Oldtimers can I pick your brains for a sec ?

[JoroAtanasof]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

 

[Kiwi-family]

Mozarabe? Levante? Invierno?
Or are you drawn to something else? Kilamanjaro? Machu Picchu? Everest Base Camp? Trans Siberian Railway? a cruise?

 

[JoroAtanasof]

Mozarabe? Levante? Invierno?
Or are you drawn to something else? Kilamanjaro? Machu Picchu? Everest Base Camp? Trans Siberian Railway? a cruise?

i am quite interested what is your opinion/recommendations about those 3 caminos . Most of the places in your second sentence are memories a part from the cruises

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Camino Aragones: Lourdes to Oloron, then up over the Somport Pass to Jaca, and from there on to Puente la Reina/Pamplona..... Did it in 2018.... Desperately wish that I could do it again someday!

 

[C clearly]

can you recomend some of the other routes

The forum has threads for 31 routes in Spain in addition to the Camino Francés. Browsing through some of those sections might help focus your questions.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Camino Aragones: Lourdes to Oloron, then up over the Somport Pass to Jaca, and from there on to Puente la Reina/Pamplona..... Did it in 2018.... Desperately wish that I could do it again someday!

Ok... I'm interested. Do you have an itinerary for the first leg from Lourdes to Oloron?

 

[trecile]

Ok... I'm interested. Do you have an itinerary for the first leg from Lourdes to Oloron?

Lourdes is on the Piamonte route.

Camino del Piamonte | Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

El Camino del Piamonte es el camino jacobeo que discurre a lo largo del Prepirineo francés, pasando por Narbonne, Carcassonne, Lourdes y Oloron hasta Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, y que comparte trazado con el GR-78. Considerado hasta hace pocos años una variante del Camino de Arles, estamos ante un...

www.gronze.com

When you get to Oloron-Sainte-Marie you continue onto the Arles route to Somport, then the Camino Aragonés.

Camino de Arles | Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

El Camino de Arles, también conocido como Vía Tolosana por atravesar Toulouse, la capital de Occitania, es uno de los cuatro grandes itinerarios jacobeos de Francia. Mencionado ya en el Códice Calixtino (s. XII), con sus grandes hitos en Arles, Saint-Gilles, Montpellier y Toulouse, en la...

www.gronze.com

Camino Aragonés | Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

El Camino Francés por Aragón o Camino Aragonés enlaza el puerto de Somport en la frontera hispano-francesa con la localidad navarra de Puente la Reina, donde se une al Camino Francés procedente de Roncesvalles. El Camino Francés por Aragón debe su origen al Camino de Arles (Vía Tolosana), una de...

www.gronze.com

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Ok... I'm interested. Do you have an itinerary for the first leg from Lourdes to Oloron?

I had no guidebook in 2018 -- and relied entirely upon the good services of Amawalkers and the Forum's own sillydoll... (I had made previous visits to Lourdes in 1977 and 1978 for -- well, let's just say "professional reasons." It's a strange and wonderful place!) I don't think that there is a guidebook even today.

Day 1 - Lourdes to Betharram, 17 km.
Day 2 - Betharram to Arudy, 23.4 km
Day 3 - Arudy to Oloron, 23.2 km

Walking through that stretch of southern France was like walking through the Shire.... Absolutely green, and absolutely charming.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I am happy to walk 100 or so K through a shire for a “pur brebis”. Had with some lamb’s lettuce, walnuts and a balsamic drizzle…

 

[OzAnnie]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

Hi Joro
It sounds like you’re still feeling the pull …
For the time you have available - I think the Invierno would make you happy.
Also., in the future ; think about splitting the vdlp into chunks that fit your available time . But walking it (from March if starting at Sevilla. … so that you are part of the moving peregrin@s.
You will be surprised at how good this camino feels and the camaraderie you’ll experience.
From Salamanca…you could look into (research) the camino Torres /gierra combo. It’s one I haven’t walked yet but looks really good.

 

[John Sikora]

I wouldn't discount the VDLP. It perhaps isn't a pilgrimage in the standard sense, but there is a lot of history. And, it is as much mental (with long stretches of lonlieness) that will test you stamina a bit.

 

[DreamWeaver]

I met a Londoner last year, he mentioned "Coast to Coast UK" .

 

[Steven Dwyer]

Camino Aragones: Lourdes to Oloron, then up over the Somport Pass to Jaca, and from there on to Puente la Reina/Pamplona..... Did it in 2018.... Desperately wish that I could do it again someday!

I walked the Aragones back in 2005 from Oloron and loved it. Two memorable experiences were being able to sneak in the Can Franc Estación and explore the ruins and a memorable night at the albergue at Eunate. At Eunate, time in the chapel by candlelight, returning to the albergue, and at lights out discovering someone had applied day-glo stars to tge ceiling so we slept under starlight.

 

[Anik2001]

The camino de Madrid was a lovely 2 weeks walk, quite easy, except for the climb before Segovia, which was a beautiful mountain day. Lots of history, very quiet.

 

[sillydoll]

Camino Aragones: Lourdes to Oloron, then up over the Somport Pass to Jaca, and from there on to Puente la Reina/Pamplona..... Did it in 2018.... Desperately wish that I could do it again someday!

I second Jeffrey's suggestion. For anyone interested in walking historic pilgrimage routes, this one was described in the 12th c Codex Calixtinus. "Three in particular are the pillars of extraordinary usefulness that the Lord has established in this world for the succour of His poor, these being the hospital in Jerusalem, the hospital of Monts Joux (Grand Saint-Bernard pass), and the hospital of St “Christina in Somport.”

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I walked the Aragones back in 2005 from Oloron and loved it. Two memorable experiences were being able to sneak in the Can Franc Estación and explore the ruins and a memorable night at the albergue at Eunate. At Eunate, time in the chapel by candlelight, returning to the albergue, and at lights out discovering someone had applied day-glo stars to tge ceiling so we slept under starlight.

So cool someone remembers the albergue at Eunate. I was a hospi there in very early 2007 (freeeezing!) and can well recall those stars on the ceiling!
...also the fun poking around that creepy abandoned train station up on the mountain, I did that in about 2011. Wow has it changed since then!
It's kinda fun, being an old-timer.

 

[USMC-Pilgrim]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

Congratulations on your adventures! Maybe consider volunteering at one of your favorite albergues on your favorite route?

 

[frbobs]

I think I might have a little idea of how you feel. I went on my last (?) Camino in 2023. I SWORE in 2019 that I would never go back. That was after the Camino de Madrid in August. Felt like it came full circle for me, and maybe it was time for some other journeys. If you think at some point, you might squeeze out one more Canino, look into the Camino Sanabres. It's spectacular, and "up and coming", I think it's going to be a great one in the future (hopefully not too crowded). Start in Zamora (Salamanca if you want to add some more days). It veers off the Via de Plata in La Granja de Moreruela. Trains go direct from Madrid to Zamora (nice 2 day walk to La Granja). You know the Camino will most likely haunt again; we should probably both be ready. Peace, Bob

 

[bullingtonce]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

Through your eyes, I am an 'oldtimer.' Through my eyes and through my infused spirit, I am a newborn babe. And since I do not consider myself an 'oldtimer,' please do not call me an 'oldtimer.' It goes against my basic grain.

 

[ScouseKeith]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

Hi Joro
Like you I’ve been walking the Caminos since 2015 and I’ve decided I want to do one more so next year June -July I’m walking the vdlp, 45 days with a few rest days thrown in so I’ll probably plan 50 days for the whole journey.

 

[Skinnybiker]

Ha, who you calling an ol' timer ? So my h'pence worth as you mentioned bikepacking La via de la Plata. Spain has a plethora of biking routes, caminos, via verdes, the Romans, the Moors, so much history; add Portugal and you could enjoy a lifetime of bike touring here. Perhaps, like you, I have no "calling" to travel the Caminos but I enjoy meeting the peregrinos, the scenery and of course the resources the Camino provides. Try some of the lesser known Caminos, go in to Portugal, it's a treasure trove so fill ya boots.

Richard

PS apologies for the British slang but you should understand OK.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

I was sad to read that you no longer hear the Way calling you back. There are so many routes to Santiago but these are just roads and foothpaths. When your calling springs back to life you will know which route you need.

 

[Canche]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

San Salvador is wonderful

 

[TrevorH]

Ok... I'm interested. Do you have an itinerary for the first leg from Lourdes to Oloron?

Echoing @Perambulating Griffin’s interest

 

[alexwalker]

Hi Joro
Like you I’ve been walking the Caminos since 2015 and I’ve decided I want to do one more so next year June -July I’m walking the vdlp, 45 days with a few rest days thrown in so I’ll probably plan 50 days for the whole journey.

It is a great (as in grand) Camino!

I wouldn't walk in June-July (The first part of this Camino is through the district of Extremadura = Extremely hard...) due to the high/extreme summer temperatures. This is a Camino with many highpoints, as it was a walkway/transport road when Romans reigned in Spain. You will find many traces of Romans along the route, f.ex. in Merida, which was a city for retired Roman legionaires:

merida theatre - Google Search

So, Merida, Salamanca, and Zamora, are obvious resting days on your walk.

As of current, we have a Forum member who is serving as a hospitalero in the municipal albergue in Salamanca. Read about his adventures here.

I am going to walk it again some day, God and my better half willing...

Buen Camino!

 

[Roland49]

You may consider the Via Francigena, Lucca to Rome? Maybe as bikepacking?
Preferably in late September / beginn of October?

Or the very rural and demanding Rennsteig in Thuringia? (best in late Summer, mid August to mid September)

Just my 2cents

 

[Rita Flower]

And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

So you mean Via de La Plata? It’s a wonderful fairly solitary Camino whether on bike or foot. I saw a lot of people on bikes when I walked in 2022.

 

[CTLawGal]

from March if starting at Sevilla

Curious - possible to start earlier than March for this one? Don't mean to hijack this post, been but this route has tickling the back of my brain and I haven't yet started to look into it yet as I'm focused on my Spring 2025 plans now. But I've been concerned about the heat on this one and wondering how early to start it if walking all the way to Santiago.

 

[Kiwi-family]

i am quite interested what is your opinion/recommendations about those 3 caminos . Most of the places in your second sentence are memories a part from the cruises

I suggested them because they are different to what you have already done and I wondered if you were seeking some novelty.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

So cool someone remembers the albergue at Eunate. I was a hospi there in very early 2007 (freeeezing!) and can well recall those stars on the ceiling!
...also the fun poking around that creepy abandoned train station up on the mountain, I did that in about 2011. Wow has it changed since then!
It's kinda fun, being an old-timer.

A quick question for you. When I stayed there in 2005, in the morning when we came down to find the table set for breakfast, at each place was a small, cloth bag filled with lavender, and the bag had the sello of the albergue. Was that also a regular thing?

 

[ScouseKeith]

Curious - possible to start earlier than March for this one? Don't mean to hijack this post, been but this route has tickling the back of my brain and I haven't yet started to look into it yet as I'm focused on my Spring 2025 plans now. But I've been concerned about the heat on this one and wondering how early to start it if walking all the way to Santiago.

I’m walking the vdlp next year starting in mid June. The expected temperature will be around 30 degrees which to be honest is not that much different to the meseta in July August so I find walking in those temperatures quite comfortable and easy on the muscles.

 

[Rita Flower]

I’m walking the vdlp next year starting in mid June. The expected temperature will be around 30 degrees which to be honest is not that much different to the meseta in July August so I find walking in those temperatures quite comfortable and easy on the muscles.

Just a reminder that weather info usually gives average highs and lows. Average high for Sevilla in June is 32C. This year (2022) Sevilla had a high of 42C during the June heatwave.

 

[sillydoll]

I had no guidebook in 2018 -- and relied entirely upon the good services of Amawalkers and the Forum's own sillydoll... (I had made previous visits to Lourdes in 1977 and 1978 for -- well, let's just say "professional reasons." It's a strange and wonderful place!) I don't think that there is a guidebook even today.

Day 1 - Lourdes to Betharram, 17 km.
Day 2 - Betharram to Arudy, 23.4 km
Day 3 - Arudy to Oloron, 23.2 km

Walking through that stretch of southern France was like walking through the Shire.... Absolutely green, and absolutely charming.

View attachment 179668

23 Lourdes to Bertharram 17 km
24 Arudy 23.4km
25 Oloron Ste Marie 23.5 km
26 Sarrance 22 km
27 Borce 22 km
28 Canfranc Estacion 24km
29 Jaca 24 km
30 Santa Cruz 15.2 km
1 July Puente la Reina de Jaca 13km
2 Artieda [taxi to Leyre] 21.7 km
3 Sangüesa 17 km
4 Abinzano 17 km
5 Guerendiáin 17 km
6 Puente la Reina 22 km
Bus to Pamplona
Total km 280

 

[Henriettagal]

So since 2018 i compleated Camino Frances/Portuges/Primitivo/Norte . Some of them more than once . It may sounds like a lot (FB) but not in this forum ..... I don't have any plans for 2025 camino and to be honest i dont feel the calling like i used to . However just in case can you recomend some of the other routes ? 2 or 3 weeks time perhaps , April till October ? And yes i have other plans for 2025 like TMB and possibly bikepacking ruta de la plata (i don't think of it as camino/pilgimage though ) .

After I hiked the Camino Frances solo 2017 (SJPD to Santiago and on to Muxia and Finesterra) I was hooked on long distance hiking but I was already 64 years old. That same year my husband and I hiked TMB to celebrate our 65th birthdays. It was fantastic. 2018 I hiked the Coast to Coast Path in Northern England with my daughter. 2019 we took time to travel the entire Route 66 Chicago to LA in our old porsche. Then COVID hit and we had a few years off. In 2022 my husband and I hiked the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way in Scotland (back to back). Most recently we hiked Del Norte Camino in 2023 Irun to Santiago. My son and I just hiked The Dingle Way in Ireland last Sept. 2024. Next April my husband and I have scheduled to hike The Southwest Coastal Path in Cornwall England. This will be our longest hike yet at 630 miles. We are 72 yo. I'm not sure how old you are but if you pace yourself you can hike whatever you want. Buen Camino.

 

[timr]

So cool someone remembers the albergue at Eunate. I was a hospi there in very early 2007 (freeeezing!) and can well recall those stars on the ceiling!
...also the fun poking around that creepy abandoned train station up on the mountain, I did that in about 2011. Wow has it changed since then!
It's kinda fun, being an old-timer.

Yes the albergue in Eunate and late night in the octagonal church are great memories from 2009. I didn't walk the Aragones, I walked from Lourdes up to SJPdP. The Eunate church is maybe a km or two off the CF. Was sad when the albergue closed, but so happy to have spent a night there. At that time the hospis (either from Holland or Belgium I think) were there for a year.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My son and I just hiked The Dingle Way in Ireland last Sept. 2024. Next April my husband and I have scheduled to hike The Southwest Coastal Path in Cornwall England.

How exciting for you!
I have been to Dingle before I'd heard about any "Caminos", but remember seeing some hikers.
I have the Cicerone guidebook on England's Southwest Coastal Path, but not sure how well the lodging works out. I've watched a few videos, but they were of walkers who were camping. A big plus for me is that it is English speaking.
(I may PM you with some questions a little later.)

 

[alipilgrim]

Next April my husband and I have scheduled to hike The Southwest Coastal Path in Cornwall England.

As am I! I’m starting in Minehead April 16th!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As am I! I’m starting in Minehead April 16th!

Minehead was where I't thought of starting, but it's still on the back burner for now. I only plan to walk half of it, if and when I do. Will you be posting on the forum or do you have a blog?
Henriettagal is using Mac Adventures.

 

[Takahiwai]

I would say, if you're not feeling the pull, then go and do something else with your life this year. Maybe you'll feel the urge to come back next year, or the year after, but doing a camino just for the sake of doing a camino - when you don't have the urge - seems like a bad idea to me.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

A quick question for you. When I stayed there in 2005, in the morning when we came down to find the table set for breakfast, at each place was a small, cloth bag filled with lavender, and the bag had the sello of the albergue. Was that also a regular thing?

The hospitaleros who were there in those years were long-term live-ins. Some of them were very crafty, and made little souvenirs like what you describe, or put some special touch on their service.. I recall the slice of yellow cheese on each dinner salad was cut into an arrow shape!
Those were other days, when the Camino was not so crowded, and pilgrims walked slowly and stopped to nap or just have a chat, and wifi and telephones didn't isolate everyone into their own little bubble at the day's end. At Eunate, the hospi told tales of who might've built the mysterious church, what rites may have been performed there, and whose remains might be buried in the circle round it. They had time to tend the flowers, make little souvenirs, and tell tales. Good times.

 

[chinacat]

How exciting for you!
I have been to Dingle before I'd heard about any "Caminos", but remember seeing some hikers.
I have the Cicerone guidebook on England's Southwest Coastal Path, but not sure how well the lodging works out. I've watched a few videos, but they were of walkers who were camping. A big plus for me is that it is English speaking.
(I may PM you with some questions a little later.)

The Salt Path is a book about walking the South West Coast path, though not in the same manner, or for the same reasons as, I suspect, most on here.
That said, it’s very readable and gives a flavour of the path.
Camping was de rigueur for the author and her husband … read it and see!

 

[alipilgrim]

Minehead was where I't thought of starting, but it's still on the back burner for now. I only plan to walk half of it, if and when I do. Will you be posting on the forum or do you have a blog?
Henriettagal is using Mac Adventures.

I originally wanted to start in Poole and walk west, as I like to keep the sun to my back but the planning got too complicated. So going the traditional way, counter-clockwise. I used the itinerary on the SWCP Association’s website as a guide and booked everything myself. Taking it slow so I’ve time to enjoy the sights, won’t be done until June 17th. I won’t be posting at all I’m afraid. I do a blog for shorter journeys but I know I’d be hating it if I had to do it for 60+ days….

 

[MARSKA]

The hospitaleros who were there in those years were long-term live-ins. Some of them were very crafty, and made little souvenirs like what you describe, or put some special touch on their service.. I recall the slice of yellow cheese on each dinner salad was cut into an arrow shape!
Those were other days, when the Camino was not so crowded, and pilgrims walked slowly and stopped to nap or just have a chat, and wifi and telephones didn't isolate everyone into their own little bubble at the day's end. At Eunate, the hospi told tales of who might've built the mysterious church, what rites may have been performed there, and whose remains might be buried in the circle round it. They had time to tend the flowers, make little souvenirs, and tell tales. Good times.

It still happens Rebekah. I rec'd lovely small gifts from the hospi's in a couple of places I stayed - bits of clean wool from their sheep, hand-knitted caps and socks, and other sweet things. Stories of the past, hidden gardens. The spirit is still alive. God Bless!

 

[David Tallan]

It still happens Rebekah. I rec'd lovely small gifts from the hospi's in a couple of places I stayed - bits of clean wool from their sheep, hand-knitted caps and socks, and other sweet things. Stories of the past, hidden gardens. The spirit is still alive. God Bless!

My daughter and I were given little crocheted gifts by a hospitalera on the Frances this year, just after Triacastela at the albergue Casa Forte de Lusío.

When I was hospitalero last month in Salamanca, I offered all pilgrims buttons with the word "ultreia" calligraphed on them.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

When I was hospitalero last month in Salamanca, I offered all pilgrims buttons with the word "ultreia" calligraphed on them.

Little kindnesses like you have offered will almost always be remembered by the recipients.
On my very first Camino at a big round dinner table at a hotel near the huge albergue in Roncesvalles, a young gal gave me a pair of small shell earrings. Her mother had made about ten pairs of them and told her to give them away while she walked. I wore them the whole way to Santiago.

 

[MARSKA]

Isnt it amazing that such small acts of kindness can reverberate for a long, long time.