CF: 9 days--> Starting on Pamplona or Ponferrada?

[ferdechile]

Hello Pilgrims!

I have 9 days at the beggining of december to walk and I'm doubting on starting on Pamplona or Ponferrada.
If I choose the 2nd one, I get to the end but that doesen't mean that much to me....

It means a lot more:

• Towns I visit are "raw", with soul with identity. I fear that the nearer to Santiago, the most "touristy" and lacking identity..
• Hopefully walking in non car-road routes
• Landscapes
• Hopefully see pilgrims: Will I see I have a higher probability to see pilgrims on the 2nd choice..
• Hopefully albergues that still have the traditional spirit of the Camino...

Thank u so much!!!!

Buen camino

Fer

 

[Anhalter]

My personal choice for the duration and time of the year would be Pamplona.
- 9 days would get me to Burgos, someone slower maybe not that far
- many beautiful towns along the route
- likely not as harsh weather compared to the mountains entering Galicia
- no idea how many pilgrims are on that route in December, but likely more than zero

the Ponferrada option
- would likely get me to Santiago
- will likely have more Pilgrims
- has the Invierno option
- i like mountains

as i said, i would likely chose the Pamplona option, but the other one is a good choice too. Pretty much depends on what is more important to you, especially in terms of arriving in Santiago.

 

[J Willhaus]

I think in the winter you'll find the whole route quite different no matter which start point you pick. There will be some pilgrims, but a smaller group and fewer places to stay. Enjoy! I would start in Pamplona.

 

[Simperegrina]

I wasn’t able to reach the Sarria - Santiago final stretch, but I’ll also advocate for Pamplona onwards. I loved every stage through to Burgos. Don’t forget to stay in the Parroquial San Juan Bautista in Granon!

 

[Siegfried]

Hola
If you choose Ponferrada you might struggle with snow on O'Cebreiro. Pamplona is sure a good choice. For sure there are only a few pilgrim in december, but if you are ready to meet people you will meet. Regardless it's maybe only one single person. I guess at this time of the year the camino is even more a question of contemplation and spiritual experience.
Buen Camino

 

[Philtration]

I walked from Pamplona in 21' and from Leon just a couple of weeks ago. My personal preference would be Pamplona. Probably fewer people, but the Camino is less of a business over that section.

 

[David Tallan]

Hello Pilgrims!

I have 9 days at the beggining of december to walk and I'm doubting on starting on Pamplona or Ponferrada.
If I choose the 2nd one, I get to the end but that doesen't mean that much to me....

It means a lot more:

• Towns I visit are "raw", with soul with identity. I fear that the nearer to Santiago, the most "touristy" and lacking identity..
• Hopefully walking in non car-road routes
• Landscapes
• Hopefully see pilgrims: Will I see I have a higher probability to see pilgrims on the 2nd choice..
• Hopefully albergues that still have the traditional spirit of the Camino...

Thank u so much!!!!

Buen camino

Fer

Both will give you wonderful villages or small towns with character. Ponferrada might get you to Santiago but might not. I wouldn't count on it. Ponferrada will mean crossing O Cebreiro in December, which may be problematic or may not. There is a reason the Camino Invierno ("winter camino") avoids it.