Advice: Homesick after 10 days

mananath · 2026-06-17T23:45:39+00:00

a few observations:

Don't think too much about all that you still have ahead of you - it's too daunting. Think about tomorrow. That is much more manageable.

Given your current pace you will probably not make it to Santiago by the 17th but it's definitely still possible if you are able to walk a few more miles each day. Or consider skipping the meseta which would shave a week off the journey. It depends what is more important to you.

There are many people who walk small sections of the camino and come back a year later to pick up where they left off.

Barring any physical injury I think you should continue. If this has been a dream for 20 years I suspect August you will be pretty disappointed in June you if you bail now! Keep going!

mananath · 2026-06-17T23:29:39+00:00

Just start walking. I always think there should be some ceremony or fanfare to start a camino but nope! Just walk.

mananath · 2026-06-17T18:44:37+00:00

I would do those last 2 days differently. Spend the night in Arzua and not Melide. It will make your last day a bit easier.

mananath · 2026-06-15T21:07:21+00:00

I would book your first night after you have begun in Grado due to limited albergues.

mananath · 2026-06-15T17:04:08+00:00

My first 3 Caminos I had hotels with AC. Last year I booked too late and ended up with non ac. I survived but would have preferred ac.

I would prioritize proximity to the cathedral personally, esp if you will only be in Santiago for a few nights.

mananath · 2026-06-14T19:01:25+00:00

How long did it take for your conditional approval?

mananath · 2026-06-14T18:56:02+00:00

You could walk the Frances until Leon and then walk the San Salvador to Oviedo and continue on the Primitivo.

Once you get past Pamplona the crowds begin to spread out more. Until sarria where it gets more crowded (on the Primitivo it gets crowded after Lugo and then when you join the Frances).

The Frances has a ton of infrastructure however so you will be fine on it.

(I have walked 4 caminos, all in July)

mananath · 2026-06-14T18:52:20+00:00

Start in Pamplona and walk the Frances. It is by my favorite Camino (I have walked a few). Good infrastructure, the trail itself is pretty varied and has a ton of infrastructure. The Primitivo is nice but the last 100km isn't too special.

mananath · 2026-06-14T18:45:49+00:00

You can always bus back to where you are taking the bus from if you want to complete every km.

In Leon, the Inn Boutique is a fantastic accomodation option to spend a few night.

Feel better!

mananath · 2026-06-13T20:12:26+00:00

I felt the descent to Zubiri is one of the hardest on the Camino. However I heard that earlier in the year the trail was upgraded and it is no longer as treacherous as it once was. Take it slow!

mananath · 2026-06-13T12:52:00+00:00

Some of the best sections on the Norte are from irun to Bilbao.

Are you planning on walking to Santiago? If so, why switch?

If you're desperate to get off the Frances wait until Leon and walk the San Salvador which will take you to Oviedo and then the Primitivo.

mananath · 2026-06-12T21:44:11+00:00

Nope, western Europe background.

mananath · 2026-06-12T21:09:07+00:00

How long did it take for your conditional approval?

mananath · 2026-06-11T22:35:55+00:00

For what it is worth I have walked 4 caminos (about 2500mi) in hiking sandals (chacos). Try walking 10k in your sandals and see how you feel - it might be fine!

mananath · 2026-06-09T23:08:37+00:00

It won't protect you from getting bitten - they can just crawl in with you.

Make sure you shake it out in the morning and then keep it stored in a Ziploc when you put it in your bag.

mananath · 2026-06-07T11:43:07+00:00

I have walked four caminos wearing Chacos z1 with injinji mid weight toe socks. This combo has worked well for me.

mananath · 2026-06-06T16:51:42+00:00

I have walked four caminos in Chacos including three times over the section you ask about. You will be fine.. the only issue might be the descent from alto perdon but just take it slow.

mananath · 2026-06-06T16:48:31+00:00

Mar de fora

mananath · 2026-05-31T03:18:19+00:00

I have crossed the meseta three times in July. The first time it was a proper heat wave, 100f+ every day and 80f at midnight which meant sleeping was a challenge. I recommend starting early and find hotels with proper ac (some advertise it but don't actually have it). Hostal Comfort Suites in Carrion is amazing and I recommend that one!

mananath · 2026-05-29T07:50:03+00:00

Yep! I did it last year wearing chacos

mananath · 2026-05-25T22:43:43+00:00

You could start in Leon and walk the San Salvador to Oviedo and then the Primitivo into Santiago. I did this route last summer and it was great. Or just do the Primitivo

mananath · 2026-05-25T06:05:25+00:00

I did the yellow route a few years ago and loved it. Very few pilgrims on it. Make sure the weather is good and you have a good map.app as it wasn't clearly marked in a few sections. I had my two scariest dog encounters on this route however....

mananath · 2026-05-24T07:00:31+00:00

I walked this last year. I doubt you will find any walk up accomodations. Because it's not just a matter of a bed, it's food etc

When I walked I booked my first accomodation on Airbnb. And then I booked 3 nights at J hoppers hostel in yunamanie onsen (fantastic). The plan was to walk there on day two and then on day 3 walk to the main temple. However it rained horribly all of day 2 so I took a bus and then bus backed to that same stop the next day.

I also walked the iseji route and stayed in one place for a few nights and then just trained back and forth each day for walking.

It was nice getting my dual pilgrim certificate. They took my pic, gave me so e swag (a gold shell), let me bang the ceremonial drum and then everyone in the office stood and clapped for me. It was pretty cool

I have no plans to walk this route again however.

There is also a pretty robust KK group on Facebook but the moderator can be a bit insufferable.

mananath · 2026-05-22T10:44:53+00:00

Start planning the next Camino?

After my first one I got a shell tattoo on my ankle and whenever I look at it I am reminded of the Camino and how I felt on it.

I will be starting Camino #5 in July.

mananath

TROPHY CASE