Which way?!

[Flaneur]

Help!
I will be walking solo from Porto to Santiago in mid Oct(2016). I am unsure about which route to take. Comments about dangerous roads and traffic concern me. I am looking for quiet rural surrounds, or is that only in my dreams?! I am a fit 62 year old, lean and small build. I had originally considered the coastal route but am concerned about cold winds off the Atlantic in mid October.
As I will be travelling for 4 more weeks, after the Camino,I had thought to store my bags or have them transferred as I only want to walk with a daypack. How easy will it be to find accommodation in small hotels on the day. I'd like to have the flexibility of stopping whenever I want rather than being locked in by pre arranged accom.
Feeling daunted before I even start! Any suggestions?

 

[t2andreo]

Do use www.booking.com to find inexpensive private lodgings. This site has everything from five-star hotels down to private albergues. I walked Port to Santiago in 2015 and used it daily. I use it on ALL my Caminos (four to date). So, I can recommend it highly.

Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in most cafes. It is good form to actually buy something before asking for the password...

We are of the same age. Given your concerns about the coastal weather, yes it can be fickle and fast changing, Consider following this route:

http://www.gronze.com/camino-portugues

Start at stage 15: Porto to Vilarinho, and proceed from there. You should have no problems. This route heads inland from the sea on the first day.

I obtained my first sello / stamp in my credential at the Cathedral at the top of the hill in Porto. I walked to the bottom of the hill to the nearest Metro station to take a train to the edge of the urban sprawl, then walked from there.

I personally find walking in cities and in the industrial estates surrounding them to be dispiriting. But to each his or her own. Camino Rule #1, we do not judge the merit, motivation, worth, or methodology of one another's Camino.

I hope this helps.

 

[Flaneur]

Thanks so much, Andreo,
I will check out the route you suggest. Part of my Camino will be my ongoing need to connect with nature and spirit therein! So yes, avoiding industry and traffic are a big part of my plan.