Recommendations for which route?

[IntlGuyJim]

My wife and I (late 60's & early mid 70"s) are planning to walk just enough miles to earn the certificate. We've both had recent surgery that makes a longer trek seem too challenging (though hope to recover enough to take another stab someday....) We're both completely bilingual, she speaking Spanish as her native language, me as my second (since moving to latinamerica at age 7, and undergoing complete immersion.) I also can fake my way through some Portunol if needed.

My question is: Which of the three routes that make just over 100km is most recommended, and why? One factor is, we (especially my wife) will need to start the first few days with short distances, while we build stamina, so need plentiful options for lodging close together:

- End of French route, starting at Sarria;

- the English route, starting at Ferrol;

- the Portuguese route, starting at Tui

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[jcat]

All three routes could be good options for various reasons, but I would suggest the Ingles. It's a beautiful walk and you will have completed an entire camino.

You can easily break up the first two traditional sections in half to start.

Ferrol - Neda
Neda - Pontedeume
Pontedeume - Mino
Mino - Betanzos
The rest of the stages can be split also.

 

[IntlGuyJim]

All three routes could be good options for various reasons, but I would suggest the Ingles. It's a beautiful walk and you will have completed an entire camino.

You can easily break up the first two traditional sections in half to start.

Ferrol - Neda
Neda - Pontedeume
Pontedeume - Mino
Mino - Betanzos
The rest of the stages can be split also.

Thanks! Any particular albuergas you would recommend?

 

[domigee]

Look at Gronze.com

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Gracias, excelente fuente de informes.

 

[J Willhaus]

There is also a couple of other routes on the Sanabres which you can start in Ourense (easy to get to on.the train from Madrid or Santiago) or the last part of the Invierno from Monteforte de Lemos which joins the Sanabres.

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Thanks! will check it out.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@IntlGuyJim , welcome to the forum.

All three have their positives, seeing as the Inglès has already been suggested ( I loved it) let me also put in a plug for it.
The camino is very easy to access, with good infrastructure throughout, and Ferrol is a great starting point. (Well worth a full days exploration before you start)
I love the coast, starting there was for me an additional bonus. As was the excellent seafood available along much of the route!
It's quieter than the other two, but still well travelled.

For shorter stage suggestions I don't think you can go past the work put in by @Elle Bieling, you'll find a link in this thread:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lengthen-camino-ingles.79846/post-1125740

This camino has its challenging moments but by breaking it up into these shorter stages you should find it very manageable. Luggage transport is also available if needed.

As with any camino a little training would be beneficial.

Buen Camino!

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Thank you, Peter! A quick glance at Elle's map seems priceless! RE: training. Agreed. It has been a few decades, but in my youth I did a LOT of backpacking and other outdoor/off-trail sports. My wife is new to all this, so am trying to convince her to buy and break in some good hiking boots, invest in true rain gear, etc.
We will definitely do luggage transport, but I'll carry a mid-sized backpack for everything we should need during the day, and changes for if we don't make it to the intended hostel to which we sent our luggage.

Gracias, y Buen Camino para vuestro proximo caminata!
By the way, NZ is one of my favorite places on Earth! I just wish I had had more opportunities to get out of business meetings into the countryside, like I did on my first trip.....

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

My wife is new to all this, so am trying to convince her to buy and break in some good hiking boots, invest in true rain gear, etc.

Footwear is very individual, however I would point out that unless your wife has weak ankles a decent pair of walking shoes would perhaps be better.
Whilst there are some here on the forum that swear by their boots (as I myself used to), the majority of us prefer trail runners or similar. They are significantly lighter, very comfortable and as a bonus generally cheaper than a good pair of boots. Plus boots require breaking in, whereas trail runners really only require a day or two - and that simply to ensure that there are no manufacturing defects.

Remember the camino is not a hiking trail - in fact the Inglés for example is probably something like 40% back country roads. Comfort is most definitely King, and the less you carry - regardless as to whether that is on your back, around your waist, or on your feet - the less work your body has to do.

As far as raingear is concerned, again you don't have to spend a fortune.
Whilst I have a good rain jacket (and rain trousers for that matter) on camino I typically prefer to wear one of the Decathlon ponchos. (Again this is a much debated topic here on the forum!).
If you had a day in either Santiago or Ferrol first you could visit their local Decathlon.
They have two types: one is sleeved but only a quarter zip, so you pull it over your head. The other (which is more waterproof) is fully zipped so perhaps easier to use. Neither are particularly expensive.

Of course if you buy her a decent raincoat to use at home, you might be able to get her out on a few more training walks first!

As to your concerns about whether or not you get to the days destination just make sure that you carry a local taxi driver's number, worst case you can always just go into a bar or cafe and ask them to call for you. You might have to wait a little while, but at least you'll be warm, dry and have sustenance to hand!

 

[domigee]

My wife and I (late 60's & early mid 70"s) are planning to walk just enough miles to earn the certificate. We've both had recent surgery that makes a longer trek seem too challenging (though hope to recover enough to take another stab someday....) We're both completely bilingual, she speaking Spanish as her native language, me as my second (since moving to latinamerica at age 7, and undergoing complete immersion.) I also can fake my way through some Portunol if needed.

My question is: Which of the three routes that make just over 100km is most recommended, and why? One factor is, we (especially my wife) will need to start the first few days with short distances, while we build stamina, so need plentiful options for lodging close together:

- End of French route, starting at Sarria;

- the English route, starting at Ferrol;

- the Portuguese route, starting at Tui

Thanks in advance,
Jim

I have walked all three you mention, my least favourite is the Sarria to Santiago section...Why? Well because when I walk it (in Summer) it's usually very busy. You want a coffee... there's a queue. You need the loo... There's a queue...
There is also the Sanabrés... ?

 

[IntlGuyJim]

My thanks to all for your suggestions. One quick scan of Elle's and another guide I found would seem to show a range of prices along the Camino Ingles to be in the Euro 45 - 100+ per night. Is that what we can expect, or are there segments with lower cost options? I didn't dig into details, but at those rates (especially higher ones) I would hope that half board (dinner and breakfast) would be included.....

 

[Phil W]

How much you spend in lodging is dependent on what you desire and of course what is available. Municipal and other public albergues like those built by the government of Galicia, called Xunta albergues, ate usually less expensive. Last summer Xunta albergues were 10 euros a bed but they don't luggage transport. In Xunta, municipal, and parochial albergues you generally share a dorm room with others. Normally they can lead to enjoyable interactions with other pilgrims. For private rooms your cost goes up and you will be staying in privately owned accommodation. I have stayed in just about all types of lodging during my various caminos. Have fun deciding,
Phil

 

[IntlGuyJim]

Thanks!

 

[Phil W]

Thanks!

I do agree there are not many municipal or Xunta albergues on the Ingles. That does make it more expensive.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I guess it depends on what you mean by a lot.
Ferrol, Neda, Pontedeume, Miño, Betanzos, Bruma, Presedo, Poulo (Ordes), all support cheap Albergues - either Municipal or Xunta, I’m not sure which. Regardless, their cost ranges from €6.10 to €10 pp. I don’t know of one in Sigüero, but even there there’s Albergue Camino Real, at just €15 pp.
Many, if not most of the towns also offer cheap hotels too, from as low as €30 per night for a double room.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Phil W raised a very valid point which I had missed - they will not accept luggage transport.

I didn't dig into details, but at those rates (especially higher ones) I would hope that half board (dinner and breakfast) would be included.....

I don't know, but I certainly didn't stay at any that offered that, although as a single my most expensive was in Sigüero, €45 with Private bathroom. (2023) .
Look at the list on Gronze, it has direct links to booking. Com if they use it, contact details for those who don't.

 

[trecile]

so am trying to convince her to buy and break in some good hiking boots,

Footwear is very individual, however I would point out that unless your wife has weak ankles a decent pair of walking shoes would perhaps be better.

I agree with @Peterexpatkiwi. I have never worn boots of any kind on any of my Caminos, and some of them have had some pretty rugged terrain. If you have an REI near you head over there and try out hiking and trail running shoes. Whatever footwear you decide on I always recommend that you give them a good trial by walking at least 10 miles on at least 3 consecutive days. Any issues with blister should come to light then. I can't tell you how many people I've met who were surprised to develop blisters after walking the Camino for several days in the shoes or boots that they regularly use to do long day hikes on the weekends. It's the day after day walking that really makes a difference.

 

[OTH86]

I would agree with all who have posted - the Inglés. I've walked it twice and, hopefully, again in about seven weeks. If you haven't picked up John & Gemma Brierley's guide - Camino Inglés - 2024. It includes the sector from A Coruña - a wonderful place to take a two day rest before heading back to join where you "detoured" - either walking or I believe there may be a bus/taxi service from about Meson do Vento! It will have suggestions for places to stay with fairly current prices. It's not a large book, so very little extra weight. Buen Camino!!

 

[dick bird]

It would be a good idea to go to Gronze and check the profiles. If stamina is an issue then slopes are a big factor. Otherwise, my preference would be the Inglés.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would agree with all who have posted - the Inglés. I've walked it twice and, hopefully, again in about seven weeks. If you haven't picked up John & Gemma Brierley's guide - Camino Inglés - 2024. It includes the sector from A Coruña - a wonderful place to take a two day rest before heading back to join where you "detoured" - either walking or I believe there may be a bus/taxi service from about Meson do Vento! It will have suggestions for places to stay with fairly current prices. It's not a large book, so very little extra weight. Buen Camino!!

I'm excited to see these positive comments for walking the Camino Ingles. I am on a train to A Coruna at the moment for two days sightseeing before taking a bus to Ferrol to walk the Ingles. I've read that some people love it, but other have felt it had too much road walking. My feet aren't fussy, but I hope the roads do not have fast moving traffic.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Chrissy, the majority of Road walking was on small country lanes, I think I came across more tractors than I did cars - and even they were few and far between.
I really dislike Road walking, but still enjoyed the Inglès.
Buen Camino!

 

[Tincatinker]

I'm excited to see these positive comments for walking the Camino Ingles. I am on a train to A Coruna at the moment for two days sightseeing before taking a bus to Ferrol to walk the Ingles. I've read that some people love it, but other have felt it had too much road walking. My feet aren't fussy, but I hope the roads do not have fast moving traffic.

Hi Chrissy, and here’s me sitting in A Coruña airport waiting for my flight home. Better coordination required next time eh?
Peter is spot on on the road walking bits. It is worth taking the old forest route when you hit the AP-9 on the way into Sigüeiro. Easy to find in Brierley and on the ground.

We had a great time on the Inglés. Hope you do too

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Chrissy, and here’s me sitting in A Coruña airport waiting for my flight home. Better coordination required next time eh?
Peter is spot on on the road walking bits. It is worth taking the old forest route when you hit the AP-9 on the way into Sigüeiro. Easy to find in Brierley and on the ground.

We had a great time on the Inglés. Hope you do too

How ironic, @Tincatinker; I'm heading in as you head out. Thanks for the tip, plus I will look over your Ingles reports. Yes, a meet up would have been great. You have a very interesting personality from what I read on the forum.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I'm excited to see these positive comments for walking the Camino Ingles. I am on a train to A Coruna at the moment for two days sightseeing before taking a bus to Ferrol to walk the Ingles. I've read that some people love it, but other have felt it had too much road walking. My feet aren't fussy, but I hope the roads do not have fast moving traffic.

Hang on, what happened to the Invierno ?
Just yesterday you were sightseeing in Monforte de Lemos.

Incidentally (following on from your comment on the Invierno) I ate an excellent Burger in Ferrol - unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the place. It was on the right hand side heading away from the port. They had TWO restaurants, plus I think a takeaway(all served by the same kitchen) on the corners of the alleyway/ sideroad that they were located on. It was VERY popular. Perhaps someone else can help with the name?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I had posted my plans early on. I chose to be gone for 3.5 weeks and I'd already walked the Sanabres into Santiago in the spring and didn't want to repeat that portion after it joins the Invierno. There is an easy train from Monforte de Lemos to A Coruna, so decided to go there for two days first, then a bus to Ferrol and walk to Santiago...a "patchwork Camino".