walking or cycling?

[Veronike]

We are planing to do el Camino next summer (only 10 days). We would like to know from somebody that has done it walking and cycling and hear which way was the most fulfilling experience, and why they will prefer one over the other. Thank you!

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Veronike ~
Mary Wallis has written an excellent book on the camino that describes how she and her husband biked it first, then how she returned to absorb it in more depth on foot. As she biked she found herself admiring pilgrims who walked, and she came to believe biking was rushing too fast over important and interesting territory. Her book is at Amazon.com: Among the Pilgrims: Journeys to Santiago de Compostela (9781412007962): Mary Victoria Wallis: Books

I've contemplated biking the camino but my wife reminded me that my top reason for doing the camino is the many friendships and long conversations over weeks that the camino provides. She suggested I wouldn't be happy in the more solitary, briefer camino of a biker and I think she's right.

[turlonegres]

Hi Veronike
As a veteran camino cyclist I can tell you that cyclists definitely do miss out on much of the camaraderie among walkers due to the speed of travel and the unlikely chance of meeting up with the same group of pilgrims on the way!.
To my mind cycling is in many ways physically tougher yet I would still highly recommend it - especially if time is of the essence.
Of course it is possible to cycle shorter distances each day and have more time to meet others along your way.
I often envy the walkers who do get a much deeper experience.
When cycling it isn't always possible to stay in the smaller refugios as walkers have first call on beds.