Vadiniese in late August....

[adrianflude]

I've been reading with interest this thread and having lived in Burgos over the past couple of years am familiar with Northern Spain (now I'm living in Madrid). I am planning to walk this camino in August this year, 20th - 27th. I'm an experienced hill and mountain walker, so am not worried about the terrain, but was wondering whether I'll be walking alone or with others? Also, I was planning on taking a lightweight hammock for sleeping out a couple of nights, i.e. not in the private hotels, and a couple of nights in albergues. Any tips and even a walking companion would be gratefully received.

Buen camino!

 

[econodan]

Wish we could walk with you... We're starting on the Lebaniego and Vadiniense at the end of this week.

I've learned a lot about the route from reading Paul Sheehan's and Laurie's postings here, and of course from Rebekah's guide.

Buen camino.

Dan

 

[Aglass]

Wish we could walk with you... We're starting on the Lebaniego and Vadiniense at the end of this week.

I've learned a lot about the route from reading Paul Sheehan's and Laurie's postings here, and of course from Rebekah's guide.

Buen camino.

Dan

Hi Dan,
How is it going on the Vladiniense? I am thinking of doing it in a week or two. Do you meet anyone along the way or is it 'empty'. Regards, Andrew

 

[Ramblanista]

I've just finished the first stage of the Vad after following the Liebana from Serdio. The Liebana was lovely but I struggled yesterday up to Espinama, not sure whether to continue along the Vad or head into the Picos on the Ruta de la Reconquista as I have to head back to England next Friday. See my post on the Vad thread.

I'm taking a rest day in Espinama. Anyone coming this way tomorrow?

 

[econodan]

We just arrived in Potes after finishing the Lebaniego, will be starting the Vad tomorrow to Espinama or Fuente De.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I've just finished the first stage of the Vad after following the Liebana from Serdio. The Liebana was lovely but I struggled yesterday up to Espinama, not sure whether to continue along the Vad or head into the Picos on the Ruta de la Reconquista as I have to head back to England next Friday. See my post on the Vad thread.

I'm taking a rest day in Espinama. Anyone coming this way tomorrow?

From where you are in Espinama, you are "heading into the Picos" whichever route you choose.
If you are tired and/or lonesome now, the Reconquista route will kick you to the curb. It is pure mountain, not so very waymarked, and solitary at the best of times.
This time of year you are likely to meet at least a few hikers along the Vad, if not fellow pilgrims. I have not done the entire Reconquista, but only rather hardcore mountaineers tend to choose that route, and in groups.
Be careful up there!

 

[Ramblanista]

I stuck with the Vad! Espinama to Portilla de la Reina was fenomenal!

 

[econodan]

You are so fortunate, Ramblanista. We walked that stage yesterday in rough weather. Drizzle on and off all the way up from Fuente De, totally socked in with clouds until things started to break up at Puerto de Pandetrave. But today a beautiful stage down to Riano, with just enough clouds to keep the pavement from being too hot.
Dan

 

[Rebekah Scott]

What a pity! That's gotta be one of the most spectacular days of camino walking ever! You shall have to come back and do it again!

 

[econodan]

What a pity! That's gotta be one of the most spectacular days of camino walking ever! You shall have to come back and do it again!

And we shall...
We had some beautiful mountain weather in the days before while following the Lebaniego and walking from Potes, so no complaints.
BTW, we've been following your guidebook and it's great. Thanks!
Dan