Which Camino Next?

[Frankybaby66]

Hi all, just thought I'd throw this thread into the mix. I can't make my mind up which Camino to plan for next year ( its never too early to start planning!)
In the past I've walked from SJPdP to Santiago on the Frances, Roncenvalles to Burgos on the Frances. Matsahinos to Santiago twice on the Camino Portugues ( both times starting on the Camino Litoral before cutting inland to Rates and picking up the Central Route. This year I did the Camino Ingles followed by Santiago to Finisterre.
I've got a chequered health history ( two cardiac arrests and a triple heart bypass) and aren't as young as I once was. I am reasonably fit though, and all the above were walked post cardiac issues. I tend to max out around 25km per day carrying a full pack (I like the flexibility of having all my gear with me), so want to avoid being forced into long days
I've got 2 -4 weeks to play with. I'm presently considering Burgos to Santiago (to finish off my second Camino), possibly picking up the Camino Invierno at Ponferrada in an effort to body-swerve the Sarria to Santiago Section. Another option is Lisbon to Porto, although I've heard mixed reviews on this route.
Had a look at Camino Primitivo but wondered if this might be a bit too solitary - I always start out Camino's alone, and although it looks beautiful, thought it might be a bit too solitary. I know the Portuguese Coastal get's rave reviews, but the time I spent on the first part of my Camino Portugues(s) didn't really do it for me - didn't seem to have the pilgrimage vibe that I'm used to.
I suppose I want the best of both worlds - some people, but not too many .
Apologies for the rambling post, but thought I'd give a bit of context. I'd probably prefer to finish in Santiago. ( I always say that I'm not going to get another compostela, but always end up getting one!)
I'm open to any ideas that people have, preferably based on personal experience.
Thanks in advance,
Buen Camino

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Hi all, just thought I'd throw this thread into the mix. I can't make my mind up which Camino to plan for next year ( its never too early to start planning!)
In the past I've walked from SJPdP to Santiago on the Frances, Roncenvalles to Santiago on the Frances. Matsahinos to Santiago twice on the Camino Portugues ( both times starting on the Camino Litoral before cutting inland to Rates and picking up the Central Route. This year I did the Camino Ingles followed by Santiago to Finisterre.
I've got a chequered health history ( two cardiac arrests and a triple heart bypass) and aren't as young as I once was. I am reasonably fit though, and all the above were walked post cardiac issues. I tend to max out around 25km per day carrying a full pack (I like the flexibility of having all my gear with me), so want to avoid being forced into long days
I've got 2 -4 weeks to play with. I'm presently considering Burgos to Santiago (to finish off my second Camino), possibly picking up the Camino Invierno at Ponferrada in an effort to body-swerve the Sarria to Santiago Section. Another option is Lisbon to Porto, although I've heard mixed reviews on this route.
Had a look at Camino Primitivo but wondered if this might be a bit too solitary - I always start out Camino's alone, and although it looks beautiful, thought it might be a bit too solitary. I know the Portuguese Coastal get's rave reviews, but the time I spent on the first part of my Camino Portugues(s) didn't really do it for me - didn't seem to have the pilgrimage vibe that I'm used to.
I suppose I want the best of both worlds - some people, but not too many .
Apologies for the rambling post, but thought I'd give a bit of context. I'd probably prefer to finish in Santiago. ( I always say that I'm not going to get another compostela, but always end up getting one!)
I'm open to any ideas that people have, preferably based on personal experience.
Thanks in advance,
Buen Camino

Primitivo is far from solitary, and awesome. Madrid Camino is a pleasant surprise, but solitary.

 

[Anhalter]

While i agree that Primitivo is not solitary, it is a lot of ups and downs. And while i have no idea how that works with your heart condition it might be a thing to consider.

 

[trecile]

Had a look at Camino Primitivo but wondered if this might be a bit too solitary

It's nowhere near as solitary as Lisbon to Porto or the Invierno.

 

[David Tallan]

Hi all, just thought I'd throw this thread into the mix. I can't make my mind up which Camino to plan for next year ( its never too early to start planning!)
In the past I've walked from SJPdP to Santiago on the Frances, Roncenvalles to Santiago on the Frances. Matsahinos to Santiago twice on the Camino Portugues ( both times starting on the Camino Litoral before cutting inland to Rates and picking up the Central Route. This year I did the Camino Ingles followed by Santiago to Finisterre.
I've got a chequered health history ( two cardiac arrests and a triple heart bypass) and aren't as young as I once was. I am reasonably fit though, and all the above were walked post cardiac issues. I tend to max out around 25km per day carrying a full pack (I like the flexibility of having all my gear with me), so want to avoid being forced into long days
I've got 2 -4 weeks to play with. I'm presently considering Burgos to Santiago (to finish off my second Camino), possibly picking up the Camino Invierno at Ponferrada in an effort to body-swerve the Sarria to Santiago Section. Another option is Lisbon to Porto, although I've heard mixed reviews on this route.
Had a look at Camino Primitivo but wondered if this might be a bit too solitary - I always start out Camino's alone, and although it looks beautiful, thought it might be a bit too solitary. I know the Portuguese Coastal get's rave reviews, but the time I spent on the first part of my Camino Portugues(s) didn't really do it for me - didn't seem to have the pilgrimage vibe that I'm used to.
I suppose I want the best of both worlds - some people, but not too many .
Apologies for the rambling post, but thought I'd give a bit of context. I'd probably prefer to finish in Santiago. ( I always say that I'm not going to get another compostela, but always end up getting one!)
I'm open to any ideas that people have, preferably based on personal experience.
Thanks in advance,
Buen Camino

If you have 2-4 weeks, I would recommend the Salvador/Primitivo combination. I don't know why you would consider the solitary. It is the fourth most walked route (after the Frances, Portugues, and Ingles). When I walked it last year, there were plenty of fellow pilgrims, enough for 3 or 4 different "pilgrim families" (at least) in our cohort, as well as a fair number of pilgrims who didn't choose to be in one of those. I think the Primitivo is likely to be a lot less solitary than the Portugues from Lisbon to Porto. The San Salvador wasn't as crowded as the Primitivo. There were probably 6-12 people I saw daily. But it wasn't solitary, either. (That was more like like the Madrid, or what I expect this year on the Torres/Geira.)

The Salvador/Primitivo is certainly one of my favourites and I'm seriously considering making it next year's Camino. It is a really beautiful walk, and I found the people (both locals and fellow pilgrims) some of the best I have encountered.

 

[Frankybaby66]

If you have 2-4 weeks, I would recommend the Salvador/Primitivo combination. I don't know why you would consider the solitary. It is the fourth most walked route (after the Frances, Portugues, and Ingles). When I walked it last year, there were plenty of fellow pilgrims, enough for 3 or 4 different "pilgrim families" (at least) in our cohort, as well as a fair number of pilgrims who didn't choose to be in one of those. I think the Primitivo is likely to be a lot less solitary than the Portugues from Lisbon to Porto. The San Salvador wasn't as crowded as the Primitivo. There were probably 6-12 people I saw daily. But it wasn't solitary, either. (That was more like like the Madrid, or what I expect this year on the Torres/Geira.)

The Salvador/Primitivo is certainly one of my favourites and I'm seriously considering making it next year's Camino. It is a really beautiful walk, and I found the people (both locals and fellow pilgrims) some of the best I have encountered.

Thanks for the detailed response David, much appreciated

 

[Myra13]

Camino Sanabres is also a nice camino arriving in Santiago. You can take a hot bath in Ourense

 

[MesaWalker]

Via de la Plata/Sanabrés from Salamanca or Zamora would be a great walk. Those two mentioned cities are stupendous, and it is a beautiful route. Nice combination of flat/endless horizons at the beginning to Galician mountains. There are some stiff climbs entering Galicia, but no harder than the Camino Francés. It would be less traveled, at least until you get to Ourense.

My only advice would be to walk it in a shoulder season to avoid really hot weather in the lower, beginning portions.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Camino Sanabres is also a nice camino arriving in Santiago. You can take a hot bath in Ourense

What are you trying to say!

 

[markie6]

All of them.... you addict you

 

[Eamonrodden]

Hi all, just thought I'd throw this thread into the mix. I can't make my mind up which Camino to plan for next year ( its never too early to start planning!)
In the past I've walked from SJPdP to Santiago on the Frances, Roncenvalles to Santiago on the Frances. Matsahinos to Santiago twice on the Camino Portugues ( both times starting on the Camino Litoral before cutting inland to Rates and picking up the Central Route. This year I did the Camino Ingles followed by Santiago to Finisterre.
I've got a chequered health history ( two cardiac arrests and a triple heart bypass) and aren't as young as I once was. I am reasonably fit though, and all the above were walked post cardiac issues. I tend to max out around 25km per day carrying a full pack (I like the flexibility of having all my gear with me), so want to avoid being forced into long days
I've got 2 -4 weeks to play with. I'm presently considering Burgos to Santiago (to finish off my second Camino), possibly picking up the Camino Invierno at Ponferrada in an effort to body-swerve the Sarria to Santiago Section. Another option is Lisbon to Porto, although I've heard mixed reviews on this route.
Had a look at Camino Primitivo but wondered if this might be a bit too solitary - I always start out Camino's alone, and although it looks beautiful, thought it might be a bit too solitary. I know the Portuguese Coastal get's rave reviews, but the time I spent on the first part of my Camino Portugues(s) didn't really do it for me - didn't seem to have the pilgrimage vibe that I'm used to.
I suppose I want the best of both worlds - some people, but not too many .
Apologies for the rambling post, but thought I'd give a bit of context. I'd probably prefer to finish in Santiago. ( I always say that I'm not going to get another compostela, but always end up getting one!)
I'm open to any ideas that people have, preferably based on personal experience.
Thanks in advance,
Buen Camino

The inverano is very manageable over a couple of weeks. I would recommend the Norte , in the context of time you have select an appropriate starting point.

 

[VNwalking]

What are you trying to say!

There are hot springs in Ourense.

 

[Frankybaby66]

There are hot springs in Ourense.

I knew that; just trying to brighten the Forum with a little humour - hence the laughing emoji on my original comment .

 

[Eamonrodden]

It's nowhere near as solitary as Lisbon to Porto or the Invierno.

I loved both of those

 

[Tandem Graham]

Does it have to be in Spain? The Voie du Puy (Via Podiensis) from Le Puy to SJPdP is IMHO a good compromise between busy and quiet. Good accommodations and good food. Mixture of pilgrims and trekkers. Some interesting built heritage and diverse, often beautiful scenery. No Compostela but Saint Jean is a great place to finish.