Solo Trek on the San Salvador- AMAZING!

[NadineK]

I did the San Salvador over 5 days in July 2016, and I'm just now getting around to posting something here. Since it's not a popular trail, I thought that any feedback could be helpful to those thinking about walking this route!

I'm a solo-female walker, and I LOVED the experience. Leaving Leon I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, and I needed to adjust my plans a bit as I went along (but what's a Camino without a little adjustment?), but I had an incredible time. It was tough, but as others have said here, it's not impossible. It helps to be fit, it helps to have had some hiking/trekking experience, but I found that going slow, planning ahead with food/water, and a good and positive attitude went a long way.

The route was incredibly quiet, despite walking in late July (when I thought I would surely encounter small groups of people). Aside from day #4, I didn't pass a single pilgrim on the route, and one night I was alone in the albergue (which felt sort of adventurous!).

Some might caution about walking this route solo; I didn't have a problem, but I'm grateful for an injury free Camino (aside from a bee-sting on the forehead, ouch!). It's wise to have a working cell on you in case you need it (and to call ahead to albergues when needed). But the entire time I felt safe, assured of my direction by all the excellent waymarking, and in general just loved having those mountains to myself.

I recently wrote an 'overview' post on the San Salvador for my blog, and I wanted to share that here- it's got some photos and information and tips that I'd gathered from my experience. If you're considering this route, I hope it can help you!

https://singlestepcamino.wordpress....ms-an-overview-of-the-camino-de-san-salvador/

Buen Camino!
Nadine

 

[jpflavin1]

Nadine:

I agree this is a great walk. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[peregrino_tom]

Nadine - thank you for hauling a DSLR over those hills so we might benefit - nice pics! I went a month earlier and the weather wasn't quite as good. Yours photos make it look sumptuous.
Cheers, tom

 

[norelle]

Hi Nadine

I walked the San Salvador in June 2015 and loved it! Your photos are wonderful!

buen camino

 

[billmclaughlin]

OMG now I can devote the time I planned to spend translating Ender to working on my Spanish! I'm planning Salvador+Primitivo in May and just when I've been second-guessing that pair of routes you've given me the boost I most needed.

TY so much!

 

[trecile]

Thanks so much for this information. I'll be walking in July/August. I plan to walk the Frances to Leon, then the Salvador and Primitivo.

 

[chook]

Post-VdlP and I'm thinking forwards to the next Spanish pilgrimage, your overview could not have appeared at a more appropriate moment.
Many thanks with gratitude!!

 

[nathanael]

I did the San Salvador over 5 days in July 2016, and I'm just now getting around to posting something here. Since it's not a popular trail, I thought that any feedback could be helpful to those thinking about walking this route!

I'm a solo-female walker, and I LOVED the experience. Leaving Leon I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, and I needed to adjust my plans a bit as I went along (but what's a Camino without a little adjustment?), but I had an incredible time. It was tough, but as others have said here, it's not impossible. It helps to be fit, it helps to have had some hiking/trekking experience, but I found that going slow, planning ahead with food/water, and a good and positive attitude went a long way.

The route was incredibly quiet, despite walking in late July (when I thought I would surely encounter small groups of people). Aside from day #4, I didn't pass a single pilgrim on the route, and one night I was alone in the albergue (which felt sort of adventurous!).

Some might caution about walking this route solo; I didn't have a problem, but I'm grateful for an injury free Camino (aside from a bee-sting on the forehead, ouch!). It's wise to have a working cell on you in case you need it (and to call ahead to albergues when needed). But the entire time I felt safe, assured of my direction by all the excellent waymarking, and in general just loved having those mountains to myself.

I recently wrote an 'overview' post on the San Salvador for my blog, and I wanted to share that here- it's got some photos and information and tips that I'd gathered from my experience. If you're considering this route, I hope it can help you!

https://singlestepcamino.wordpress....ms-an-overview-of-the-camino-de-san-salvador/

Buen Camino!
Nadine, wow Nadia amazing, yet have some queries in doing it myself due to knees although have had no problem in doing the Camino 9 times. Possible if I found a companion might consider it. Thanks for info and photo.

 

[laineylainey]

Nadine, thank you so much. I am planning walking solo this sept, both the Salvador and Primitivo. The reassurance about both walking solo and the route are just the tonic needed in January!
What are you planning next if that's not too cheeky to ask!
Elaine

 

[NadineK]

Nadine - thank you for hauling a DSLR over those hills so we might benefit - nice pics! I went a month earlier and the weather wasn't quite as good. Yours photos make it look sumptuous.
Cheers, tom

My photos were all taken with an iPhone! I love photography but I've never quite been willing to carry the weight of a larger Camera with me on my Camino's... but the iPhone works nicely (these photos, however, are my favorites from hundreds that I took...). My last two days were gray (and into Oveido had to walk in some rain), but otherwise I had clear skies and warm weather!

 

[NadineK]

OMG now I can devote the time I planned to spend translating Ender to working on my Spanish! I'm planning Salvador+Primitivo in May and just when I've been second-guessing that pair of routes you've given me the boost I most needed.

TY so much!

I'm glad I could help! Let me know if you have any questions... I'm a bit envious of your upcoming trek, I think it will be wonderful!

 

[NadineK]

Post-VdlP and I'm thinking forwards to the next Spanish pilgrimage, your overview could not have appeared at a more appropriate moment.
Many thanks with gratitude!!

Wonderful, sometimes timing is everything!

 

[NadineK]

Nadine, thank you so much. I am planning walking solo this sept, both the Salvador and Primitivo. The reassurance about both walking solo and the route are just the tonic needed in January!
What are you planning next if that's not too cheeky to ask!
Elaine

I'm most likely going to spend a couple weeks on a Camino in France, probably the Le Puy. It's been on my list for the last few years (and I can speak some French, which I hear will come in handy!). I think you're going to love the San Salvador and Primitivo- both are amazing routes!

 

[Angelo]

Thanks for sharing your experience re Camino del Salvador. I am a recent "convert" to this route and have decided to do the Salvador-Primitivo Caminos from Madrid in April.

Lovely photo!

 

[alaskadiver]

Nice blog
Did you use the same packing list for this Camino that you have listed for your Frances trek ? I only ask because you didn't have a lot of stuff on that list but on this trek you mention that your pack was very heavy. All food I assume? How heavy was your pack?

 

[NadineK]

Nice blog
Did you use the same packing list for this Camino that you have listed for your Frances trek ? I only ask because you didn't have a lot of stuff on that list but on this trek you mention that your pack was very heavy. All food I assume? How heavy was your pack?

I used mostly the same packing list, but I think with a few additional small items, as well as an iPad (which definitely added weight). I also think that I hadn't done much training *with* a loaded pack so those first several days felt tough. (Also, I was feeling under the weather for most of that walk- very sick at the end- so I think that influenced it).

I'm not sure how much weight I was carrying, so I can't answer that very well. Maybe around 18 pounds?? I try not to bring too much on any of my Camino treks, and in this case I think it just took me longer to get used to the weight!

 

[alaskadiver]

I used mostly the same packing list, but I think with a few additional small items, as well as an iPad (which definitely added weight). I also think that I hadn't done much training *with* a loaded pack so those first several days felt tough. (Also, I was feeling under the weather for most of that walk- very sick at the end- so I think that influenced it).

I'm not sure how much weight I was carrying, so I can't answer that very well. Maybe around 18 pounds?? I try not to bring too much on any of my Camino treks, and in this case I think it just took me longer to get used to the weight!

That's not bad. I'm carrying that much for my primitivo in May. But when you feel sick every pound on your back feels like 2.

 

[IngridF]

So enticing, to walk the Salvador... you truly inspired me.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

My photos were all taken with an iPhone!

Which Iphone model? The beauty of your pictures may justify retiring my Iphone 4.

 

[NadineK]

Which Iphone model? The beauty of your pictures may justify retiring my Iphone 4.

I loved the iPhone 4! But I'm now using a 6s, and I think the camera on it is great. (But in full disclosure, I often do just a touch of editing on these photos... but nothing fancy. It's all done within the photo app on the phone. Although sometimes no editing at all, when you've got a sunny, clear day on the San Salvador, the photos are perfect).

 

[NadineK]

So enticing, to walk the Salvador... you truly inspired me.

Hi Ingrid!

 

[Vivienne]

I did the San Salvador over 5 days in July 2016, and I'm just now getting around to posting something here. Since it's not a popular trail, I thought that any feedback could be helpful to those thinking about walking this route!

I'm a solo-female walker, and I LOVED the experience. Leaving Leon I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, and I needed to adjust my plans a bit as I went along (but what's a Camino without a little adjustment?), but I had an incredible time. It was tough, but as others have said here, it's not impossible. It helps to be fit, it helps to have had some hiking/trekking experience, but I found that going slow, planning ahead with food/water, and a good and positive attitude went a long way.

The route was incredibly quiet, despite walking in late July (when I thought I would surely encounter small groups of people). Aside from day #4, I didn't pass a single pilgrim on the route, and one night I was alone in the albergue (which felt sort of adventurous!).

Some might caution about walking this route solo; I didn't have a problem, but I'm grateful for an injury free Camino (aside from a bee-sting on the forehead, ouch!). It's wise to have a working cell on you in case you need it (and to call ahead to albergues when needed). But the entire time I felt safe, assured of my direction by all the excellent waymarking, and in general just loved having those mountains to myself.

I recently wrote an 'overview' post on the San Salvador for my blog, and I wanted to share that here- it's got some photos and information and tips that I'd gathered from my experience. If you're considering this route, I hope it can help you!

https://singlestepcamino.wordpress....ms-an-overview-of-the-camino-de-san-salvador/

Buen Camino!
Nadine

Hi Nadine, thankyou for all your tips. I am doing the San Salvador in June after the Portuguese and then will do the Primitivo following the San Salvador. It was so informative to read your blog also. I am so looking forward to the solitude of the mountain walking but I am hoping there will more pilgrims in the evenings like you.

 

[Vivienne]

Hi Nadine, thank you so much for your tips & blog. I shall be doing the San Salvador in June followed by the primitive (all after doing the Portuguese from Porto to Saniago). I am hoping the weather for June this year is not too cold or snow!
I am looking forward to the solitude of the walking but I am hoping there are other pilgrims in the evenings like you. I do not have Spanish like you and do not have a spanish sim also so I need to think about this further. I have now done 5 caminos and this hasn't been such a problem except for VDLP.

 

[Vivienne]

Hi Nadine

I walked the San Salvador in June 2015 and loved it! Your photos are wonderful!

buen camino

Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?

I've walked the Salvador three times now, and my best and my worst weather was in June. My October Salvador was chilly but dry. My two June walks were very different-- a few years ago, it was glorious, in 2016 we had a fair amount of rain.

 

[norelle]

Hi Norelle, what was the weather like in June when you did the San Salvador? I am starting on the 10th June this year?

Hi Vivienne,

Like @peregrina2000, I had the best and worst of weather in June (only within the one camino!!).
Days 1 & 2 were lovely, leaving Leon in sunshine but not too hot.
Half way through day 3 the rain came - poncho worthy weather!
But by the next day the sun came out and it was quite warm for the rest of the camino into Oviedo.
I guess my advice would be to be prepared for anything! It is definitely a beautiful camino.

Make sure you get the special credential in Leon and collect your Salvadorana from the cathedral in Oviedo. I was also given a free audio tour of the cathedral.

buen camino

 

[Vivienne]

I've walked the Salvador three times now, and my best and my worst weather was in June. My October Salvador was chilly but dry. My two June walks were very different-- a few years ago, it was glorious, in 2016 we had a fair amount of rain.

Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?

 

[Vivienne]

Hi Vivienne,

Like @peregrina2000, I had the best and worst of weather in June (only within the one camino!!).
Days 1 & 2 were lovely, leaving Leon in sunshine but not too hot.
Half way through day 3 the rain came - poncho worthy weather!
But by the next day the sun came out and it was quite warm for the rest of the camino into Oviedo.
I guess my advice would be to be prepared for anything! It is definitely a beautiful camino.

Make sure you get the special credential in Leon and collect your Salvadorana from the cathedral in Oviedo. I was also given a free audio tour of the cathedral.

buen camino

Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?

 

[norelle]

I can't remember if the albergues had blankets - I always carry a light sleeping bag and I did use it each night.

As I said before, most of the weather I had in June 2015 was warm. I don't remember being cold but I did have enough warm clothes to allow for variable weather.

buen camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

The albergue in Benduenos has blankets, but none of the others that I can think of. BTW, the Benduenos albergue is a not-to-be missed slice of heaven.

 

[KinkyOne]

Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?

I remember from 2016 that albergues in Buiza, Pajares, Benduenos and Pola de Lena have blankets but I'm not really sure for La Robla.
On Salvador rain isn't of the same kind of nuisance as on CF for example. There are far less infrastructure in-between and some of the stretches are quite steep and muddy, slippery, in rain (Carbajal de la Legua - Cabanillas, Buiza - Campomanes). Also some parts could be quite overgrown.

Ultreia!

 

[peregrina2000]

I remember from 2016 that albergues in Buiza, Pajares, Benduenos and Pola de Lena have blankets but I'm not really sure for La Robla.
On Salvador rain isn't of the same kind of nuisance as on CF for example. There are far less infrastructure in-between and some of the stretches are quite steep and muddy, slippery, in rain (Carbajal de la Legua - Cabanillas, Buiza - Campomanes). Also some parts could be quite overgrown.

Ultreia!

Wow, just goes to show you how bad my memory is. I didn't remember blankets in any of those places except Bendueños. I think I will stop answering questions about blankets in albergues because I am usually wrong.

But aha! I just rememberred about La Robla. I know there are blankets in the albergue in La Robla because last year when Kinky got shut out of the albergue by a group of taxigrinos , one member of that big group had to sleep in the kitchen because there weren't enough beds, and he gathered up the pile of blankets to make some sort of mattress type cushion.

 

[KinkyOne]

That's why I don't really remember it because next night I had a bed and my sleeping bag

 

[camino07]

I"m almost certain that I had a blanket every night this past September although you may have to ask for one.

 

[WildPlace]

@NadineK Just wanted to say thanks for your post and the link to your blog which i've just finished reading through - your extra notes are much appreciated as i'm in the research/information gathering phase - i'm planning on walking the Frances from SJPP to Leon then the Salvador and Primitivo - I walk out of SJPP on the 4th September 2017 and have walked the Frances in 2013 and SJPP to Burgos in 2015.

Sorry that you felt so rough while walking - it's no fun at all is it! In 2013 I picked up a cough and felt awful from Sarria onwards - I was coughing for weeks afterwards!

 

[jpflavin1]

Thanks, I am not bothered by the rain but I was wondering how cold and do the Albergues have blankets?

Vivienne:

Cabanillas had blankets, Poladura de la Tercia did not, I do not remember Pajares but it was a nice Albergue, Pola de Lena was a hostel, Mieres - no.

This is a great walk, enjoy.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Vivienne]

Vivienne:

Cabanillas had blankets, Poladura de la Tercia did not, I do not remember Pajares but it was a nice Albergue, Pola de Lena was a hostel, Mieres - no.

This is a great walk, enjoy.

Ultreya,
Joe

Excellent, thanks Joe. I Can't wait.

 

[NadineK]

@NadineK Just wanted to say thanks for your post and the link to your blog which i've just finished reading through - your extra notes are much appreciated as i'm in the research/information gathering phase - i'm planning on walking the Frances from SJPP to Leon then the Salvador and Primitivo - I walk out of SJPP on the 4th September 2017 and have walked the Frances in 2013 and SJPP to Burgos in 2015.

Sorry that you felt so rough while walking - it's no fun at all is it! In 2013 I picked up a cough and felt awful from Sarria onwards - I was coughing for weeks afterwards!

Thank you so much for this comment, and I'm glad that some of my notes might help you on your upcoming trip! I think that your Camino plans sound wonderful (and if you have any questions about the San Salvador, in particular, please let me know!)

 

[laineylainey]

Hi Wildplace, I will be ahead of you by maybe 10 days or so in Sept! I am walking the Salvador and Primitivo and heading out of Leon on the 13th Sept. Like you, I have been greatly encouraged by those on this forum who have shared their own experiences of these walks and also I downloaded (again from this forum) Ender's English Guide to the Salvador and a couple of guides to the Primitivo.
Good luck!

 

[WildPlace]

Hi Wildplace, I will be ahead of you by maybe 10 days or so in Sept! I am walking the Salvador and Primitivo and heading out of Leon on the 13th Sept. Like you, I have been greatly encouraged by those on this forum who have shared their own experiences of these walks and also I downloaded (again from this forum) Ender's English Guide to the Salvador and a couple of guides to the Primitivo.
Good luck!

Buen camino @laineylainey - yes what would we do without this great forum!

 

[randomtravels1]

Nadine, BEAUTIFUL writing and photos. I am heading onto the Del Salvador this weekend after recently knee-planting onto concrete. Planning to take it slow, because I am both 58 and am scheduled to meet up with my daughter to do the Primitivo a second time. Have you run across anyone commenting on sending backpack forward for the mountain days? Just wondering, and hoping. Thanks! Kt

 

[laineylainey]

Hi randomtravels, good luck with the Salvador and your knee! Any updates, comments would be gratefully received. I don't do Salvador and Primitivo until September and it is always lovely to hear from recent travellers.

 

[NadineK]

Nadine, BEAUTIFUL writing and photos. I am heading onto the Del Salvador this weekend after recently knee-planting onto concrete. Planning to take it slow, because I am both 58 and am scheduled to meet up with my daughter to do the Primitivo a second time. Have you run across anyone commenting on sending backpack forward for the mountain days? Just wondering, and hoping. Thanks! Kt

Oh, I do hope you'll enjoy the San Salvador route, it is truly astonishing! I would also love to hear updates on how your trek goes (so if you post in this forum somewhere, I'll be sure to follow along).

I wish I had some information for you on baggage services, but I'm not aware of anything. That's not to say that there aren't options, however... I think maybe your best bet would be to ask around in Leon (if that's where you're starting the San Salvador, which I assume it probably is). I got my credential at the Benedictine albergue (which is in the Plaza Santa Maria del Camino), and the volunteers there spoke English and were helpful with information on the route (or could probably try to find an answer on the baggage transport question).

I hope you have a wonderful journey, and Buen Camino!

 

[laineylainey]

Nadine, BEAUTIFUL writing and photos. I am heading onto the Del Salvador this weekend after recently knee-planting onto concrete. Planning to take it slow, because I am both 58 and am scheduled to meet up with my daughter to do the Primitivo a second time. Have you run across anyone commenting on sending backpack forward for the mountain days? Just wondering, and hoping. Thanks! Kt

Sorry I forgot to mention about backpack forwarding, you could try

http://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/en/el-camino-con-correos.php

It is the Spanish Office service which is cheap, but I think you have to arrange it town to town? You can translate the pages into English if needs be?

 

[randomtravels1]

Thank you for your thoughts and idea. I am on my way from Leon!

 

[randomtravels1]

Oh, I do hope you'll enjoy the San Salvador route, it is truly astonishing! I would also love to hear updates on how your trek goes (so if you post in this forum somewhere, I'll be sure to follow along).

I wish I had some information for you on baggage services, but I'm not aware of anything. That's not to say that there aren't options, however... I think maybe your best bet would be to ask around in Leon (if that's where you're starting the San Salvador, which I assume it probably is). I got my credential at the Benedictine albergue (which is in the Plaza Santa Maria del Camino), and the volunteers there spoke English and were helpful with information on the route (or could probably try to find an answer on the baggage transport question).

I hope you have a wonderful journey, and Buen Camino!

Thank you Nadine. Rick has written me that Jacotrans may be able to be hired. In any case, On the road! I will post at some point between this Camino and Primitivo.

 

[Earthkeeper]

Nadine, thank you so much. I am planning walking solo this sept, both the Salvador and Primitivo. The reassurance about both walking solo and the route are just the tonic needed in January!
What are you planning next if that's not too cheeky to ask!
Elaine

Hola I'm walking the same two routes solo starting early Sept. Great to read all the input on the routes. I'm very grateful for all the sharing and will keep reading as my departure date approaches. Perhaps some of our paths will cross in September! buen camino to all. Hasta la vista, Tsondru

 

[laineylainey]

Hola I'm walking the same two routes solo starting early Sept. Great to read all the input on the routes. I'm very grateful for all the sharing and will keep reading as my departure date approaches. Perhaps some of our paths will cross in September! buen camino to all. Hasta la vista, Tsondru

Tsondru yes I hope we do meet. I set off from Leon on the 13th. Sounds as yhpuhh we wont be alone which is great.
I agree the input from the others about these 2 routes has been so positive and so useful. Looks like we ate both in for a great walk and perhaps just a tiny bit of a leg stretch!
Hasta luego,espero
Elaine

 

[hampshire!tim]

I'm walking again in October. Was goign to re-do some of the CF, then thought maybe the Portugues, now this makes me think about the Salvador.

My October Salvador was chilly but dry.

Is this normal ? I don't consider October to be winter, but maybe the altitude makes it more inclement.

 

[peregrina2000]

I'm walking again in October. Was goign to re-do some of the CF, then thought maybe the Portugues, now this makes me think about the Salvador.


Is this normal ? I don't consider October to be winter, but maybe the altitude makes it more inclement.

By chilly I mean mean that I frequently had on a lightweight fleece while walking. I remember the temperature sign at the farmacia as we were leaving Leon reading 6 degrees.

 

[OTH86]

I'm walking again in October. Was goign to re-do some of the CF, then thought maybe the Portugues, now this makes me think about the Salvador.

Hi Tim - when in October might you be on the Salvador?

 

[randomtravels1]

Hello All, For those who may need a bit of assistance with packs for the two days from Buiza with steep climbs, no problem as this is easily arranged with Taxi Tono in Pola de Gordon. Basically, my walk from Leon to Oviedo to Santiago was a perfect experience, one I will repeat. The Salvador was magnificent and for three days there were no other walkers. Thank you, Nadine, and all you others for advice on this Camino!