My most deeply spiritual Camino was the one where I converted ; the 1994 from Paris. I met zero pilgrims between Paris and SJPP --- and on the Francès, I was walking so fast that I rarely saw the same pilgrims two days in a row, and one exception after one 65K day was a couple of bike pilgrims. So even the Francès portion of it was a pretty solitary experience. Occasionally I'd come across pilgrims walking a long 40K stretch, which was my basic norm, which was always a pleasant change from the absolute loneliness. A more solitary Camino seems to provide a more contemplative form of spirituality, whereas on a Camino on a more "crowded" Way it can be a more religious spirituality (the Way to Rome is definitely so). Experiencing both, ideally on a single Way, is ideal IMO, which may be one attraction of the route to Fisterra. But even so, to each his own. Sure things have changed now, but even in the 2020s if you walk between mid-October and mid-March, you can have this same type of solitude on the Francès -- though there will usually be other pilgrims in the Albergues and pueblos.
That's an interesting perspective on the solitude v a crowded journey, Different experiences indeed, but both good for me so far. And both aspects were good on this one. Relative solitude on the VdlP and 'high street' busy on the Frances!
Walked VDLP last year, Feb-April 2022, just after everything opened up after Covid. The weather was glorious for long stretches, especially in the south. 15 degrees C and sunny. North of Salamanca there was rain, but no low temperatures. It became quite muddy in parts. I only met three travellers from Seville to Salamanca. Most of the albergues were open, but I also stayed in cheap hotels in many places. There are some wonderful towns en route, Zafra and Caceres being favourites. The northern half saw more pilgrims, but still it was fairly lonely at times. A solitary walk for the most part until joining the last 100 km at Oureste, where I met many people. It was a time of self-reflection and meditation, not for everyone, but one of life's major milestones.
The VDLP was my first Camino (in 2015). I went with a friend and two brothers (who we unfortunately lost to injuries fairly early on). I enjoyed the it a lot, but then I really appreciated variety and infrastructure on the Camino Frances (in 2018). I agree, it probably would not be the best first Camino for most people. Thanks for your great videos! ¡Buen Camino!
Rob, yes to everything you observe about the wonderful Via. My first Camino in February this of year, turning 63 in Monestorio. I didn't have the time to finish the Via, so I return to where I left off, Zamora, in two weeks. I chose the Via for its aspects you highlight; the beautiful solitude. I must say that as I didn't have a specific endpoint to my walk it allowed me to stay in places for a few days longer than expected. I was enchanted by Zafra, Merida, Caceras and Zamora with a delightful side trip to Plasencia. I look forward very much to your future vlogs
It's certainly a wonderful route. Will you head North or West from Granja? If you want to see the next stages from Zamora, I have a daily blog here: robscamino.com/day-30-zamora-videos/
@@robscaminoAs planned as I am, I'll be heading to Santiago via Ourense. I viewed your vlog on Camino Blues...how true. There should be a new entry in DSM-5: "PCD" Post Camino Depression.
Not sure I would do it again. I loved it, but it opened my eyes to what the more remote Caminos are like. And there are lots of others to do! THe challenge of walking a 'new' route rather than a route I already knew well, was a highlight.
What a coincidence that you posted this today, Rob. I've been following your channel for a about a year now and was not expecting new VDLP videos soon since it was about half a year ago that you walked it. I'm actually in Seville right now and starting my first Camino tomorrow. Your videos helped me to prepare for it, mentally and equipmentwise. I hope to put the Euroschirm to good use, in sun and in rain. Wish me luck and thank you for the great content!
Hi I did it 4 years ago ,,, it gets better and better as you go along -some great towns-,,, enjoy salamanca,,, and the highest point of the vdl when u get there ,, stayed in some amazing albergues also , nice and small ;; mainly on my own for most of the trip, could not set foot on camino Frances again after doing the vdlp ,, happy walking
Oh wow..thinking about doing the VDLP, your video was super inspiring. I love solitude and the spiritual aspect. Have done a few caminos…Frances, Primativo, Portugues and A Orixe ( earlier this year…no accommodation on first part! ) and the quieter the better…so rewarding! Thanks so much and will check out your other videos on this Camino. Buen Camino
Wonderful description of the route! I will be doing either the Frances or the Portugues as my "intro" Camino, but the idea of a quieter, more solitude-focused Camino does sound great.
Excellent video, I’m also in my 60’s , I’ve finished a few other caminos and started the vía de la plata in March going from Seville to Fuente de los cantos. I moved to Spain 5 years ago and became enamored with all things Camino, I think you totally nailed the differences from the Plata and other more popular routes, keep up the reporting…I plan to return in the spring to finish from where I left off…buen Camino
Thanks for the video Rob! I will be starting the VDLP (Seville to Santiago) on 1 October, seeing your video and hearing your comments is getting me fired up! I'm glad to hear that it is a more solitary walk, I'm looking forward to that. I would be interested in hearing about how you made out with accommodations generally. Any issues? Will you be walking up to Astorga to connect with the Frances, or taking the Sanabres? Looking forward to following you on this journey.
You'll love it. Accomodation was never a problem. I went North to Astorga, but most went West on the Sanabres. After Astorga I walked the Frances to Ponferrada, the Invierno to Santiago and then on to Fisterra and Muxia. A wonderful journey, mostly quite solitary.
I have another 'impressions' video at the end of the VdlP. It was a great route. That will be in a few weeks. We have a bit of a backlog of other topics to publish first.
I did it last year in may/june an loved..( as my 3rd camino ) i did not see any other walker the first week, but 10-15 on bikes, each day, i'm an runner/walker an don't cary much, so the heat an the long stages was very nice for me, did it in 17days... i've done the first part of Camino del Surente from allicante-albacete this year going back in may to do the rest.. there are even less people on that one
I think choice of a first Camino depends on many factors, but VDLP could be a great choice for a younger pilgrim living in the Southern region, and walking from home or near enough, for example. But overall, I'd say it's less popularity than good infrastructure that's important for a first one, given that once you get into the final 100 to 200K stretch, on any Camino you'll have the "social Camino" element, that some enjoy so much. And then of course there's the loner socialite spectrum that should factor in your choice of a lesser or more travelled Way. The option of walking from home to then join a more popular route some weeks or months later is of course very difficult indeed, albeit not impossible per se, for people living overseas in relation to the European foot pilgrimage destinations.
Yep, good points. I think that is why it's so hard, when someone asks which route they should walk as a first Camino. It really depends on what you hope to find.......
Glad it helped. I have more about the VdlP coming. They are in production. But you can see day by day videos on my blog here: robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/
Great information about this Camino. Have done the Camino Francais in 2022. Feel that , if I did another one, it would have to be longer and a different challenge to the Francais. This seems to tick both boxes! Am in Sydney so no point in flying over for anything too short! One question , are their plenty of Camino signs and yellow arrows to ensure you stay on the right path? Think this would be specially critical when there are so few other pilgrims around. What time of year were you walking ?
Rob, thanks for your comments of these caminos. You know what you would love? The solitary,flat 2 week Madrid. Then turn left for 4 days on the Francis to Leon,Then go north up the San Salvador for 6 days. Then left for 2 weeks on the Primitivo to Santiago. Thats three caminos in 6 weeks!!!!buen camino 😅
Sounds great. Though my wife might not be impressed with me gone that long again. She might join me for 2 weeks on the Madrid though. As long as we get to do other stuff in Europe whilst we are there 😉
@@LavenderHazelwood Sorry I'm not familiar with that one. It's a mountain pass on the Camino Madrid. On this section. www.gronze.com/etapa/cercedilla/segovia It's on my 'to do' list...
I’ve just finished the full set of videos. It was interesting to compare your experience of the Via de la Plata with own. Our experiences seem, one the one hand, the same, but on the other, so very different. I’m not sure I’ll be called back to the Francés, but I hope to the Silver Way, but perhaps joining it from Armería on the Mozárabe. And, if you’ll allow me to ask, am I correct in thinking you filmed the videos but had them edited and uploaded by a third party? I’m interested as I have walking project planned for next year and there’s some pressure to record it. To be released retrospectively. Once again, I tip my hat to you.
Glad you enjoyed the videos. I totally 'get' that we all have slightly different experiences, even walking the same route. One of the magical things about the Camino I guess. And of course we are all different, and see and feel things differently. Regarding the video production, I shoot those on my phone, and try to upload them every day, or at least 2-3 days. I could upload them myself directly to my blog or RU-vid of course unedited or with minimal editing. But I'm in the fortunate position of running a business that has a talented marketing/support team, including video editors and web developers. We produce many business videos and blogs each week. So when I'm away walking, they help me produce my Camino videos and blog. Likewise, part of their 'normal' work is maintaining a couple of business RU-vid channels for me, so they help with this one too. It's a long story, but that admin support team 'business', also provides support to other small businesses. We started it about 12 years ago as a Social Enterprise. www.virtualdonewell.com/ My 'day job' is running a management consulting business, but Virtual Done Well, is my 'passion' business. I can talk about that as much as the Camino 🙂
Crikey. Looking at Virtual Done Well and Logistics Bureau, I'm surprised you ever found the time for a Camino, let alone four. I'm now working my way though your other videos. It's quite the story when you see it all laid out. I do hope that you're not hanging up your walking boots for good.
@@neilmorrans LOL, I think we can all make time for the things we love 🙂 I'm very lucky to have a great team who 'allow' me my indulgences 😉 I'm sure I have a few Caminos left in me yet! "She who must be obeyed" will join me for a section of the Le Puy next. Pat has walked the Frances with me twice, but is not really keen on long Caminos. But I'm happy to do shorter ones rather than none at all. Maybe I can fit in another long one when she is not looking! 🙂
Sorry for the delayed reply! I just saw this comment was unanswered. I run my own business and am lucky to have amongst the marketing team a professional video editor.
Yes I walked Seville to Astorga on the VdlP. Couple of points (1) Before I share my stops what kind of distance do you like to walk per day and (2) many of the 'stopping points' are somewhat predetermined. As in there is no option. So the Logistics can be a bit of a juggle sometimes. For example to avoid a very long day, you might walk two very short days, Or a very short followed by a long, rather than two long. etc etc. So let's start with your comfortable daily distance.
I started in the last week of March and arrived in Astorga early May. It was getting quite warm (26-28C) in the afternoons. Was glad to have my sun umbrella as the sun was very hot. Leaving pre-dawn helps a lot if it's hot. Hottest part of the day seems to be around 3-4 pm.
How is cellular reception out there in the desolate parts? If you suffered an injury and needed help, what are your options if there really aren't any other pilgrims around? I guess that's mu only concern. Thanks.
Yes, that was a concern of mine initially. I even considered taking a PLB. But didn't. Cell reception was good all the way. I used Vodafone. Some parts did feel quite isolated, maybe 3-4 days of 35, and probably no one would have come that way for maybe 24 hours on those days (another Pilgrim or a local). In those areas I was just extra careful! Watching my step, taking no risks of a fall or anything. But most days I saw someone else every few hours. Pilgrim or a local. I made sure to have plenty of water and an emergency meal with me. Also made sure I had the Alert Cops app on my phone, on the home screen. I was also checking in each morning with my wife on a video FB messenger call, so whilst it was not the purpose, it was to make sure she was OK, she would raise concerns if I missed my 'Sched'. (sailing term for regular comms check). I was never 'concerned' about the isolation. I had comms. And I took care not to get injured. No clambering up rocks to get a nice view etc. In isolated areas I stuck to the path. And the paths were great. Once I started meeting other Pilgrims, after the first week or so, I was rarely that isolated. For over 2-3 weeks I actually walked with others. First an Aussie couple then a couple of guys from the US. So on those days I had someone 'in sight' most of the time, even if we were not actually walking together. And we had comms via Whatsapp. So nothing to worry about really. Just take a bit of extra care when alone.
Yes, I was there in April. Sorry to have missed you. I have so many videos to share it will take me ages to get through them. So they are not 'live' sorry. I was posting almost live, on my Blog. robscamino.com/blog/
April is probably the best time of the year for the VDLP. Sorry I missed your blog. I'm a Camino aficionado. It would have been great to meet you here, or even to walk with you for a while. Maybe next time!! :)
