Camino Frances

[Atreus]

All my children are now off at Uni and so I'm going to take some time out for me! I'm going to spend 6 weeks walking the Camino Frances, approx 800 km across Northern Spain. Just wondering if anyone has done this and what your top hints and tips would be. Beyond excited at the prospect of flexibility and freedom!

Thanks! Lovely photos too.

Atreus what a wonderful, inspiring adventure! My MIL did 6 weeks on the camino aged 69 and I remember collecting her from the airport grubby, burnished and full of stories. She loved it.

DD13 has mentioned she’d like to try it for a week next summer. I’d go with her. I’m not sure if she’s too young? Anyone done it with a teen?

How much money would you need per week for food etc?
Where did you stay and do you need to book ahead??

There were quite a few younger teens walking with one or both parents when I was walking (it was the end of the Easter holidays). They were all doing brilliantly but walking slightly shorter daily distances and not carrying full packs. The last section (Sarria to Santiago) would be a great section.

@BoopBoopBoDiddley You have a pilgrim passport (see photo) which then allows you to stay in the albergues or pilgrim hostels along the route. Only people walking the Camino can stay in the albergues and they cost between 10 and 20 euros a night. This is in a shared dormitory. Great to meet people but earplugs definitely required! Or some albergues have private rooms or there are pensions/hotels. Private rooms cost anywhere between 25 and 200+ euros per night depending on how luxurious you want it. There are some 5* Parador (historic hotels along the route which looked amazing). I tended to stay in albergue dorms for 5 or 6 nights and then treat myself to a cheapish private room. You collect a stamp at each albergue (and also at churches, cafes, restaurants if you want). And if you’ve collected 2 stamps a day for the last 100km before Santiago you can get a certificate (a Compostela) when you arrive in the city.

Many albergues and restaurants on the Camino do a pilgrim evening meal. It’s simple but 3 courses including wine or water and costs around 12-15 euros. Then factor in around 15 euros total for breakfast and lunch. Some people like to book their entire route’s accommodation in advance, others prefer wing it. Some albergues don’t accept advance bookings are are first come first served. I booked the first 4 days in advance before I left the U.K. to get into the swing of it, and then tended to book 1-2 nights ahead (either directly with the albergue or many of them are on booking.com). I liked knowing where I was walking to each day, being able to take my time and not having the concern of not being able to find a place to stay when I arrived.

So this was a v long-winded way of saying you can do it for under 50 euros a day, and you don’t have to book ahead, although many people do.

Thank you for the wonderful thread and updates @Atreus

I have found 10mins on mumsnet more useful than loads of research elsewhere!

I feel so inspired and like I have a clue what I'm doing now.

@Atreus and I have just seen your updates

Glad you had an amazing time ! And here's to our next camino whenever that shall be !