Camino San Salvador

[sgmiller]

I will be walking the Norte starting at Bilbao later this month and am considering switching to the San Salvador after I get to Oviedo. I would be walking it in the reverse direction beginning about May 8. Any insights into issues I may encounter? I understand that I will need to monitor weather conditions closely. Is the signage good for the reverse direction? Trail conditions? Any accommodation closure in key locations. Thanks!

 

[KariannNor]

You could take a train 1h5min to Leon and walk back up to Oviedo? I have never done and don't have answers to the other things

 

[trecile]

You could take a train 1h5min to Leon and walk back up to Oviedo? I have never done and don't have answers to the other things

That's what I would do, but only because I enjoy walking with other pilgrims occasionally.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I would NOT do the San Salvador in reverse. It is hard enough following any Camino WITH the arrows, even when you already know the route. But this one is quite challenging in parts, and getting lost/hurt on the more remote stretches of the trail could be dicey indeed.

 

[Former member 104756]

Hi @sgmiller I’d have to second that sound advice from @Rebekah Scott it’s tough enough without adding those risks.

Regarding the trail - many people, me included, find they cover less distance per hour than on other paths, due to the terrain. In the middle days, I think we were averaging 3 kms or less per hour, so you may want to take that into account in your planning.

The one accommodation recommendation I would give is to stop at Benduenos - it’s between Pajares and Pola de Lena The albergue is very special as is the hospitalera Sandra. A little off the path, and up a hill - but worth every step. For many it's a highlight of the Salvador.

 

[billC]

I'm planning a similar camino next month starting on the Norte then heading south on Salvador and then onto the Invierno. I agree it may not be as straight forward going in the North direction however I did walk the North direction in 2022 so I have some familiarity with the route. I hoping to update my planning resources on the Salvador since then.

 

[Tom Conklin]

You might also think about going south from the Norte from San Vincente de Barquera onto the Labiniego/Vadiniense and then up the Salvador from Leon. I did it this past fall. The L/V is very quiet and a bit more expensive, but the views are pretty spectacular.

 

[Colette Z]

You could take a train 1h5min to Leon and walk back up to Oviedo? I have never done and don't have answers to the other things

Good idea!