Job Discussion Forums

highlander_2005 · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 9

Am heading to Spain around the second week of September to take a three month Spanish course. I will have 9 days between arriving and the course starting so was hoping to get the last 100 mile leg of the Camino in.

Has anyone done the walk? Where does the last 100 mile leg begin from?

Any tips or advice gratefully received.

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

I have done it -- but what I'd recommend would be NOT just doing the last 100km. Do it when you've got a little more time and can do a whole lot more, say from Roncesvalles or Pamplona.

It's much more of an "experience".

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I would like to do it one day. Sir Kirby, how long did you spend on the walk? Would you recommend using a tent or staying in hostels/hotels? And where is Roncesvalles? It sounds French.

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

I have walked the Camino twice. First from Roncesvalles and then from Monasterio a bit north of Seville. I also started the Camino del Norte from Irun, but packed it in after San Sebastian. All you need is a change of clothes, a toothbrush and good shoes. The alburgues will run you about 5 euros a night and there is cheap food readily available throughout the route. I have seen pilgrims begging outside the cathedrals, but that is so medieval.

Roncesvalles is in the mountains just this side of the french border where Roland got snuffed by the moors in "The Song of Roland" except it was the Basques. I recommend starting from there. You can probably make it to Burgos and see the Real Convento de las Huelgas and the Cathedral in 9-10 days. You might also try leaving from Leon which would let you see Astorga and take on O Ceberio.

Spanish bookstores are full of guides to the Camino. I like the one by Everest.

There is simply no better way to get to know Spain, but nobody walks the Camino without being changed except for maybe the young borachos who only do the last 100 km for a lark.

Buen Camino Peregrino

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

highlander_2005 · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 9

So the general consensus is, don't do the Camino unless you can do the whole thing. I want to, but finding 4 to 5 weeks to accompllish it isn't possible at the moment.

Can anyone recommend some good hiking routes through southern Spain, or links to any tours?