Trip Planning Questions

[eljefepaul]

Hello Forum Members,

I am looking to do my first pilgrimage to SdeC and was hoping someone could offer some insight...looking to do a three week trip with two weeks of hiking...figure that will give me plenty of time to have a relaxing tour, time to explore towns /areas. The two questions i have are which route should i take? Northern route along Gijon, route through Leon, or Portuguese route from Porto...? Planning on going in July...looking for a tour with appealling nature vistas, and some quiet stretches. I heard the mesatas are a necessity which i think covers the northern route.

Second question is how many miles can i expect to trek a day. I'm a triathete so conditioning won't be an issue but unfamiliar with terrain and/or what can be expected. No sure how far away I should start from SdeC.

Lastly whats the consensus on Finisterre is it worth the additional 3-4 day hike out?

Thank you so much for any help, direction...
Really looking forward to the trip!

[Leslie]

With three weeks I would walk from pamplona or Leon - the mesata is great I love it but some find it boring.

The walk to Finisterre is okay - a bit of a let down after Santiago - but watching the sunset is worth getting out there for the night - many go by bus.

[eljefepaul]

really?
pamplona seems twice as far as leon...
could run with some bulls before the hike...!

[Leslie]

I wasn't thinking of walking from Pamplona in 3 weeks - but enjoying the best part of the Camino and then perhpas get a bus to Santiago - or miss some parts to walk into santiago. But I always prefer the early part of the route to the later.

[jemcen12]

Has anyone walked from Paris to Santiago? How long does that take, walking 15-20km per day?

[Gazza]

Interesting Leslie we are starting at Burgos (time issues) will have to go back & do the first 300 as well....... are what an excuse to return.. the mountain trek sounds brilliant.

Curious abt Finisterre, is there accom out there??

Gazza

[Covey]

The "official" albergue in Finesterre will only let you stay if your pilgrim passport has the stamps for the stops between Santiago and Finesterre. If you go to Finesterre by bus, then you have to stay in one of the private albergues or the hotel.

[Gazza]

Thanx Covey.
The response to Q's from the whole forum is fantastic & has helped our planning hugely. Thanx again to all

Gazza