3rd time lucky

[hazyhorn]

Hi all
After 2 disasters I am finally off to Spain next week to do 7 days walking- a couple of questions- I arrive and leave from SDC and will join a friend so we will be starting a week from santiago-what is the best place to start and to get a bus to? Also- is a full on proper sleeping bag necessary, will it be very chilly at night?
Thanks for your help
Aine

[Covey]

If you are going to Santiago and have 7 days, then start at Sarria.

There is a regular daily bus from Santiago via the airport to Lugo, where you catch another bus to Sarria.

My first experience of the Camino was starting at Sarria. The trail is busy as many join at Sarria, but it gives a flavor of the Camino and is a reasonably gentle walk.

A sleeping bag is a good idea as it can still be a little chilly in the evenings. In July/Sept I do not carry a sleeping bag, and only take a bug treated silk sleeping bag liner. In May, a proper sleeping bag is better, but do not bother with something which you could take up Everest, just take a light bag to last you 5/6 nights.

[hazyhorn]

Hello again and thanks for the swift reply Covey- I did think of Sarria but that looks just over 100 kms- I was thinking of starting a bit further back possibly Triacastela or o Cebreiro-what do you think? We have 7 full days of walking but I am not sure how easy it is to get to these places- appreciate any replies
Aine

[Covey]

El Cebreiro is 152kms out from Santiago and Triacastela is 130kms, and are within range if you have 7 walking days available.

The Sarria - Santiago trip is usually called "7 days" because that allows for the arrival and departure days and 5 days walking/ambling along.

I am not sure about picking up a Pilgrim Passport from those albergues as they are not "usual" starting points, so if you have not already got a passport, I would suggest that when you get to Santiago airport, get the bus/taxi into Santiago and collect a pilgrim passport from the pilgrim office there. If you stand in front of the Cathedral, walk up the street on the right hand side of the Cathedral and then hang a right and the pilgrim office is there.(or ask any scruffy person with a pack on their back!!)

[Covey]

from:Unknown road to:42.885776,-8.533325 to:Praza do Obradoiro to:R?a do Vilar - Google Maps

Route from Santiago bus station to the Pilgrim Office

[hazyhorn]

Thanks once again Covey- It sounds like Sarria is a good option- especially for our first time so we may do that and I can pick up the passport from there-is it possible to pick one up for someone else or is this not done- I guess if not then we can sort something else out. Are the Lugo/Sarria buses frequent?
Many thanks
Aine

[Covey]

When you arrive at Santiago Airport, go to the Tourist Information desk in the main hall and they will tell you the time of the next bus to LUGO, where you change to another service to Sarria.

The bus service from Santiago to Lugo is run by Empresa Freire S.L.

They run a direct service from Santiago Bus Station to Lugo and the "all stops" service to Lugo which picks up at the airport. Depending on how long you have to wait for the airport to Lugo bus, it might be quicker to catch the bus to Santiago Bus Station, and catch the Santiago to Lugo Express direct service. If you have less than an hour to wait, then it is easier to have a coffee and something to eat at the airport and wait. You buy your ticket on the bus.

At Lugo bus station, go into the booking hall and buy a ticket to Sarria. If in doubt look for anyone carrying a rucksack cos they are going to the same place you are!!

When your bus arrives at Sarria bus station, cross the main road and walk up the hill heading toward the church. The old main street runs past the church and on out of Sarria and that is the Camino track as well. Along that street to the right you will find a number of albergues where you can stay the night and the Pilgrim Office was on the left last time I saw it, but last year it was being refurbished and had a temporary office. Ask in any of the albergues where it is this year!!

You cannot normally get a Pilgrim Passport without showing a National Passport, because they put the passport number on the pilgrim one.