Camino Franc?s vs. Camino del Norte

[kastanya]

Hi!
I am a first time walker in need of some advice.

I am wondering how crowded Camino Franc?s is compared to el Norte? I will be doing el camino in May or June this year and I don't feel like walking with the rest of the world, I'm looking for peace and to bump into people every now and then. I also wonder what the weather is like during these months on the different caminos? Is it very rainy in on el Norte in May? What about views? Is one of them better?

Thank you

Lovisa

[bobo]

Hi Lovisa

I did the Camino Frances in March - April 2006 and Camino del Norte in May the following year.

On the Frances, for the first 2-3 weeks there were just enough people for company and to make some good friends, but not so many you couldn't get into the albergues. Once we reached Sarria (the last 100k) it was very crowded (it was Easter week) and you had to get to albergues by mid afternoon to get a bed. The weather was fantastic.

On the Norte, it was very quiet. We met very few other pilgrims, but the albergues are also pretty thin on the ground. But that meant we were less in the pilgrim cocoon and met really nice and interesting local Basques and Spaniards. The weather was dreadful - really wet and windy.

You pays your money (well, not much) and takes your choice. Both have their advantages.

Enjoy whichever you do
Bob

[kastanya]

Thank you for your answer. Very good to get your view since you walked both of them I still haven't decided what to choose but I believe either one will be a great experience. Thanks!