Mr_Ross_Duncan
Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via Gebennensis, Portuguese, Via Francigena, GR65,
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Same for me on June 1 this year. Didn’t see any pilgrims on my last day into Santiago until I was actually in the city itself.I walked into Santiago in late May on that route. In what is considered 'high' season.
Fairly much the same.
I met a couple of Pilgrims in a cafe along the way, but saw none on the road during the last day.
Lots in Santiago of course!
As others have said before, the entrance into Santiago on that route is really nice.
The 'city' part of that final section only seems to last a couple of kms.
From Ponferrada to Santiago on the Invierno I never walked 'with' another Pilgrim.
I think only three times I saw other Pilgrims on the path ahead.
Twice there were other Pilgrims staying in the same accomodation.
Once I had breakfast with another Pilgrim.
Otherwise it was a lone Camino in every sense.
Pure Bliss.
I'm sure it will get busy in time!
So nothing's changed since I did it in June 2017 then !Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
Glad you enjoyed it! There are so many good trails throughout Europe to exploreSounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
This is inspiring! I plan now to take the Invierno when I get to the junction in two days. How many days did you take from Ponferrada to Santiago?Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
There's just the one bar from Ponte Ulla to Santiago.. Empty save for a few locals.You didn't look in the bars, then.
20/20. I can spot a walker.How’s your eyesight been lately?
Yes, long and beautiful in parts, a very nice way to wrap it up.Geneva to Santiago ending with the Invierno as you described it, must have been a wonderful journey.
Hi Sarah, I did it in 11 days, the final few were pretty short, I was in no hurry and wanted to enjoy the experience. I did..This is inspiring! I plan now to take the Invierno when I get to the junction in two days. How many days did you take from Ponferrada to Santiago?
Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
And as I recall it is quite close to Santiago !There's just the one bar from Ponte Ulla to Santiago.. Empty save for a few locals.
That's correct, at about the 6 or 7 k mark, just off the path and up near a main road, very good as well.And as I recall it is quite close to Santiago !
Would love to read what your stages were, and your accommodation along that way.Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
I can easily believe it. I have walked that way three times - each in winter - and met very few other pilgrims. But even the Frances can be very quiet in winter. In early February I walked my last day of the Frances from Santa Irene to the cathedral and did not see another pilgrim until I reached the Obradoiro.Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
Added to my list Camino friend. Thank you soooooooooo much!Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
How long was your walk Pilgrim??? Wow, to be able to do that all at once!!!Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
Hi, I'm travelling today, but will post a list for you soon. CheersWould love to read what your stages were, and your accommodation along that way.
Hi Hilary, it took about 3 months all up, but I had breaks in Le-Puy and St Jean.How long was your walk Pilgrim??? Wow, to be able to do that all at once!!!
Yep. And the day I walked through everything in Ponte Ulla was closed. Bar, shop......There's just the one bar from Ponte Ulla to Santiago.. Empty save for a few locals.
Agree entirely, but shhhhhhhh....of all the ways into Santiago, the Inveirno is the nicest.
Hi EWould love to read what your stages were, and your accommodation along that way.
Hi Ellann,Would love to read what your stages were, and your accommodation along that way.
Hi Gumba,@Mr_Ross_Duncan, we are planning to walk from Geneva to Santiago and would love to hear about your experience - did you write a blog by any chance or have you posted about it on the forum? Would love to hear all about it!! Are you currently living in the EU? As Australians we will need to be in and out within 90 days - do you think it is plausible? We have walked CFx2 and pretty much walked the Brierly stages. thanks
We walked the Invierno in March/April this year. We loved it, and after the crowds of the Frances the year before, it was a delight.Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
That is of course true of the 90 day visa-free status of New Zealanders and Australian's, however you could of course potentially apply for a longer term stay for Spain. If explained your reasons and asked for a 6 month religious visa one would assume that Spain would be approachable. Cost €80. Timed to start once you had entered Spain of course.@Mr_Ross_Duncan, we are planning to walk from Geneva to Santiago and would love to hear about your experience - did you write a blog by any chance or have you posted about it on the forum? Would love to hear all about it!! Are you currently living in the EU? As Australians we will need to be in and out within 90 days - do you think it is plausible? We have walked CFx2 and pretty much walked the Brierly stages. thanks
Thanks for the tip as I’m on the Frances in Pamplona after walking the Podiensis, it’s too busy for my liking right now so if albergues are open on the Invierno I may consider that route to Santiago.Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
What’s available for accommodation ? At least municipal still open?I took to the Invierno (my second time to walk this beautiful path) this morning, after a week on the still quite busy CF. Almost nobody I spoke to in recent days was even aware of it. I chatted briefly with a local man out walking with his dog just now. He says he sees a few pilgrims at this time of year, 9 or 10 a day. I really can't see this camino getting over-run anytime soon.
Edit: I've noticed, as before.. locals do seem genuinely curious and interested in pilgrims, a rare thing on the other, busier paths nowadays..
Hi Collette, I think most should still be open, perhaps check using their contact details, I think most are on the Gronze website. I know of a couple who walked in January, they were the only ones on the walk and had no trouble but had to advise in advance for the fires to be lit and power to be on.Thanks for the tip as I’m on the Frances in Pamplona after walking the Podiensis, it’s too busy for my liking right now so if albergues are open on the Invierno I may consider that route to Santiago.
Just a heads up on the albergue at A Laxe, make sure to have some mosquito repellent. I’m not sure of their numbers now with lower temperatures but in May this place was full of them. I am hoping to walk Le Puy to Santiago September/ October ‘24. It will be my first time on either the CF or Podiensis. I am interested in what you consider too busy.Thanks for the tip as I’m on the Frances in Pamplona after walking the Podiensis, it’s too busy for my liking right now so if albergues are open on the Invierno I may consider that route to Santiago.
Great yes check out gronze and looks good alternative to the busy Frances and a chance toHi Collette, I think most should still be open, perhaps check using their contact details, I think most are on the Gronze website. I know of a couple who walked in January, they were the only ones on the walk and had no trouble but had to advise in advance for the fires to be lit and power to be on.
Looks nice and cold is ok for me a Canadian, carrying clothes for that.Most municipals are open. I've been calling ahead the evening before and it's been ok so far, though it's very quiet, getting colder and I haven't found any heating on anywhere, so be prepared! I spent a few days on the Frances but found it crowded too, even bed races. I'm happy walking in nature and solitude..
View attachment 158933View attachment 158934View attachment 158935
I normally walk off seasons (mid October to early April). The Podiensis is a totally different story, sept is bush and you really will enjoy the first month if you reserve ahead (September is a peakJust a heads up on the albergue at A Laxe, make sure to have some mosquito repellent. I’m not sure of their numbers now with lower temperatures but in May this place was full of them. I am hoping to walk Le Puy to Santiago September/ October ‘24. It will be my first time on either the CF or Podiensis. I am interested in what you consider too busy
Thanks. My plan is to stay beyond the end of stage towns. Hopefully that will help. If you do take the Invierno just a little past the albergue at Outeiro I can recommend Casa de Casal if you feel like a little pampering on your last night before Santiago. Bon chemin.I normally walk mid
I normally walk off seasons (mid October to early April). The Podiensis is a totally different story, sept is bush and you really will enjoy the first month if you reserve ahead (September is a peak
season and the French walkers are many). In Roncesvalles 3 nights ago there were over 100 pilgrims 2 nights in a row. Lots of very young pilgrims, a bit too many & rowdy for me after 900 km.
Sounds very attractive. Does anyone know if there is a backpack transportation service on Invierno?Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
Hey! I'm just going to insert myself here because it might be helpful, but I'm an Australian currently on my Geneva to Santiago trip - though I'm probably only going to be of use for the first half - and I wanted to add a second opinion; I think you probably could walk it in 90 (there's reasons it has italics!).@Mr_Ross_Duncan, we are planning to walk from Geneva to Santiago and would love to hear about your experience - did you write a blog by any chance or have you posted about it on the forum? Would love to hear all about it!! Are you currently living in the EU? As Australians we will need to be in and out within 90 days - do you think it is plausible? We have walked CFx2 and pretty much walked the Brierly stages. thanks
Oooh I didn't even think of that - nice loophole !!!You could get rid of the jet lag issue by stopping off first in the UK - Brexit mean’s the 90 days doesn’t start until you get into Europe….
I knew that looked familiarMost municipals are open. I've been calling ahead the evening before and it's been ok so far, though it's very quiet, getting colder and I haven't found any heating on anywhere, so be prepared! I spent a few days on the Frances but found it crowded too, even bed races. I'm happy walking in nature and solitude..
View attachment 158933View attachment 158934View attachment 158935
My wife and I walked from Ourense to Santiago on the Sanabres at the end of September, beginning of October 2018. Wonderful walk. Quiet for pilgrims and days filled with multiple bridges, a monastery, glorious vistas and shady vines. Great memories.I agree - of all the ways into Santiago, the Inveirno is the nicest. Those final stages are rural, beautiful and sneaks you into Santiago without the urban sprawl seen on other routes.
Btw, if you like the Invierno - then the lessor known Sanabres is worth considering. Has an amazingly varied landscape for it's length (perhaps more than any other camino?), tiny stone villages w/ friendly locals ( a very immersive experience), excellent albergues/donativos and well marked trails (some w/ wolf tracks no less ; ). And it has the same approach into Santiago as the Invierno.
It’s because they all are on the Norte where I am!Sounds implausible, walking into Santiago and not seeing anyone else on the road.
Implausible but true.
I followed the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le-Puy, then the Via Podiensis from Le-Puy to Saint Jean then the Camino Frances from Saint Jean to Ponferrada then the Camino Invierno into Santiago.
On my last day, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago, I was neither passed by nor saw a single other walker.
And that's both surprising and a real shame.
The Invierno was a delight, it dips and bobs in and out of historic villages, up and down ancient Roman era roads, across medieval bridges buried deep in chestnut forests, past 11th century churches and ruins, many of the Roman roads have visible wheel ruts from centuries of cart use.
There are river crossings and huge wild views over mountains and forests, much of the path is soft under-foot and gently shaded.
Unlike the Frances, or the section I did, you're in no doubt of the history and pedigree of the walk, it's dripping with historical waymarks and reminders.
And yet almost nobody was on the walk.
A mystery.
In Santiago I met up with friends who had continued on along the Frances after Ponferrada, their tales of the Sarria crowds and the morning rush convincing me I'd made the correct call on turning off the Frances, when I told them I'd seen nobody at all on the last stage, a beauty of a walk through forest most of the way, and at the 5klm mark to Santiago I was still on rural lanes, it had them planning their next Camino.
Needless to say, it's not a repeat visit to the Frances.
For backpack transfers on the Invierno get in touch with Manuel at Bar Mar in Sobradelo. He is very reasonably priced (6€ per stafe) and reliable. +34 639 24 19 39 via phone or WhatsApp.Sounds very attractive. Does anyone know if there is a backpack transportation service on Invierno?
Thanks.
Yeah/Nah, UK is still counted in the Schengen agreement unfortunately, along with some other non EU countries. The clock starts ticking even in the UK. Otherwise we would have broken our trip up with a holiday in England (where we would have liked to walk the Coast to Coast!!!!).You could get rid of the jet lag issue by stopping off first in the UK - Brexit mean’s the 90 days doesn’t start until you get into Europe….
I'm pretty sure (like 100%) that Britain is not now nor never has been part of the Schengen zone, happy to stand corrected but a quick interweb search will tell you it's not. Just last year I exhausted my 90 day allowance and headed to Scotland to walk the West Highland Way without any drama.@sunflowerfunk I cant tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Your numbers are about what I was expecting - 15 for Gebennensis, a rest day in LePuy, say 33 for Le Puy and 35 for Frances - thats 83 days plus 6 rest days. We will leave for Madrid the next day to fly home. We will have some longer days plus some easy 16 km/4 hour days. For us, this is like a rest day. Believe it or not, we will start walking the day we land - Just to Neydens (12km). This will be our last Camino, no chance of coming back so will skip a small handful of days on the Frances if we need to (our camino, our choice!) We also walk at a snails pace, but its our pace and we do like to 'smell the roses' when we walk. I think once we walk Geneva and Le Puy, the Frances will be a skip in the park! Thanks again for the encouragement.
Yeah/Nah, UK is still counted in the Schengen agreement unfortunately, along with some other non EU countries. The clock starts ticking even in the UK. Otherwise we would have broken our trip up with a holiday in England (where we would have liked to walk the Coast to Coast!!!!).
Yeowch...burnOooh I didn't even think of that - nice loophole !!!
The only downside is you'd be in the UK; I thought the penance wasn't meant to start till you walk ??? ;]
Perfect !! Then in your scenario I'd say it's definitely possible@sunflowerfunk I cant tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Your numbers are about what I was expecting - 15 for Gebennensis, a rest day in LePuy, say 33 for Le Puy and 35 for Frances - thats 83 days plus 6 rest days. We will leave for Madrid the next day to fly home. We will have some longer days plus some easy 16 km/4 hour days. For us, this is like a rest day. Believe it or not, we will start walking the day we land - Just to Neydens (12km). This will be our last Camino, no chance of coming back so will skip a small handful of days on the Frances if we need to (our camino, our choice!) We also walk at a snails pace, but its our pace and we do like to 'smell the roses' when we walk. I think once we walk Geneva and Le Puy, the Frances will be a skip in the park! Thanks again for the encouragement.
Yeah/Nah, UK is still counted in the Schengen agreement unfortunately, along with some other non EU countries. The clock starts ticking even in the UK. Otherwise we would have broken our trip up with a holiday in England (where we would have liked to walk the Coast to Coast!!!!).
The list I found of Schengen countries included:Yeah/Nah, UK is still counted in the Schengen agreement unfortunately, along with some other non EU countries. The clock starts ticking even in the UK. Otherwise we would have broken our trip up with a holiday in England (where we would have liked to walk the Coast to Coast!!!!).
Ireland and the UK have a long standing Common Travel Area that predated the EU. They opted out of the Schengen Area Agreements. All other EU countries without opt outs are obliged to be in the Schengen Area. With Brexit none of this relates to the UK. Travelling through either Ireland or the UK before entering the Schengen Area would allow you to get over the jet lag and not lose any of your 90 days or finish your trip with some rest days.The list I found of Schengen countries included:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
United Kingdom doesn't seem to be on the list. What's your source for saying it is? From where I sit, it looks like you unnecessarily missed an opportunity to break up your trip with a holiday in England. Maybe next time.
The list I found of Schengen countries included:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
United Kingdom doesn't seem to be on the list. What's your source for saying it is? From where I sit, it looks like you unnecessarily missed an opportunity to break up your trip with a holiday in England. Maybe next time.
We found the Sanabres from Ourense to be similar. During our whole trip in June this year we met about five fellow pilgrims each day. We had a similar experience in the month before between Le Puy and St Jean PdP. It was such a shock to arrive in Santiago and be confronted by over two thousand pilgrims arriving via the different routes. We are still trying to process it.I agree - of all the ways into Santiago, the Inveirno is the nicest. Those final stages are rural, beautiful and sneaks you into Santiago without the urban sprawl seen on other routes.
Btw, if you like the Invierno - then the lessor known Sanabres is worth considering. Has an amazingly varied landscape for it's length (perhaps more than any other camino?), tiny stone villages w/ friendly locals ( a very immersive experience), excellent albergues/donativos and well marked trails (some w/ wolf tracks no less ; ). And it has the same approach into Santiago as the Invierno.
After the first few times I flew from New Zealand I stopped flying direct. New Zealand is of course a little further than Auz so for me the best stops were always Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok; a cheap hotel for the night (preferably with swimming pool to stretch out my muscles) and a little sightseeing don't add drastically to the overall cost and greatly improve my mood at the other end!Thanks to those who have posted comments on UK/Schengen list
David, my source for this was a map I found on the web and a list of countries involved. I did this research around the time of Brexit (or just after). The map and info clearly stated that post Brexit, uk would still be a part of schengen rules and regulations. This info may have changed, it may have been a proposal, or it may have just been wrong and if we can go to the UK then that is an absolute win that I won't even try to disprove hahaha! No worries though, we have not missed an opportunity in the past as we would not have gone to the UK first - our times was limited to being away from Oz for a certain amount of days, well under the 90 days and our rest days in Paris were pretty amaxing. Our next next trip won't have the time constraints, we could go for a couple of rest days in the UK, but I imagine we will just want to get on with it!!! We have flown from Oz-UK/Europe several times and know how jetlag affects us - going over is ok but going back to Australia - now THAT is killer jetlag!!!
Thanks again to everyone who disproved my assumption
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