walking 2011

[mel410]

Hi we are hoping to do a section of the camino in July 2011 but can't decide which route to take. we only have 7/8 walking days available. I have heard that the wineroute section is a good option for first time walkers. I would love any suggestions / advise. We are also thinking of using one of the companies that offer to book accommodation and transfer luggage to each stopover (followthecamino) I know this is a "cheat" but this holiday is a real treat for us as we are coming from South Africa and due to the limited time don't want to ruin our walk by struggling with backpacks and stressing about finding a place to stay.
thank you
Regards
Mel

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Mel and welcome to the Forum. I'm sure other pilgrims will have their own opinions, but if I had only 7/8 days I would start at Roncesvalles and walk as far as Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This would give you some nice forested sections, followed by vineyards, followed by rolling hills of wheat. Not sure what time of the year you'd be thinking of, but fall has the grape harvest, while spring brings beautiful greenery. Any season of the year the Camino takes you through the vineyards of Navarra and La Rioja. This route would allow you to see Pamplona, a nice tourist-friendly town, and Logrono, which is the capital of the La Rioja wine region.

There are many other good choices for 7/8 days: The Meseta from Burgos to Astorga, Galicia from about Villafranca del Bierzo to Santiago to name two. Each as its pluses and minuses.

Hope this helps. Buen camino ~
Sandy Brown