On-line guide

[Sil]

Johnnie Walker has compiled an online guide to the camino Ingles which can be downloaded from the csj.org.uk website. Leave a small donation in lieu of payment.
I walked this route in June 2009 and found the guide invaluable. This is a picturesque route - similar in landscape and scenery to the rouite from Sarria - which qualifies one for the Compostela. Whereas the Frances route from Sarria to Santiago was overcrowded with pilgrims, we did not see one other peregrino on the Ingles - not even a cyclist which makes it a good alternative to those wanting to earn the compostela but avoid crowds.
Take a bus from Santiago to Ferrol - or, if you have walked to Sarria on the Frances, get a bus to Lugo and then to el Ferrol.

[Brad]

Originally Posted by Sil

Johnnie Walker has compiled an online guide to the camino Ingles which can be downloaded from the csj.org.uk website. Leave a small donation in lieu of payment.
I walked this route in June 2009 and found the guide invaluable. This is a picturesque route - similar in landscape and scenery to the rouite from Sarria - which qualifies one for the Compostela. Whereas the Frances route from Sarria to Santiago was overcrowded with pilgrims, we did not see one other peregrino on the Ingles - not even a cyclist which makes it a good alternative to those wanting to earn the compostela but avoid crowds.
Take a bus from Santiago to Ferrol - or, if you have walked to Sarria on the Frances, get a bus to Lugo and then to el Ferrol.

In late Septemebr of next year I will have two weeks in Europe, about one week in Spain. My wife wants to do enough next year to earn her Compostella. I am torn bewteen the Camino Ingles versus the last week on the Camino Frances. My wife is in fair condition (we are both approaching 60). I am wondering which route is the more demanding?
also, is finding lodging on the Ingles difficult? I speak Spanish fairly well, (well, Latin American version anyway), so am not intimidated in asking directions. I want her to enjoy the week, and not just be an endless slog.

Your advice?

Brad

[Sil]

How wonderful to be planning a camino walk next year! As you know, it is a Holy Year - the last until 2021 - so the camino routes will all be busy but none more so than the Camino Frances which, I think, is going to be like a highway!
Neither route are especially difficult although there are lots of up-and-downs as far as terrain is concerned. (The Ingles has one particular hill which is a real tester but not a mountain by any means.) Both routes are through similar rural, subsistence farmland, with dry stone walls, small villages, forests and gentle, undulating countryside.
I would recommend the Camino Ingles simply because there won't be such a bun fight for beds, or the large groups that there will be on the Frances.