Transportation Alternatives along the Camino

[capearl]

Don't laugh at this (I know I am really sounding like a New Yorker now) but this is my first solo trip and I am curious to know (God forbid its needed) if buses run along the Camino. I am doing this trip alone for spiritual reasons and although I am quite fit and lead backpacking and hiking trips in the States- I have never spent 15 days on a trail hiking 15-20 miles/day.

So curious to know in the major cities (from Leon to Compostela de Santiago) can you get on a bus rather than hike if needed?

Also- lots of the literature says a sleeping bag liner is fine in August rather than an all out bag (9 ounces vs. 2 pounds 9 ounces). Any ideas? I plan on staying in Albergues...

[Covey]

The Spanish have a very well developed bus system which is cheap and reliable.

There is a bus route which tracks the Camino Frances from Burgos to Santiago run by ALSA which runs through Leon, Ponferrada etc etc.

There are local bus companies which run local stages to the main towns, but be aware that most local services do not run on Sundays.

I only take a silk sleeping bag liner in July/Aug and that is all you need. In Sept/Oct a light weight sleeping bag is better. As you will never sleep outside (unless you want to!!) a cheap and cheerful bag is fine. The temperatures inside the albergues do not require Everest temperature ratings for a bag!!

[Sil]

Capearl - don't underestimate yourself.
I never thought I could do a 2-day 90km walk: once I'd achieved that I realised that I could do a 5-day hike: having done that I walked 300km across England: then I knew that I could do 750km on the camino: which lead to a 1112km walk from Paris to Spain: and another 800km camino walk, and on and on and on ................
Each day is a new day. You get fitter and fitter as you go, not more and more tired! You'll meet wonderful people along the trail and won't want to lose touch with them by getting a bus a few days ahead.
And remember, you have to walk the last 100km to Santiago de Compostela (it means Saint James in the field of the stars) to earn the certificate - the Compostela.
Buen suerte!

[capearl]

Thank you for both of your posts- one eased my anxiety, the other boosted my confidence. Kinda think I'll be fine once I get going but I have become a weekend warrior hiker and never did 15 days in a row!