Comparison of Camino Frances with C2C

[Singingheart]

I don't know where to post this question, but I'm hoping that some of you good pilgrims can respond here. I've walked the Camino Frances in 2015, at the age of 73, and the Camino Portuguese in 2017, at the age of 75. Now I have a deep desire to walk the British Coast to Coast Walk, the Wainwright Walk, 193 miles, and I'm wondering if any of you here have walked that walk, and specifically, how it compares in difficulty to the Camino Frances. My plan is to walk it alone in September of this year, when I'll be 76. I know that age is just a number, but still. I'm committed, with a plane ticket and all my bookings, for 21 days, which are necessary. I'm taking a week longer than most do when they make the walk. But it's going to be hard all the same, and I'm getting very nervous. How does it compare to crossing Pyrenees, trekking down to Zubiri, climbing in and out of river valleys and climbing to Cruz de Ferro, and to O'Cebreiro? Looking at blogs and photo and video blogs, it looks very daunting. It would help to hear of others who have done both and feel that I can do this at the age of 76. Thanks.

 

[NomadBoomer]

I have walked the Frances this year and the wainwright Coast to coast like 28 years ago. In my memory the C2c was easier than the harder sections of the Frances. I was younger then but carrying a full pack.
I say don't worry it will be a very different but a lovely walk.

 

[Singingheart]

Thank you so much! That's what I want to hear, of course. I won't be carrying a full pack this time, I don't think, but still, enough. I do think that if I were 28 years younger than I am now, I wouldn't be worrying at all. But I'm glad to hear from someone who has walked both walks. Many thanks.

 

[wes]

Hello Kathy. This topic was discussed in some detail in December last year. Use “Wainwright” as a keyword to search for the thread and you’ll find it. I’ve walked both in recent years and the coast-to-coast was much, much harder. I’d expect with your background you’d handle it well, but it’s far more challenging than any of the three Caminos I’ve walked.
Best regards, wes

 

[Singingheart]

Hello Kathy. This topic was discussed in some detail in December last year. Use “Wainwright” as a keyword to search for the thread and you’ll find it. I’ve walked both in recent years and the coast-to-coast was much, much harder. I’d expect with your background you’d handle it well, but it’s far more challenging than any of the three Caminos I’ve walked.
Best regards, wes

Thank you so much, Wes. I’ll look at the thread. You are exactly the sort of person I was looking for. The C2C looks harder to me from the blogs I’m reading. That doesn’t mean tbat I don’t want to walk it. I guess I’ll just to leave all my affairs in order, and not let my children know what I’m about to attempt.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I walked the C2C 30 years ago. I did not walk the Frances, but the VdlP , the Sanabres, Primitivo and Salvador. The C2C was much harder. ( But very beautiful,) The biggest disadvantage was the length of many stages and the limited number of places where you could have a rest or buy food.
It was also more expensive. No albergues but hotels and B&B's. We carried a tent but that added much to the weight of our backpacks

 

[jsalt]

I don't know where to post this question, but I'm hoping that some of you good pilgrims can respond here. I've walked the Camino Frances in 2015, at the age of 73, and the Camino Portuguese in 2017, at the age of 75. Now I have a deep desire to walk the British Coast to Coast Walk, the Wainwright Walk, 193 miles, and I'm wondering if any of you here have walked that walk, and specifically, how it compares in difficulty to the Camino Frances. My plan is to walk it alone in September of this year, when I'll be 76. I know that age is just a number, but still. I'm committed, with a plane ticket and all my bookings, for 21 days, which are necessary. I'm taking a week longer than most do when they make the walk. But it's going to be hard all the same, and I'm getting very nervous. How does it compare to crossing Pyrenees, trekking down to Zubiri, climbing in and out of river valleys and climbing to Cruz de Ferro, and to O'Cebreiro? Looking at blogs and photo and video blogs, it looks very daunting. It would help to hear of others who have done both and feel that I can do this at the age of 76. Thanks.

Hi Kathy
Here is the other thread:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...to-coast-uk-compared-to-camino-frances.52049/

I found Wainwrights Coast 2 Coast was much harder than the CF, and much much much more expensive.
Jill

 

[lovingkindness]

...I found Wainwrights Coast 2 Coast was much harder than the CF, and much much much more expensive...

...me, too...
Hello Kathy et al

 

[Singingheart]

Hi Kathy
Here is the other thread:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...to-coast-uk-compared-to-camino-frances.52049/

I found Wainwrights Coast 2 Coast was much harder than the CF, and much much much more expensive.
Jill

Thanks for the link to the thread. It's pretty scary to read though. I've expected the additional expense, so that won't be a shock. I just hope I'm not attempting something that is impossible for me.

 

[ParadiseSyndrome]

Hello Kathy, I've yet to set foot on the Camino but I completed the C2C a couple of years ago so I'm also interested in following this thread to hear peoples comparisons

From my experience, the C2C (from west to east) is much more challenging during the first half - so plan to cover fewer miles compared with the later sections. I carried a tent the whole way so had to walk several 20-mile sections but most of the others I met out on the trail had planned their trip through a company (i think one of them is called 'Packhorse') who arrange hotels and also transport peoples bags between stages so they only need to carry a small daypack.

If you're used to US and European trails - the C2C isn't one of our national trails so in places is less well maintained and has fewer signs. I can remember several times helping out other hikers who were lost and didn't bring a map or compass with them.

 

[mralisn]

Hello friends,

I will also walk Wainwright' Way this summer. I am happy to see the question being asked and the kind, helpful responses. Very good tips for me to keep in mind including the links posted above to the other thread.

If I may, might anyone have input on getting from Dublin to St. Bees? I imagine a short flight from Dublin to Manchester and then bus from there? So far I only see Ryan Air and Aer Lingus as flight choices. I haven't looked into the bus portion yet.

I am very much looking forward to this walk as I had been wanting to walk since before I found the Camino 13 years ago!

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[Singingheart]

Hello friends,

I will also walk Wainwright' Way this summer. I am happy to see the question being asked and the kind, helpful responses. Very good tips for me to keep in mind including the links posted above to the other thread.

If I may, might anyone have input on getting from Dublin to St. Bees? I imagine a short flight from Dublin to Manchester and then bus from there? So far I only see Ryan Air and Aer Lingus as flight choices. I haven't looked into the bus portion yet.

I am very much looking forward to this walk as I had been wanting to walk since before I found the Camino 13 years ago!

Keep a smile,
Simeon

Good luck with your C2C, Simeon. I've found all the responses immensely helpful too. Now to pray for halfway decent weather! I'll be getting to St. Bee's via London so don't know about coming from Dublin.

 

[mralisn]

Good luck with your C2C, Simeon. I've found all the responses immensely helpful too. Now to pray for halfway decent weather! I'll be getting to St. Bee's via London so don't know about coming from Dublin.

Hi Kathy!

Thank you very much and the same to you. While I've done many long walks, this one has always caught my attention. I figure now is time to give it a go. If I come across any insightful tips, I'll be sure to share them with you. Exciting!

 

[Tonylash]

Hi Folks , although i have not walked any caminos ( 1st one in 2wks time ) or done the C2C , i have walked a lot of the hills in the English lake district , i have done sections of the C2C whislt out hill walking as this is my neck of the woods . The first sections through the lake district will have quite a bit of ascent & descent , i believe there is one notable section between Rosthwaite & Patterdale where people seem to get lost . If anyone would like company on the early stages then give me a shout & we can get lost together , cheers Tony

 

[mralisn]

Hi Folks , although i have not walked any caminos ( 1st one in 2wks time ) or done the C2C , i have walked a lot of the hills in the English lake district , i have done sections of the C2C whislt out hill walking as this is my neck of the woods . The first sections through the lake district will have quite a bit of ascent & descent , i believe there is one notable section between Rosthwaite & Patterdale where people seem to get lost . If anyone would like company on the early stages then give me a shout & we can get lost together , cheers Tony

Wow, Tony! What a great offer. Thank you. Would be good to hear your Camino stories. Cheers!

 

[Tonylash]

Not sure about buses from the airport to St Bees , it may be a case of getting the train to Carlisle & changing there for St Bees

 

[Rclarke]

I don't know where to post this question, but I'm hoping that some of you good pilgrims can respond here. I've walked the Camino Frances in 2015, at the age of 73, and the Camino Portuguese in 2017, at the age of 75. Now I have a deep desire to walk the British Coast to Coast Walk, the Wainwright Walk, 193 miles, and I'm wondering if any of you here have walked that walk, and specifically, how it compares in difficulty to the Camino Frances. My plan is to walk it alone in September of this year, when I'll be 76. I know that age is just a number, but still. I'm committed, with a plane ticket and all my bookings, for 21 days, which are necessary. I'm taking a week longer than most do when they make the walk. But it's going to be hard all the same, and I'm getting very nervous. How does it compare to crossing Pyrenees, trekking down to Zubiri, climbing in and out of river valleys and climbing to Cruz de Ferro, and to O'Cebreiro? Looking at blogs and photo and video blogs, it looks very daunting. It would help to hear of others who have done both and feel that I can do this at the age of 76. Thanks.

I did the c2c sept 2016 but doing my first Camino this April the first day in c2c we got torrential downpour flooded the valleys hiding the trails etc but after that weather was great I dud it in 14 days wish I had a rest day. The lake district is very beautiful but there are some very steep climbs if you do the high route rather than walk the valleys. You don’t get the view from the Callie’s. I used macs adventure and extremely happy with accommodations

 

[auburnfive]

I have also walked both , and agree with the earlier posters that the C2C is much harder, and for the most part there rest stops are in the middle of nowhere, so take lots of water when you start in the day Also not well Way marked in places I was in a guided group, ( Northwest Walks) - without the guide it would have been easy to take a wrong turn. Those we saw on their on used a GPS It was a beautiful walk, great scenery, quite a lot of rain, very satisfying

 

[kayagee66]

I've walked both. I'd say c2c is a little bit harder in places. But not much. A lot of it was probably because i did it in 14 days. It is a fantastic walk. England is pretty famous for being rainy and the c2c is in the rainiest part of England. It only rained a couple of times.
I went with the company 'Sherpa' it was excellent. Guide, baggage transfers, accommodation, all sorted. There were 12 people in the group. The oldest was an Australian man who was 80.
I took a train to Carlisle. Another to Whitehaven. Bus to St Bees.
At the other end, bus to Scarborough. Then you are back on the train network.

 

[Dysie]

Hello Kathy
I walked the C2C in 2010 and I was 63. I did it at the beginning of June. I have walked the Camino Frnces. The first day there is Dent Hill which I underestimated but it's not very long. Walking in the Lake District is the hardest part but not that hard. There are a couple of places where you can take the high or low route. I took the low route. The problem, especially in the Lake District, is that as it is not a National Walk there aren't regular sign posts. I had Martin Wainwright's book and followed directions from that. If I wasn't sure which direction to go in (and I'm directionally challenged) I waited till someone else came along. There were a good number of people doing it but far from crowded. Sometimes I walked with people. I made friends along the way and really enjoyed it. It is more scenic than the Camino. I wouldn't say it was "much, much harder". I did it in 13 days so as you have an extra week it will be no problem for you.

Happy walking.
Diane

Hello friends,

I will also walk Wainwright' Way this summer. I am happy to see the question being asked and the kind, helpful responses. Very good tips for me to keep in mind including the links posted above to the other thread.

If I may, might anyone have input on getting from Dublin to St. Bees? I imagine a short flight from Dublin to Manchester and then bus from there? So far I only see Ryan Air and Aer Lingus as flight choices. I haven't looked into the bus portion yet.

I am very much looking forward to this walk as I had been wanting to walk since before I found the Camino 13 years ago!

Keep a smile,
Simeon

Hi Simeon,

I would fly to either Manchester or Leeds or even Newcastle and then get the train. You will have to change trains but it all works. Easier than the bus.

Enjoy, it's great
Diane

 

[Singingheart]

Hello Kathy
I walked the C2C in 2010 and I was 63. I did it at the beginning of June. I have walked the Camino Frnces. The first day there is Dent Hill which I underestimated but it's not very long. Walking in the Lake District is the hardest part but not that hard. There are a couple of places where you can take the high or low route. I took the low route. The problem, especially in the Lake District, is that as it is not a National Walk there aren't regular sign posts. I had Martin Wainwright's book and followed directions from that. If I wasn't sure which direction to go in (and I'm directionally challenged) I waited till someone else came along. There were a good number of people doing it but far from crowded. Sometimes I walked with people. I made friends along the way and really enjoyed it. It is more scenic than the Camino. I wouldn't say it was "much, much harder". I did it in 13 days so as you have an extra week it will be no problem for you.

Happy walking.
Diane


Hi Simeon,

I would fly to either Manchester or Leeds or even Newcastle and then get the train. You will have to change trains but it all works. Easier than the bus.

Enjoy, it's great
Diane

Thank you so much, Diane! Your comments are encouraging to me. I'll be quite a bit older than you were when I walk, but I do have the experience of the Camino Frances and the Portuguese Camino under me. Unless the weather is unusually good, I'll likely take the lower routes. I know I may miss some incredible views, but I need to feel safe. I'm thinking of taking a GPS device as well as my phone, because a phone isn't waterproof. I'll also have a compass and the Harvey maps, and the Stedman guide. And I'm hoping to meet people too to walk with sometimes and make friends with. In the meantime (till September), I'll be reading all the trip journals I can, taking notes. Thanks again, Kathy

 

[Singingheart]

I've walked both. I'd say c2c is a little bit harder in places. But not much. A lot of it was probably because i did it in 14 days. It is a fantastic walk. England is pretty famous for being rainy and the c2c is in the rainiest part of England. It only rained a couple of times.
I went with the company 'Sherpa' it was excellent. Guide, baggage transfers, accommodation, all sorted. There were 12 people in the group. The oldest was an Australian man who was 80.
I took a train to Carlisle. Another to Whitehaven. Bus to St Bees.
At the other end, bus to Scarborough. Then you are back on the train network.

That sounds good. I'm going alone and I've done my own booking. I plan to use one of the baggage transfers and carry a day pack. I've decided not to use the Ferrino poncho I used on my Caminos, but rather to wear a good rain jacket and rain pants this time. I ordered them and they arrived today. I love getting new gear!!

 

[Rclarke]

Sorry for the auto check corrections, you don’t get the views in the valleys on the C2C but taking the High route especially in the Lake District is a hard climb/descent. I did see some ladies around your age in the trail. But I will say that in areas the C2C is not marked very well and you really have to pay attention but I really did enjoy it and would do it again. There are some long sections without water, in fact in one little then that had no store/restaurant a kind lady leaves a cooler with bottles of water on the street in front of her house and believe me I was in dire need of water when I git there.

 

[Singingheart]

Sorry for the auto check corrections, you don’t get the views in the valleys on the C2C but taking the High route especially in the Lake District is a hard climb/descent. I did see some ladies around your age in the trail. But I will say that in areas the C2C is not marked very well and you really have to pay attention but I really did enjoy it and would do it again. There are some long sections without water, in fact in one little then that had no store/restaurant a kind lady leaves a cooler with bottles of water on the street in front of her house and believe me I was in dire need of water when I git there.

Good luck on your Camino!

 

[kayagee66]

That sounds good. I'm going alone and I've done my own booking. I plan to use one of the baggage transfers and carry a day pack. I've decided not to use the Ferrino poncho I used on my Caminos, but rather to wear a good rain jacket and rain pants this time. I ordered them and they arrived today. I love getting new gear!!

Well done. I've been thinking about doing the c2c on my own. How many days are you planning to walk? What did you use for accommodation info?
Beware of the 'full English' breakfast, very nice but every day is a bit much.

 

[Singingheart]

Well done. I've been thinking about doing the c2c on my own. How many days are you planning to walk? What did you use for accommodation info?
Beware of the 'full English' breakfast, very nice but every day is a bit much.

I've given myself a generous 21 days to walk, including two nights in Grasmere, because of Wordsworth. I used Doreen Whiteman's "The Original Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Guide" (available online) and Stedman's C2C guide to find places to email or call for reservations. I'm staying at a combination of bunkbarns, hostels and B&Bs. Most days are 9-12 miles, with one short 5 mile jaunt between Richmond and Brompton-on-Swale, because I didn't want the full 24 miles to Danby Wiske. That will be a sort of rest day. My longest day is 14.7 miles, or thereabouts, from Patterdale to Bampton Grange. Oh, I have one more 5 mile walk, from Cleator to Ennerdale, again because I wanted to break up the longer distance from St. Bees to Ennerdale, especially at the beginning of the walk. Then I'm stopping at Black Sail Hostel, knowing that I'll have to carry extra in my pack for two days, since luggage transfer services can't get to Black Sail. I don't plan to indulge in the "full" English breakfast. I've read about it don't find it appealing, especially not before a day of vigorous exercise.

 

[kayagee66]

I've given myself a generous 21 days to walk, including two nights in Grasmere, because of Wordsworth. I used Doreen Whiteman's "The Original Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Guide" (available online) and Stedman's C2C guide to find places to email or call for reservations. I'm staying at a combination of bunkbarns, hostels and B&Bs. Most days are 9-12 miles, with one short 5 mile jaunt between Richmond and Brompton-on-Swale, because I didn't want the full 24 miles to Danby Wiske. That will be a sort of rest day. My longest day is 14.7 miles, or thereabouts, from Patterdale to Bampton Grange. Oh, I have one more 5 mile walk, from Cleator to Ennerdale, again because I wanted to break up the longer distance from St. Bees to Ennerdale, especially at the beginning of the walk. Then I'm stopping at Black Sail Hostel, knowing that I'll have to carry extra in my pack for two days, since luggage transfer services can't get to Black Sail. I don't plan to indulge in the "full" English breakfast. I've read about it don't find it appealing, especially not before a day of vigorous exercise.

Sounds perfect. I really like Stedman, used his a couple of times.

 

[Tonylash]

Ennerdale is beautiful & Black sail will feel quite remote , although it is not . You will probably walk past a YHA in Ennerdale Valley to get to Black sail , depending on which route you take , regards Tony . PS a poncho would not be suitable for the rain that we get !

 

[Marcus-UK]

As an alternative a relatively easy walk in the UK is the Dales Way between Ilkley, Yorkshire and Bowness in the Lake district. This is an 80 mile/135KM low level route following mainly the valley bottoms.

http://www.dalesway.org/route.html

There are people offering hotel booking services and pack transport. The main one being the Sherpa Van company. Sherpa can also arrange a lift back from Bowness to Ilkley.

The leisurely walk is 8 days and a more strenuous 5 days if you wish. I intend doing this walk in September/October this year.