What distances should we use?

[Bachiu]

We are getting quite confused in planning our route on the Camino del Norte. As an example, Wise Pilgrim shows the distance between Noja and Loredo 27kms. On Google maps it is 18kms. We are struggling to know which distance to rely on as correct as the differences in distances are significant. Thank you to anyone who can give us some insight.

 

[Vacajoe]

Unlike the marked pilgrim path, Google maps simply shows you the shortest route between two points. The Camino may meander, avoid larger roads, follow “unknown” country paths, visit important sites, etc. Both are correct. If you plan to walk a Camino, use the app. If you simply need to get somewhere as fast as possible, Google Maps.

 

[trecile]

Not the distances on Google Maps. Those distances are for roads, not the Camino paths. I would use the Wise Pilgrim or Gronze distances.

Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

 

[Bachiu]

Thank you. That is what we thought but needed confirmation.

 

[davebugg]

We are getting quite confused in planning our route on the Camino del Norte. As an example, Wise Pilgrim shows the distance between Noja and Loredo 27kms. On Google maps it is 18kms. We are struggling to know which distance to rely on as correct as the differences in distances are significant. Thank you to anyone who can give us some insight.

Plan for 27 km and hope for 18 km.
In reality, the best explanation already given is that it is likely the Wise Pilgrim figures are the most accurate in that it is measuring Kms based on the actual route walked. Google maps is not able to reproduce that same path, as its algorithms rely on the major and minor streets and roads and pathways that are programmed into it. Camino walking routes do not usually figure in to this.

 

[Bachiu]

Good advice everyone. Thank you. What you say makes sense. Most appreciated.

 

[Mananath]

Go with the app for a good estimate. Your day to day will inevitably be longer when you take in account side trips, getting lost, sightseeing etc.

 

[Bachiu]

Gracias.

 

[Dennis Pack]

Editorial Buen Camino app worked fine for me.

 

[TexasIndia]

We are getting quite confused in planning our route on the Camino del Norte. As an example, Wise Pilgrim shows the distance between Noja and Loredo 27kms. On Google maps it is 18kms. We are struggling to know which distance to rely on as correct as the differences in distances are significant. Thank you to anyone who can give us some insight.

Most of the time Wise Pilgrim or Buen Camino is closer to what you actually walk. Of course, there are always a few wrong turns and detours. I usually add a few kms and hope I get there sooner! I kept track of last year's differences. You can see some days are wildly different.
View attachment 157122
I used a service to book everything in advance. The second day, I passed the inn and went 3 miles too far and had to walk back. I took a bus from a coffee shop to Santillana del mar, so I was significantly under that day.
After the second day, I made sure I knew where the hotel was. I used google when I got close to where I was going to stay and checked to see if the Camino on Buen Camino was going the same way. You can download the files for the Camino stages to Google or maps.me. Here's a thread about downloading the maps: Map Download Thread.

 

[Tincatinker]

Inexperienced hikers should note that all kilometres undertaken after lunch are exactly twice as long as kilometres walked before lunch. This is a long-standing European tradition.

It is also worth noting that all kilometres walked in heavy rain are equivalent to 1.5 kilometres in dry conditions.

Other kilometres may vary in actual length depending on the weight of your pack, comfort of your boots, and the charm of your walking companions.

None of this really matters because you will reach your destination. Your bunk bed will be as comfortable as necessary. The Menu Peregrino will include protein, carbohydrates and wine. And, in the morning, if my old Gods, yours, or whatever one(s) are awake at the time are smiling, you'll get to do it all over again

 

[peterhore]

Brieeg checked the distances in his guides using two GPS trackers

 

[Bachiu]

Inexperienced hikers should note that all kilometres undertaken after lunch are exactly twice as long as kilometres walked before lunch. This is a long-standing European tradition.

It is also worth noting that all kilometres walked in heavy rain are equivalent to 1.5 kilometres in dry conditions.

Other kilometres may vary in actual length depending on the weight of your pack, comfort of your boots, and the charm of your walking companions.

None of this really matters because you will reach your destination. Your bunk bed will be as comfortable as necessary. The Menu Peregrino will include protein, carbohydrates and wine. And, in the morning, if my old Gods, yours, or whatever one(s) are awake at the time are smiling, you'll get to do it all over again

That is just about the best response ever. Thank you. You made our day.

 

[Tincatinker]

Brieeg checked the distances in his guides using two GPS trackers

@peterhore I think you meant Brierley, and yes he did double-check measurable distances. And you will still find people (pilgrims?) (oops) claiming that his distances aren't accurate because the last bit up-the-hill into Llareggub was twice as far as stated

 

[Madis]

Noja to Laredo has several walking options. I went with my route option first towards Isla. Near Arnuero the road reaches back to the highway.

From Ajo to Glizano I chose to walk the route option closer to the ocean. Not that many views to the ocean but way better than going along the highway. This stretch is not an easy walk because its only on asphalt, has no benches and is extremely hilly.

From Galizano you can keep avoiding the highway by going towards Langre and from there reaching Loredo.


The short option would be to spend the full day on the highway. Out of Galizano there is a dedicated pedestrian walking zone, but the side routes are way more adventurous.

 

[trecile]

Noja to Laredo has several walking options

@Bachiu was asking about Noja to Loredo.

 

[Tincatinker]

Ah Loredo:
As I walked out on the streets of Loredo
As I walked out on Loredo one day
I spied a young pilgrim all wrapped in white linen
All wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay
He sang: Beat the drum slowly, play the fife lowly
Play up the dead march as you bear me along
Take me to the green valley, lay the sod o'er me
For I'm a young pilgrim and I know I've done wrong…

Loredo does also have La Artesana for pilgrims who’ve retained an appetite for life

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As I walked out on the streets of Loredo

...good one! You often make me smile or give me a laugh.

 

[Bachiu]

Ah Loredo:
As I walked out on the streets of Loredo
As I walked out on Loredo one day
I spied a young pilgrim all wrapped in white linen
All wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay
He sang: Beat the drum slowly, play the fife lowly
Play up the dead march as you bear me along
Take me to the green valley, lay the sod o'er me
For I'm a young pilgrim and I know I've done wrong…

Loredo does also have La Artesana for pilgrims who’ve retained an appetite for life

Love it.