New route? Ruta de los Calatravos, and check out their maps!

[Anemone del Camino]

I had never heard about this route before. A new challenge for Pergrina2000?

And take a look at their wonderfully sketched maps!

http://rutajacobeadeloscalatravos.es/sample-page/

 

[Felipe]

According to a blog http://rutajacobeadeloscalatravos.blogspot.mx/, this was originally the idea (in 2010) of a señor from Argamasilla de Calatrava, who tried cycling to Compostela using the old king drover's roads (cañadas reales). The idea evolved, has a webpage, maps and some support from civil and ecclesiastical local authorities. It crosses other Caminos with more tradition (as Levante) and joins the Frances before Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
(I remember a panel in a stage, where the Camino crosses a Cañada Real, but I don't remember where).
Pros: it goes by dirt roads; this looks good. Obviously, no crowds at all. According to the promoters, it has interesting ecological traits (especially birds). Some signposting (a specific logo was created). It also advocates the preservation of the old royal drover’s road, always menaced by development. Very interesting point: San Millan de la Cogolla.
Cons: It has some stages with around 4o km (too much for average walkers, acceptable for cyclists) some in flat terrain, others in hilly country; and a very tough one, Vinuesa to Venta de Goyo, 45 km and goes (as far as I can see in their graphic) from 900 to 1900 m (this is around the same height profile of the way from Saint Jean up to Virgen de Biakorri). http://rutajacobeadeloscalatravos.es/sample-page/
The webpage does not include info about lodgment, which is really needed if they want their project to prosper.
Opinion: for now, to be watched, and see how it evolves.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The sketched maps should be an inspiration for all guide/blog/web writers. What an outstanding job.

As for th cons, in 2007, when I first wanted to walk the Camino kt was the Norte I wanted to walk, but distances were too great for me... Today, with the developmentof the route And thenew albergues, I can do it.

I say we send Laurie and Beatrice who can do long distances without any problem to help develop this route. If only as a way to congratulate the group of volunteers for their maps!

 

[AlanSykes]

Does look tempting, linking several important sites relating to the knights of Calatrava.

Cons: It has some stages with around 4o km (too much for average walkers, acceptable for cyclists) some in flat terrain, others in hilly country; and a very tough one, Vinuesa to Venta de Goyo, 45 km and goes (as far as I can see in their graphic) from 900 to 1900 m (this is around the same height profile of the way from Saint Jean up to Virgen de Biakorri).

It looks as if it would be possible to break up the 45km day by staying at Montenegro de Cameros, roughly half way, where there are a couple of casas rural. It still has a total of 1800+ metres of ascent in that day (according to a wikiloc trail).