m gain would be fine for me, but I really can't answer the question whether it would be fine for you. I will say that 300 m elevation gain does not strike me as being on the high side of the charts, and if you've walked other caminos, you have probably walked a number of days with more than that total.

Buen camino, happy planning, Laurie

 

[Za38]

Thanks, Laurie, for your swift reply. I've really appreciated all your posts. We're torn between the Frances and Norte/Lebaniego - we only have 5 nights in early April....We're fit but this is our first Camino and I was concerned about one 28.5km stage...

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks, Laurie, for your swift reply. I've really appreciated all your posts. We're torn between the Frances and Norte/Lebaniego - we only have 5 nights in early April....We're fit but this is our first Camino and I was concerned about one 28.5km stage...

Well you didn’t ask my opinion, so feel free to disregard it but I, and many other camino veterans/addicts on the forum, are likely to recommend the Francés as a “first camino”. Since you will be going in early April, especially, because there just won’t be all the crowds. You are very likely to totally enjoy the Norte/Lebañiego but it might strike you as just another nice 5-day hike. And IMO the Camino is so much more than that. I think you might consider five nights from Pamplona, or from Burgos or Leon, and that will give you a good introduction to what all the Camino mystique is.
Not sure where you are coming from, so I’m not sure about which cities work best for you. Buen Camino, Laurie

 

[Kanga]

I'm with Laurie. A few years ago I took someone on their first "camino" and chose the Via de la Plata. I think it was a mistake. I am firmly of the view that the Camino Francés is the one to do the first time.

 

[Za38]

Thanks, again - why do you both feel this way about CF? And would 5 nights from Pamplona provide whatever you're recommending...? We can't get to Santiago this trip as we fly into San Sebastien, and fly out of Madrid....

 

[Za38]

Also...I'm worried about the weather in early April in the Pyrennes...?

 

[peregrina2000]

Also...I'm worried about the weather in early April in the Pyrennes...?

Thanks, again - why do you both feel this way about CF? And would 5 nights from Pamplona provide whatever you're recommending...? We can't get to Santiago this trip as we fly into San Sebastien, and fly out of Madrid....

I think that five nights from Pamplona would give you the “je ne sais quoi” element that the Camino has to offer.

But walking from San Sebastián on the Norte would also be an option.

So, @Za38, what is your proposed 5-day walk?

 

[Kanga]

@Za38 from Pamplona in early April should be fine. It is a great place to start and yes, imo you will get a taste of that something special.

Why the Camino Francés? There is a reason why it is Unesco listed and the "first cultural route of Europe". It is the route described in the Codex Calixtinus - the medieval guide to the pilgrimage. It is the Big Daddy.

Lots of the other routes are wonderful hikes, and more beautiful as far as landscape goes. Similar to others around the world.

But, if you want the unique experience that is "the Camino", then it has to be the Francés. Hard to explain. Certainly, it is the people, from all over the world, who you will meet and with whom you will share joys and pains and pleasures and meals and experiences. But it is more than that.

 

[LesBrass]

I was asked to organised a mini Camino last year. I took 7 new pilgrims from Pamplona to Logrono. As others have suggested I felt it would give a give flavour of life as a pilgrim. Two magnificent historical cities, a climb with alto de perdon, and the history attached to Peunta la Reina, Estella (with the wine fountain), los Arcos ... and so on. And I felt both start and end points had good transport options.

So it was arranged. I worried that 5 days wouldn’t be enough to get the Camino spirit but I was wrong. My little group loved every moment. They met and walked with other strangers, they were tested by the walk and the heat of early September. They quite simply loved their walk and they were pilgrims. All of them are walking again this year; those 5 days gave them the confidence to go alone and the desire to go back.

So I would concur... Pamplona to Logrono will give you a taste of the Camino... and leave you wanting more.