My friends and I would like to experience "The Way". We are avid walkers but are of average age of 70. Can you get on the trail a few days before the end? What would be the best time of year to go... September maybe? I read that much of the trail is alongside roads and highways. Does anyone know where we can get a breakdown of the Way or of a tour group that offers tours? We are just beginning our research so any and all advice will be appreciated.
Posted by
Washington DC
28082 posts
I haven't walked any of the Way but have visited many towns and cities it passes through. The weather is somewhat variable (isn't it always?), but much of northern Spain is cooler and damper than the rest of the country. The conventional wisdom is that Galicia, where Santiago de Compostela is located, is especially so. However, I'm heading there myself tomorrow, and the weather forecast is for warm to hot temps for the next few days.
Spending a few days walking the last bit of the Way means you wouldn't cover much ground, so Santiago de Compostela's weather is what I think you want to look at. You can get a forecast from your favorite weather website if you want to monitor conditions there, but a lot of Spaniards seem to use www.eltiempo.es . You wouldn't risk frigid temperatures in September.
I'm nearly certain I saw a guidebook specifically for the Way before I left home. Check Amazon or your local library. Rick's book on Spain covers the areas the Way passes through and I've used it for tourist information in the area, but my impression (as a non-pilgrim) is that it is not really intended to meet the needs of those who are walking.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
John Brierly is frequently mentioned, lots of material here:
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
There are many, many guidebooks available for the Camino. You can find everything from leg-by-leg guides to personal memoirs on Amazon.com. Sarria is a popular starting point for those who want to just do the last part (100 km qualifies you for the Compostela certificate). There are also a number of companies that offer tours. Google "Camino de Santiago tours".
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9220 posts
Send me a message. I am 60 and walked about 400km of the Camino last year.
There are some great websites that will help you plan this. Believe me, being 70 is not a hindrance. There are tons of people this age and older who are walking the entire Camino Frances which goes over the Pyrenees. If you are on Facebook, there is a group just for women and there is also a new group for people who want to walk slowly, perhaps only 10km per day.
Posted by
OP
Pawtucket, RI, USA
118 posts
Interesting, informative and encouraging responses. Thank you so much. You have each given me great research sources. I hope this turns into another great adventure with many more to come.
Posted by
1 posts
Hi Dianne, I would suggest maybe doing the last 100kms from either Sarria to Santiago or Tui to Santiago. Both of these Camino routes are wonderful. There will be plenty of other pilgrims on the routes from May to September. Be mindful that September will be very busy and is one of the most popular months. If you wish to join a guided tour, there are two open in October here:http://caminoways.com/our-services/camino-de-santiago-guided-tours or you can do a self-guided walk of the routes mentioned above. You will find more information on the most popular route here: http://caminoways.com/ways/french-way-camino-frances/french-way-section-8
No matter when you go you will have a great experience. I am just recently back from the Portuguese Way and it was simply amazing. Maybe spend an extra night in Santiago at the end. It is a very special city.