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

Camino 19 Summary

780kms in total for the Camino Olvidado to Buiza, then the San Salvador to Oviedo and finally the Primitivo to SdC. In truth, 22 days was a little short as I was just getting into the camino feel. Interestingly, it seems I am tending to walk further each day now. My first Camino was an average of around 25kms and now its nearer 40kms!

The Olvidado was excellent and the San Salvador was fine as a linking camino but nothing outstanding. The Primitivo felt akin to the Frances 10 years ago. Plenty of places to stay and eat and enough people to be companionable without being too busy. However, the last stretch on the Frances was a busy and annoying as I expected!

Enjoyed my time in SdC again and the San Martin Pinario (reservas@sanmartinpinario.eu) was excellent - sparse but clean and the food (especially the breakfast) was lovely. Must revisit the Colmado deli (same street as the bakers I used to use) next time…….

Arzúa to SdC 39 km

Arzúa to SdC 39 kms

The Albergue last night was fine but the crowd that turned up as a large group later afternoon were a pain. Clearly people walking the last 100km and having their suitcases(!) brought along in the coach. Noisy and disorganised and frustrating when they have their music and iPads in at 0200 in the morning. Pity they got woken up early in the morning when the peregrinos were getting ready to leave. It was a nice way in this morning with a clear blue sky. Lots of people always ahead and first thing was like an illuminated procession. However, they gradually thinned out and by the time I stopped for a beer about 2 km from the cathedral most had disappeared so luckily I had a pleasant slow stroll to the end. Now booked into the San Martin de Pinario for 2 nights before if fly home on Saturday. Buen Camino!

Ferreira to Arzua 35km

Ferreira to Arzua 35 km

Last nights Albergue was fine although the much touted paella was very average- I should have gone for the veggie option. Clear sky this morning although the mist hung around in the low ground until late morning. Lovely trek to Melide this morning which was mostly without other peregrinos in sight. However, this obviously changed once the Camino Primitivo met the Camino Francis. Then it was just one long line of noisy pilgrims clicking away with their sticks. However, the day was nice and I’m in a great Albergue called Via Lactea which is very clean, comfortable and well organised. Off the SdC tomorrow which is about 39kms away. This should work out well as I’ll pass most of the peregrinos from here and others will stop before SdC which should mean my last few kms will miss the crowds as I’ll get there around 1700. 

Vilar de Cas to Ferreira 42km

Vilar de Cas to Ferreira 42km

The Hostal A Pocina de Muniz that I stayed in last night was outstanding. The place was the quality of a 5 star hotel and if I was passing that way with my wife I’d make an effort to stay there. They have private double rooms for 50 euros and the complete place was amazing. Got up to light mist today that gradually turned to drizzle and then 3 hours of rain that necessitated getting the poncho out. However, it cleared up for the last 2 hours of the walk. And that pretty much describes the hike. Dull for the most part with about 80% tarmac but got better for the last section. Now staying in Albergue Nave de Ferreira which seems ok at the moment. Off to  Arzua tomorrow and Santiago de Compostela the next day. 

Fonsagrada to Vilar de Cas 39km

Pension Manolo was great last night and the food was excellent. They served food from 1900 to 2200, much to the disappointment of Coleen when I met her and her husband just outside of Fonsagrada as they couldn’t find anything to eat before 2100ish. A lovely walk again today and the sun was out all day. There are  a couple of stiff climbs in the early part but thereafter fairly easy.  Now staying at the Hostel A Pocina de Muniz - google it - an outstanding Albergue and Hostel. It’s 14 euros for an Albergue bed and the room is magnificent. I’ve been in many 5 star hotels that don’t have the style of this place. There is also dinner on site, so happy days. I’ve just booked my flight back to uk for 12 Oct and unfortunately there seems to be no direct flights so I’ve got to go via Barcelona and have a 5 hour stopover. 

La Mesa to Fonsagrada 42 km

 The Albergue last night was good but the food selection was very limited. Easy for me as I like a hearty cabbage soup and stewed goat However, it was plentiful and good. It was quite busy last night and about 14 of the 16 beds in the room I was in were occupied. Unfortunately, it appeared to be by a national snoring orchestra and one woman played the bass trombone notes all night. Misty when I got up this morning and the Albergue was totally disorganised as far as breakfast was concerned so I just started walking at 0745 when there was just enough light. It’s a steady climb out from the Albergue and then a long descent down to the embalse. Then of course there was a long hike back up again. In fact it’s pretty much up hill all the way - even the last 1km is up a steep hill. The mist cleared by the afternoon and it stayed like that for the rest of the day. A pleasant day that in parts were like strolling through the English countryside, just with noisier cows. Staying in pension Manolo tonight to avoid the snoring. Plan to head for Vila de Cas tomorrow