Camino Summary September 23

The end of a Camino is always a little unsettling. You have just spent the last few weeks simply walking. I generally walk for around 7 to 8 hours and frequently just drink water in that time and maybe have a light snack and some fruit. Then the first day after you get to SdC there is a good breakfast to eat and by the time you have finished you realise that ‘normally’ you would have already walked almost 10km. It feels strange to not be doing it. It is part of the reason why I like to have at least 1 full day in SdC to try to reset. I have spent the morning strolling around and getting the bits I want to take home. Had a wonderful light lunch of a variety of tapas and now enjoying a glass of white wine in the sunshine. The Camino is a strange experience- especially for those walking the first time. Often this will be the Frances and it will take 30 plus days to get here. You can see by the look on the faces of the pilgrims when they finally arrive the mix of strong emotions. It definitely gets to you. And for many the urge to repeat is strong! If you enjoy challenges, in every sense of the word, combined with day after day of ‘mindfulness’ then it is to be recommended. I have seen plenty of changes on the Camino since my first one 12 years ago. The Frances is much busier and better served. Other routes are also getting more popular. A few of my favourite places in SdC no longer exist, inc my favourite bar and favourite deli. On the plus side most Spanish cities, towns and villages are now much cleaner and in fact much better than those in U.K.  In addition, the Spanish places are now much more pedestrian friendly. Vehicles, and bikes, absolutely stop at pedestrian crossings and they are across most roads. At home it is not even safe to be on the pedestrian crossing in my village. 

Is this my last one? Possibly, it’s harder to find routes that avoid all or most of the Frances. Moreover, on the less walked routes it seems even harder to find a decent meal on the way. In fact the food quality and just as importantly, the wine quality has declined. I have had some outstanding, but often, simple meals on my Caminos but these were very few this time. I still love the physical and mental challenge and find I walk as far each day as I have ever had. The people you meet, both peregrinos and locals are as great as ever so who knows what will happen in the future. Ultreia!

P.S. I think we need and induction course for first time peregrinos. It should inc how to get up in an Albergue in the morning without making a noise or using a torch. How to let your eyes adjust to low light levels for those early morning starts - you really do not need a torch, especially when there is a full moon and street lights! In addition, if you really absolutely have to use sticks to walk (never understood why as I learnt to walk without aids at quite an early age) then please use rubber tips. Lastly, you phone does have a microphone and amplifier so there is no need to shout at it whilst holding is an arms length from you ears. Buen Camino. 

Arzua to SdC 39km

Started off with some dampness in the air but the rain stayed away for the day. So I only had about 3 hours rain in total and that was on a single morning from Sahagun. Today’s walk was simple and pleasant and fewer pilgrims on the road than expected. Got here just before 1500. Took the obligatory photo outside the cathedral, checked into my room, got my Compostela and was stinging a beer before 1600. All done! Buen Camino. 

Lingonde to Arzua 38km

 Lingonde to Arzua 38km

Another simple but pleasant day. Lots of people again but as always they thin out as the day goes on. Got talking to a Dutch man this morning as we both are using military rucksacks and it turns out he was in Napoli in the NATO HQs the same time as Christa and I and he lived in Lago Patria! Off to Santiago tomorrow, just another 38 km. As most of the pilgrims and tourists like to arrive in Santiago early in the morning it means few will go from here tomorrow. It also means that when I walk in tomorrow mid afternoon there should be very few walking in with me. I’m staying in St Martin de Pinario https://www.sanmartinpinario.es (    reservas@sanmartinpinario.eu) which is my absolute favourite place to stay in SdC. Flight is booked for  5 Oct and it seems like it’s getting full as the airline has already contacted me to ask if I would delay for a 250 euro credit - no thanks!

Sarria to Ligonde 38km

 Another hot but simple day and fortunately there was a reasonable amount of shade. This is now just over 100kms from Santiago and that is the minimum distance you have to walk to get the Compostela  - which is the pretty certificate sold by the church. The Frances was already very busy but now it gets even busier with those wanting to walk the shortest possible distance and still get their blessing. I must have walked past 100 pilgrims today! Off to Arzúa tomorrow, only 37km. 

HdC to Sarria 34km

Yesterday’s late lunch was excellent and even included the cheese from OC that I really wanted to try again. I went into a couple of places in OC to get some but they were way too busy to serve a customer. All turned out well, although I now think it is their extraordinary honey that really makes it magnificent! The walk today was simple and very pleasant. Fortunately there was frequent shade as it’s 34 deg plus here atm. Off to Lagonde tomorrow, about 38km. 

Villafranca to Hospital day Condesa via O’Cebreiro 34km

Left a little earlier this morning as I woke up at 0630 and was not sure where the day would end. A lot of road walking but by a river as well. Overall, quite pleasant. The clump up to O’C is supposed to be the longest of all the Caminos and it is quite a slog. It’s about 8kms uphill with an elevation gain of about 800m. And it was hot today. Still, got to the top OK and averaged 5.4km per hour since Villafranca so I was surprised by that as I thought it would be lower. Did not want to stay in OC not least because the Albergue there has 110 beds and the whole place would be crowded. Stopped at the next place, 3.4km down the road- Linares, but there were no beds anywhere. So walked on another 2.4km to Hospital da Condesa where there is a municipal Albergue ( so they cannot be booked) and I was only the second person there of 18 beds. I knew there was no bar or anything so I stocked up on the way. And Sod’s Law it turns out there is a bar and they do meals. However, the latest is 1600. Off to Sarria tomorrow, about 34km. 

Olvidado Summary

 A very short summary of my partial Camino Olvidado from La Robla (I walked the other half pre Covid when I then walked up the Salvador and onto the Primitivo) I still consider the Olvidado to be the best as far as the scenery and experience goes. I’ve walked around 10 others so far. However, if the Olvidado really is the gain greater popularity then it is essential that somehow they improve the services and bars/food so it coincides with more of the Albergues. I stayed in some great places and met some wonderful people but I did get a bit bored with my limited, although adequate, menus. There were few bars open on the way during the day, except for one place today that had 3 bars open all within a 100m of each other! Personally, I prefer the empty Caminos but it’s not good for the local prosperity. 

Congosto to Villafranca 38km

Yesterday had one of those little Camino moments. After doing my chores I went across to the bar for a pasty and a beer( or 2). In the bar listening to me trying to establish what time they closed and how to pronounce the names of the various pasties was what turned out to be a French lady who helped me out. She asked if I was ok for food and things and I confirmed all was well. She, Natasha, lives in a nearby village called San Justo de Cabanillas and mentioned they have lots of fruit. About 2 hours later a car pulls up outside the Albergue and a man jumps out to give me a bag from Natasha full of pears and grapes!  Turns out he works at the Rock Suites and Spa next to the church on top of the hill overlooking Congosto. He said that sometimes pilgrims stay there!  When I looked it was a min of around 88euros. Whereas here tonight I have a wonderful single apartment complete with on suite facilities and a ExpressPro machine - all for a donation ! Still, I bet I could get a proper meal up there! Back to today’s walk. The walk from Congosto to Cabanas Raras was fairly dull, mostly because it was almost exclusively on tarmac. Although there are some non road alternates that Enders did not use for some reason. Only 4km or so on the other side of the reservoir. However, the highlight was having a wolf run across the road about  150m in front of me. By the time I got my phone camera out it was too far away to get a good shot. Hopefully, I will be able to do something with it when I get home. Quite surprised to see one there as it was near an industrial unit and a relatively busy road. Far more expected to see one after Fasgar especially after all the locals there said don’t start you walk up the hill until full daylight owing to the bears and wolfs! The rest of the walk was mostly on tracks and it joins the Frances at Cacabelos where I met the crowds. Pleasant stroll into Villafranca and the one good thing here is that there are loads of places to eat!  Off to ??? not sure yet owing to a lack of booking! But around 38km or so. 

Iguena to Congosto 35km

A very pleasant and simple walk today with lots of very grand sweet chestnuts trees, holly oaks and cork bark oaks. A few ups and downs but nothing overly significant. I lets about 45 mins before sunrise when there was adequate light to walk by as I wanted to try to complete the day without too much full sunshine. As it happens this got me up the to of the first hill to be able to see the sun rise. Congosto is a relatively small town with a good Albergue but the only bar does not make meals. However, they do have the Spanish equivalent of pasties so I’m ok. Off to Villafranca tomorrow which is the formal end of the Olvidado and then back to the crowds on the Frances for the last 5 days of so. 

As always I used Enders Wikiloc tracks, the way markers and mapy. Normally this mostly coincide and any differences are less than a km different. However, this was not the case today. Just after Quintana de Fuseros the way markers and Wikiloc took a right turn and then drifts across a few places and heads to Noceda. No idea why as the mapy option look much better and head s more directly to Labaniego.  It certainly appears better if like me you intend to carry on to Congosto. As I followed Enders track and then took an alternate route to join the Camino at Atlanta. 

Fasgar to Iguena 20km

It was a lovely walk. About 3.5km yo the top which took me just under an hour and a simple track to follow. Fantastic views when you get to the top looking down to a broad valley with a stream running through it. From there the track is all just about downhill. However, much of it from the hermitage is on very rough ground which is very rocky. Would not want to do it in the wet. Collinas del Campo de Martin Moro Toledano is a pretty place but appeared closed. Lots of recent of wild boars through the valley but no sightings!  Albergue here is very nice but unfortunately the bar is closed!! However, another on down the road, Anabel, is open until 1530 and the little shop next door is open until 1430. So it’s a bit of shopping ready for tomorrow then an early dinner. One of those strange Spanish things today is that I had a 3 course menu La dia with wine coffee and an apertivo. My Spanish Camino friend had 2 small beers and a few croquettes. My bill was 14 euros his was 15! Off to Congosto tomorrow about 38km but the mountains are behind me now!

Robles I de Oman’s (La Magia del las Nubes) to Fasgar 26kms

Stayed at Laura and Anna’s place last night as planned and saw little point in them having to get going early to take me back to Riello. So I checked on Mapy.cz and there seems to be a good track to El Castillo which is on route to Fasgar so I took that this morning. It was a lovely route and quite easy to follow. The only slight hiccup was at Santibanez de Arienza where there were 8 large and very barky dogs in the road. I just kept walking and waved my hiking stick ( it’s about the only time I ever use it!) and the more determined ones. They have in after about 100m but if you do not like dogs they could be a problem. The rest of the way was a gradual climb through lots of little places following the valley up to Fasgar.  In the Albergue now, with another Spanish pilgrim. Unfortunately, the bar next door that is supposed to at least rolls has no food as they have no bread!! It looks like tuna agin tonight. Off to Iguena tomorrow. Only 19km but over the 2nd highest pass on the Camino and little choice afterwards. I walked over what is supposed to be the highest when I walked the Madrid into Segovia a few days back. 

La Robla to Riello via La Magdalena 34kms

Started at around 0645 this morning as I had to be at Riello no later than 1530 when Laura and Ana finished work. There were a few hills on the way so I wanted to ensure I had ample time. That said, I got here at 1330. It was a great walk today and the weather stayed fine. However, it was only 2 degrees when I left. The walk from LR to LM was very simple and a fairly constant uphill gradient until the final section that heads down to LM. Mostly on or near the road but I did not see a vehicle the whole way. After that it gets really interesting as there are quite a few ups and downs and gets to 1298m at its highest point. Great tracks with lots of variety and fantastic scenery. Reminds me of what the Camino is about for me. Off to Fasgar tomorrow but not sure what time I’ll get to start as I need the ladies to give me a lift back to Riello when they go to work. 

Leon to La Robla (Camino San Salvador) 38km

A great day’s walk and a wonderful change from the last 2 days which were very flat and mostly near a road. Leon was a lovely lively city and the walk out was very pleasant for the outskirts of a big city. Then it was up into the hills on windings tracks with some stiff climbs and great views. It was 3 degrees when I started today and it’s now 17. I’m hoping for good weather tomorrow as it’s up the hills a bit more and about 34kms. I’m heading for Riello (about 34kms) , via La Magdelana, as LM is only 16km. No formal places to stay in Riello, however, others on the forum have mentioned 2 very kind ladies that help pilgrims. They work In Riello but are happy to provide a room and food as well as a ride out to their house (about 8kms) and back to Riello in the morning. I called them and they said yes of course we can help. 

Reliegos to Leon 25kms

A short day to Leon to get me well placed for the 29kms uphill to La Robla tomorrow. Started off dry but chilly and did not get above 14 degrees when I arrived at the  Albergue at just before 1200. Did all my essentials and then took a stroll that included a lovely light lunch of tostada (think half a long ciabatta toasted) with roasted leeks (a local specialty), olive oil, semi dried tomatoes and sardines. Yummy. Took a general stroll around the city and it’s a very pleasant place with lots of history. Now trying to plan my stages on the Camino Olvidado after La Robla. 

Sahagun to Reliegos 32km

Bit more awkward than my other days as the ideal town to stay had no beds at all. That’s a common problem on the busy Camino Frances now. So I decided to walk and see. Started earlier than normal and left just after 0630. It’s not full daylight until after 0800 and fortunately my night vision is good and there was no one around with their dam headlights to ruin my vision. Then had about 4 hours of rain. As I am heading north from Leon to La Robla which is about 29 kms and uphill most of the way,I expect to stay in Leon which really leaves me 2 short days. I thought I would head for Reliegos and it’s public Albergue. With 44 places I thought there would be space - and there was plenty, so here I am. Which leaves me a very short 25km day to Leon tomorrow. 

Cuenca de Campos to Sahagún 40kms

A simple walk today that was unremarkable, mostly flat and well marked. Villon was the first stop as there was a bar open before 0900. I grabbed a coffee and walked on. There are some quite remarkable buildings in the town and it makes you wonder how they stay up. I say first stop, but there was nothing else to stop for on the way. I had a satsuma and some cured ham to eat on the way so was fine. I am staying at Hostal Escarcha (listed on Gronze). Quite a few other places I contacted today were full. Welcome to the Frances. Walked into the main square and there are about 4 bars all with peregrinos outside. I saw 4 in total on the Madrid.

Castelmonte to Cuenca de Campos 38km

 Castelmonte to Cuenca de Campos 38km

Lovely clear sky to start and a little chilly. Easy route to Median di Rioseco and got there about 1000. A clearly beautiful town but at the time not a lot already open. Popped into a couple of place but they only had sweet things to eat so carried on through the town and just before the start of the canal there is every peregrinos saviour,  Dia supermarket!  Topped up my general supplies and bought a couple of savoury treats. Eat this in the little park at the head of the canal. Seems strange to me they did not have a cafe there. Then followed the lovely track alongside the canal towards Tamariz. Again, at the end of the end of the canal theirs is an old and very dilapidated mill building. Probably a factory in its time. 5 storeys high and mostly surrounded by water. Now just a wreck and nothing there. Seems a real pity as in many other countries it would be a destination with bars and boat. Carried on to Tamariz and as it was only 1300 walked on again. Planned to stop in Cuenca and hoping the Tata was open. It was!  Got there at 1500 and they stopped serving food at 1600 so opted to stay there as well. Did not think I could be certain of getting into the albergue and wash and changed in time! Had a fantastic meal. Room was 25 euros and the meal was 17 euros including a very good bottle of rose and second helpings of the main course!  They also served vegetables! Having a short stroll atm to walk off lunch! Unfortunately, there seems to be nowhere open here this evening! Maybe Sahagún tomorrow? Is tomorrow really my last day on the Camino Madrid? Any recommendations for the place to stay?

Puente Douro to Castelmonte. 37kms

A tougher day than the distance would lead me to expect. In part because there are a few sneaky steep but short hills but also because I picked up a cold on fri which has reduced my energy levels. On top of that I pulled a lower back muscle on sun morning!  OK when I am walking but the transition with the rucksack is awkward. All that said it was a nice hike with plenty of small places to break up the day. Picked up some bread and cheese in a very small shop in Cigunuela and had a coffee somewhere I can’t remember! Now waiting outside the albergue. There are numbers call on the door at it states it’s open from 0900 to 2200. They came within 10 minutes of my call. Great albergue lots of space and a washing machine. Kitchen has great facilities which is useful as the one bar seems not to do any food. Fortunately I always bring something as there was little open from my start to here. I know that previous posters (David Taland??) have said there were 2 bars but the lady opening the albergue insists now there is only 1. And there is only one on their map. Off to Cuenca de Campos tomorrow - I think!

Villeguillo to Puete Duero 43kms

 The meal at bar social was very average last night. Just the equivalent of sausage egg and chips. Disappointingly average. Lovely walk today mostly overcast then a short spell of rain then sunshine. At least the rain damped down the sand on the track. As lovely as the pine forests are I have seen enough of them. Got to Acazaren at 1030 and felt a little tired already. However, after a large coffee and half a metre of tostadas with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and ham I was ready for the next section. This was at Bar Hogar(?) and for only 5 euros. The albergue at PD is a lovely place and Sarah is a great host. Seems all the restaurants have gone on their holidays at the same time!  So she is cooking. Unfortunately, it’s another tortilla. However, as home cooked I have my fingers crossed. Probably off to Castromonte tomorrow. No Wi-Fi again so no pictures- nothing special to see in any case. 

Nieva to Villeguillo 28kms.

Lovely clear morning again and a very well marked way. Mostly through pine forests which gave plenty of shade. However, the ground is sand so not the best of surfaces for long walks. Go to Coca at 1130 and had a choice of at least 3 bars for coffee. Then carried on towards Villeguillo. Still undecided whether to stop there of not. However, when I arrived the Bar Social was open (it closes 1600 to 1900) and they confirmed they would do food that night. The albergue key holder’s address is on the bar door. Had a small beer and a snack while checking the rain radar. I felt plenty strong enough to walk the additional 17kms and it looked like the rain would stay away for a couple of hours. I set off towards Alcazaren but it started to rain lightly after 20 mins. Left me in a quandary. Turn back or go on?  I turned back as I new there was a good albergue there with a place to eat and I did not want to have to walk another 17km in the rain. Plus it’s a bit early for 40km plus day. The albergue here is very pleasant. Simple but well maintained with a fridge and microwave. Also the bar social was very welcoming. Probably off to Puente Duero tomorrow. No Wi-Fi here so not uploading photos- nothing special in any case. 

Segovia to Nieva 38km

. Left at 0730 and artist 1530.  I ate at Munoz 2 last night that is just 50m up the road from the Hostal. Not as expensive as the main tourist places down the road. I also introduced the waiter called Cesar to the SayHi app. Quite intense thunderstorms last night but all dry again by morning. I could see rain in the distance north of me but it kept moving away. In fact stayed dry until I arrived at the AirBnB place when we got a little bit of rain. Lovely simple walk today that started with a bit of a surprise as I heard the roar of modern day dragons behind me as hot air balloons started lifting off apparently from within the city. Track was well marked and it stayed partly cloudy most of the way which was a relief given the flat stretches that this stage involves. That said there were a few pine forests being harvested and this was the first time I have noticed mistletoe on pine trees. No services on the way but the bar in SMlRdN was open so I stopped for a beer and a snack. There is a local store as well but it was closed. Quite surprisingly there was a Pharmacy open in Nieva. The place I am staying is convenient for me as I wanted somewhere beyond SMlRdN. If is a bit hippy dippy with composting toiles and rustic huts but it has the key requirements and they offer a meal. However, expensive at 40 euros. I’ve stayed in much better albergues. Not sure about tomorrow yet. Coca is too close at 20km. Alcazaren is OK at 45kns if the weather is ok. Other alternative is Villeguillo but not sure of the services there. I will decide on the way - may the Camino provide. 

Cercedilla to Segovia 30km

Had a late lunch (1630) in Cercedilla yesterday as nothing near the Hostal and I was not sure if the ones in town would serve dinner. Left at 0730 and got to the Hostal at 1400. Great walk today and quite tough. I even had to stop a few times for a rest. Certainly matches some of the harder days on the Norte and Olvidado. Just about straight uphill from the Hostal for about 8km to the highest point of about 1800m. The first half is simple enough as it is either by the road or on forest tracks. Then you get to the first of the wonderful Roman bridges and onto an ancient road. I’m sure it was flat when built but if has degraded somewhat over the years. It gradually gets steeper and more degraded until you are mostly scrambling over small rocks. Really pleased to see the top. From there it was mostly downhill through pine forests and then meadows as you get nearer to Segovia. Fortunately, until the last 7kms or so it was primarily in the shade. Staying at Hostal Don Jaime I y II which is right in the centre and near to the Camino. Off to AirBnB at Nieva tomorrow, about 35kms but it should be less hilly. Anyone stopped in Villeguillo recently?  Is there somewhere to eat?

Colmenar to Cercedilla 36 kms

 The storms and rain stayed away and all was great last night. Opted to eat at the hotel which proved to be a good choice. A bottle of wine and a bottle of water plus a 3 course meal with coffee was only 16 euros.   It was a great walk today. Left at 0730 and arrived in  Cercedilla at 1500. Recorded as 36kms. Route out of Colmenar Viejo is well marked and follows a grit and granite tack for most of the way to Manzanares de Real. Mostly easy walking with a few scrambles. Had 2nd breakfast in MdR at Hostel La Pedriza. Coffee and a lovely chunk of tortilla. Got here just before 1030. Rest of the route was well marked but could have done with more shade. There was some talk in previous threads about avoiding the big loop in the road after Navacerrada and using the GR route instead that cuts across. When I walked there today there was a Camino arrow just after the big restaurant where you cross the M-601 that took a path to the left and cut a big section off. Even better it had a fair bit of shade. Photo from Mapy.cz attached. Staying in the Hostal Longinos tonight ready for the high trek tomorrow to Segovia. 

Off to Colmenar Viejo about 27kms

 Left the hotel on the outskirts of Madrid at around 0730. It was dry and warm at the start but probably nearer 26 degrees c by the time I stopped. The route out was marked but not reliably. I do wish they would stick to the simple yellow arrows as then you know what to look for. I used Mapy.cz and Wikiloc to navigate. Once the suburbs ended and I got ink to the more open space the markings were much better. The official markers, Mapy.cz and Wikiloc all showed the same route until near the end of the open area just before you get back near to the road and railway. At this point the arrows had been remarked and showed a different route to my maps. However, a quick check showed the old route was closed so now you just go the other side of the rail line. Rest of the way into Tres Cantos was straightforward. I did not stop to detour into Tres as I intended to stop on the route to eat my lovely fresh roll with tuna and olive oil. After the short break I headed off towards my day’s destination. A well marked route that crosses a river about 11 times. All crossings had the normal stone blocks as stepping stones but a few were missing. Luckily, I only lost my balance once. However, glad I was not there a week or so ago when they had torrential range. You can still see the scars in the landscape. Arrived at the Grand Hostel El Chiscon in Colmenar Viejo just after 1300. Must say it was bigger and grander than I expected. I plan to eat on the Hostel tonight as there does not seem to be much else in the immediate area and it popular at lunch. Off to Cercedilla tomorrow. It’s 1500 and I can hear thunder and lightning close by. I hope it’s all gone by tomorrow. 

Madrid Day 1. 11 September 23

 Camino Blog

Started well with the flight being on time. Landed in terminal T4s which meant a short ‘train’ ride to the exit. Found the way to the RENFE station ok and managed to negotiate the ticket machine with no major hiccups!  Expected to get line C1 to Chamartin and the change to C4 for Sol. However, when I got off at Chamartin it turns out there are works going on so I could not change lines there. Found out I should have stayed on the first train until Nuevos Ministerios and then changed for Sol. At least I found my way in the end. Then a short walk to Iglesia Santiago y San Juan Bautista and a wait until 1800 for it to open. Turns out there is a Camino marker and map for the Camino in the square outside the church now. After getting my credencial stamped at the church I had a short 10 km stroll to my first nights accommodation along the Camino at Hostal Royal Begona. I mostly followed a Wikiloc track as the Camino passes within about 200m of the room. It was a simple enough stroll, although I am no fan of cities. Saw a couple of other Camino markers on the way but nothing consistent. Off to Gran Hostal El Chiscón at Colmenar Viejo tomorrow. 

 Amended the plan slightly now as I intend to go to Iglesia Santiago y San Juan Bautista from the airport for the formal start of the camino then head about 8km out from Madrid to my first night’s accom which reduces the next day’s distance to about 27km to Colmenar Viejo. Next day will then be about 35km to Cercedilla. Then off to Segovia which is about 30kms. After that I will see how things feel!

 Flight now booked for 11 Sep and then off to Tres Cantos on 12 Sept. Credential ordered and detailed planning started - booked the first few nights accom as far as Segovia then I will wing it from there as I get a better feel for how my body is!

Camino Madrid??

 My last camino was the Oct 19 when I walked the Camino Olvidado to Buiza, then the San Salvador to Oviedo and finally the Primitivo to SdC. 

Now looking for a new adventure and considering starting on the Camino Madrid then walking the first part of the San Salvador that I missed last time and then onto the last bit of the Olvidado that I again missed last time. After that I will need to decide to either repeat the Invierno that I walked in 2017 after the Sureste or the end of the Frances which I have probably walked part of around 5 times. As always, I have read through the various Camino Madrid threads and am well used to using the likes of Wikiloc and Gronze. 

It is likely, that I will not start until Sept 23 as I am busy in spring and it will be too hot after that. I am hoping that there will be a few people posting on here before Sept so I can see what the latest accommodation options are…...

Let the planning commence. Flight booked for Sept 11