Comments on: One Hell of a Long Walk: Trekking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

By: wendy mcbane

wendy mcbane — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:41:14 +0000

I just became aware of the walk after seeing the movie The Way. After reading alot of online info I was wondering from your perspective, which route would be the best one for a one time full experience. Which route would you take for the best overall experience of the Camino de Santiago? For about 2-3 weeks and medium fitness. Thank you.

By: Sil

Sil — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:36:48 +0000

Beth – there is no ‘whole walk’.
In the middle ages people left from their front doors so if you lived in Norway, the ‘whole’ walk was from Norway! If you lived in Tricastela, the whole walk was just 135km long.
There are modern day starting places. Seville (or Cadiz) for the Via de la Plata: Roncesvalles (or St Jean Pied de Port) for the Camino Frances etc. (There are over 35 routes in France & Spain and in the early stage of the pilgrimage pilgrims walked through St Michel, not St Jean, and near the end they didn’t walk through Sarria – that came later.
The Camino is a modern invention of the old pilgrimage trails to the tomb of St James which fizzled out in the 15th Century, became a dim memory and was practically forgotten about. It was reanimated in the late 1970s.

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:55:33 +0000

I am planing on doing the Camino in May/June and maybe fall into July. I was planing on doing the Camino Frances from followed by the end of the world. However, I keep reading about the “whole” walk which appears to be longer. Does anyone know what this term refers to? Do people continue on the do the Portugal trek backwards? I would appreciate any and all comments as I only know what I have read and am lacking personal experience. Thank you.

By: Laurah

Laurah — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:51:24 +0000

I’ve been wanting to walk the Camino for decades! I got MS in 2008 and realized this year (after my first exacerbation last month) i need to do it while i am still able to walk…I’m heading out for the full trip (and onto Finisterre and the Atlantic) in August.

I’m giving myself 3 months. I’m can hardly wait to get going! I’m actually starting in Lourdes (can’t hurt and going onto St. Jean to begin the pilgrimage officially. Worried about the Pyrenees and esp. Alto de Perdon but i’m takin’ my sweet ‘ol time, and expect i may have to rest for a few hours or even camp at the top of each b4 continuing on. If i find a super lite-weight bivy tent i’m getting one.

Been reading lots of books and blogs so i have an idea of what to expect, so thank heavens so many people have been and can offer that to those of us who have not.

Thanks!

ps- I plan to hike to Machu Picchu, then the Jerusalem route next

By: Caroline Mathieson

Caroline Mathieson — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:00:24 +0000

Thank you ma’am for the nice references to my now ancient and rather out of date website.

I am pleased to see you acknowledge use of images from the website.

Many people use my pictures without my consent or knowledge, but I don’t really mind.

By: Serene

Serene — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:13:52 +0000

Thanks Sil for your response. Will definitely check out your blog.

By: Sil

Sil — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:10:03 +0000

Serene, the guide books suggest that spring (May/June) and autumn (September/October) are the best months. Until April you might still have snow, sleet, heavy rain and lots of mud on the camino.
July and August are very hot months and very busy. From November onwards, you are back into the chilly months.
There are about 15 official ‘camino’ routes in Spain – and 7 that start in France.
I have a lot of info on my blog – just click on search this blog for info on packing lists, costs, medication, accommodation etc.
Buen camino!
Sil

By: Serene

Serene — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:41:19 +0000

I’m actually planning to do this walk next year. Any advice on when is the best time of the year to do it?

By: Pillars of the Earth « Off The Beaten Path

Pillars of the Earth « Off The Beaten Path — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:37:38 +0000

[...] time one of the blogs I subscribe to posts a story on hiking the road to Santiago de Compostela. http://www.vagabondish.com/hiking-camino-de-santiago-de-compostela/ Until this book, I had never heard of Santiago de Compostela. Maybe it’s sign. Maybe I [...]

By: Tony P

Tony P — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:52:11 +0000

Wow! Very inspiring. Thanks for the article, Sil. My wifes been talking about moving back home to Madrid in the next year or two, so this might actually come to fruition.

Should it happen, I’ll make sure to keep you guys in the loop!