Walking in July 2011

[Margarita]

Hi! I have wanted to do the Camino for years.The only time I can do it will be in July of 2011 and I hear July is really overcrowded. Have any of you walked in July? are the numbers of people really too much? I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance.

[Covey]

I have walked the Camino Frances starting in early July on two previous occasions and apart from the Sarria to Santiago stage, I would not have described it as overcrowded.

True, there are a lot of Pilgrims on the trail, from all over the world, and all age groups, and that is what makes it so interesting and fun. It can get quite warm walking the Meseta from Burgos to Leon, but I enjoy the heat so all in all, it is a good time to go.

I have never been unable to find a bed in an albergue, but you just have to adjust your routines to meet the daily circumstances. If there are a lot of Pilgrims walking the stage with you, then planning to walk until 5pm and then find a bed is not a smart move. I start walking at first light, take plenty of rest stops for refreshment and a chat, and aim to finish around 2pm at the latest. That way, you have plenty of time to walk and there will always be plenty of space in the albergues. Having stopped early afternoon, you will then have plenty of time to do your laundry and get it dry, have a few beers, have a look around town, and plan on where to eat that evening. Very civilised!!!

This year, being a Holy Year with everyone wanting to be in Santiago by 25th July, will be very busy, but next year will be "normal" again!!

[Margarita]

Thank you so much for your response, it is very encouraging.

[Covey]

Once you have read some of the posts on this Forum, you will have worked out that we are strong on the "How" and leave the "Why" to you to find out.

Just remember that at some time or another we were all "newbies" on the Camino, wondering what a Pilgrim Passport was and what kit to carry. If you have a question, just ask away.

[Gazza]

We just finished the Camino & basically walked all through July..... everybody told us how busy it was going to be (holy year & all). We basically followed Coveys concept. On the track at 6am finished by 1-2pm, & in the Meseta you really don't want to out there after that anyway. We had no trouble with accom at all.

Yes it did get very much busier from Sarria onwards as the mandatory 100km's clicked in & the solitude was lost, but it was simply a different Camino from then on. But still beautiful.

I sent my Sleeping bag on to Santiago, very early & only used silk liner. Got cool in Gallicia for one night but blankets were
available & my pullover was fine

Gazza

[Covey]

Not sure I can claim any credit for "Coveys concept" of walking the Camino in July, but it is just common sense really. July on the Camino Frances is usually very warm to hot weather, and it is better to walk when it is cooler. The late afternoons, especially on the Meseta, can be very hot indeed, and seems worse because you are tired, so starting early and finishing early is the smart way of walking.

Glad you enjoyed you enjoyed yourselves!