A fine walk

[Atlantic]

I did this Camino in springtime. It is a very fine walk, tho' I suggest it is better suited to those who are already experienced in other caminos. It is solitary, mostly. It lends itself to contemplation and introspection, which I value. There are only 300 a year who do this way, against 250,000 on the Frances. Which is a lovely way, but I did it when only 5000 walked that way, and now I won't go back.

If you want to walk here, the CSJ do a simple guide, which I think is the better for being simple - I dont like guidebooks which tell me each step to take. There are little guides fromCastilla and Leon also but I believe you can only get them in Spain, which I did.

The CM is one of my favourite ways. But only do it in spring or autumn, when you will not be roasted.
I have about 20 words of Spanish, but I can tell you I make those words work hard. You will want at least phrasebook Spanish here. I found the people generous and welcoming.

[Covey]

I was thinking of walking the Camino from Madrid next year but will have to change my normal July to September start time.

I started the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon this year on the 3rd September and found walking 30+km days in constant 30c heat to be very tiresome, but I suspect it would be much nicer in Spring.

I was thinking of a May start next year, and that way I don't have to wait too long to pull on my boots again!!

[Atlantic]

Hi Covey, Yes, please don't do this way in summer. It can be brutally hot, and one risks failure, or at least not enjoying the camino. However, if you like high quality caminos (my definition!) then do plan on doing this walk. May would be perfect - lots of wild flowers then.

In Tres Cantos, the albergue is in the basement of the ayuntamiento, but they don't let you in till midnight. Out at 7.00 am. Thats not a complaint, but I didnt know that or I would have planned differently. I started outside of Madrid, as the first kilometres didnt appeal. I wont walk through industrial zones just to stick to a route.

The mountain stretch between Cercedilla and Segovia is very beautiful, a treasure, but I found the stage too long. I had to spend another day in Segovia because I was so tired. There is no albergue in Segovia ( but there are two youth hostels) so I went 3 ks to Zamarramalla, where there is a refuge in the ermita there - no electricity or water. Corrie th hospitalera is lovely ; she speaks good English too, if you need that. I liked it there.

I was thinking of walking the Camino from Madrid next year but will have to change my normal July to September start time.

I started the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon this year on the 3rd September and found walking 30+km days in constant 30c heat to be very tiresome, but I suspect it would be much nicer in Spring.

I was thinking of a May start next year, and that way I don't have to wait too long to pull on my boots again!!

[Atlantic]

Hi from Alcazaren, on this cold Camino de Madrid. The temps are fine for walking tho´the refugios are a bit cold. I have only met one walker so far, a Spanish man. In Villeguillo albergue, I counted an average of 50 a year in that pueblo, if everyone signed the pilg book.

This way is as beautiful as ever, tho´the sky is often overcast. I´ve had no rain except at night, which is fine!

No, this route is not for everyone, and only you can decide that.

There is a new alb being built at Zamaramalla,to replace the old hermita, with no light, water or toilets. But I like it, and will regret its passing. Zamaramalla means "looking on the fields of God", dating from the time of the Moors, a time of great tolerance and learning, which ended when the Spanish monarchs expelled the Moors and the Jews and started the Inquisition.

Tonight I stay in the new alb here.This way is well served with albs. I hope it never gets popular.