one week in October, which is best to see?

[mandyhike]

Hello All,

I am trying to plan a week of the camino during the first or second week of October (so leaving very soon, yipes!) and have some questions

I will be leaving and returning from Barcelona so was looking for a route that is easy to get to and back to BCN, that is pretty, and easy to follow for a first time walker. I also prefer to see some people on the walk as I enjoy meeting people and conversing (especially if I get lost!)

As it is wine season now I was thinking about:
Logrono to Burgos or
Pampalona to Logrono.

I have also read that Burgos to Leon is nice for the mesita. What is a mesita?

Which of these three routes would be best for the time of year and views? Is a sleeping bag needed or can just a sheet be carried? Do you have to book buses ahead of time or just go when you want?

October 12th is a holiday is this a good or bad thing for walking? Are there any wine festivals?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Mandy ~
Congrats on your upcoming Camino. You've chosen some great parts of the Camino. Here are my thoughts:

• Pamplona to Logrono is only 94 kms, certainly doable in 4-5 days, though perhaps little light. I'd personally set my sights a little higher -- perhaps planning on Santo Domingo de la Calzada (144 kms) as my destination. It's a pretty easy bus ride from there to Burgos (no need for advance reservations). The advantage for you of starting at Pamplona is that there's a train from Barcelona that can take you right there. Check out the Renfe site for details.
• Logrono to Burgos -- This is about the right distance for your available time (123 kms). It's a little more ambitious considering the climb over the Montes de Oca to get to San Juan de Ortega. On the other hand, just out of Pamplona is the Alto del Perdon, which is a fair climb. This option is more plowed wheat fields than vineyards as in the other option, and the walk into Burgos is not too nice.
• Burgos to Leon - The Meseta. This is a lovely stretch of flat land (mesa = table), but in my opinion it is most lovely when the wheat fields are growing or near harvest. I've only seen photos of the plowed fields, and though some call them very beautiful for me it would seem much less interesting than when the wheat is happening.

There are great views in both stretches. Yes, I'd certainly bring a sleeping bag. Sorry, no idea about the holidays or wine festivals but Google can help you there.

All the best to you!

[mandyhike]

Thanks so much for the information, very appreciated. I can't wait to go!

One last question. I will be arriving late (9pm) in Logrono. Will I have to get the credencial ahead of time in order to find and stay in an albergue there? Where do I get it?

Thanks!

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Mandy ~
I've never stayed in either of the Logrono albergues, so others will have to answer your questions. But in general all the large albergues have credenciales available for purchase. Here's a link to a downloadable brochure in English with contact info on places to stay and things to do for pilgrims in Logrono: http://www.logroturismo.org/camino/a...no_Ing-Ale.pdf . Many albergues close at about 9:00 - 10:00 in the evening, so you might want to have a backup plan for where to stay since you're getting in late.

Buen camino!