Spanish Stroll

[gzornenplat]

Hi all,

I'm planning of a short trip to Spain and was wondering if anyone
would like to come along.

I'm very flexible on dates and duration, so if anyone *is* interested
I could probably fit in.

As a rough idea, I'm looking at mid-March for 5-7 days, fly somewhere
cheap, stock up on food, get a bus or train out into the countryside
and wander gently about for a few days before having to come back.

Cost would be under £100 for travel plus food and anything else
you want while you are there. You'd be responsible for booking
and paying for that yourself if you want to join in - I don't want
any of your money! Book separately, travel together.

I've looked at a few flights, and around that time, there are return
flights to Madrid for £55.50 (including tax and booking fees) and
then there'd be a train out of the city.

Alternatively, there's Barcelona for £85 and then a few Euros for
a local bus into the countryside.

Food costs would be quite low - you can buy from a supermarket
for about €5 a day including a litre of vino tinto (under a Euro), or
in most places find a 3-course menú del día for €7 or €8 including
drink.

I've lived and worked in Spain for about 5 years on and off as well
as more holidays that I can remember, and can speak Spanish
well enough for day to day situations.

I've walked across Spain twice. The first time was in May/June
2003 from east to west following the Camino de Santiago from
Roncesvalles to Finisterre - if you are interested, then see
http://roughian.com/camino2003/

The second time was from south to north in 2006 from Sevilla to
Santiago which is a lot more deserted and camping out was more
a necessity than a choice at times.

I've also covered a lot of the rest of Spain and travelled the entire
coast of Portugal, but those times it wasn't entirely on foot.

I realise that not everyone is able to get the time off and has the
money and has the inclination, but if you are even vaguely
interested then let me know on this thread, or PM me.

Cheers,

Ian

 

[sandbender]

If you get the chance for another long walk in Spain, try the Northern Route to Santiago, much less traveled, a great walk, marvelous people.

Have fun on your March trip

 

[gzornenplat]

If you get the chance for another long walk in Spain, try the Northern Route to Santiago, much less traveled, a great walk, marvelous people.

I haven't walked that route but I've toured the area by car a couple of times, flying into
Santiago and exploring east both on the coast and also a bit inland.

I also have a plan to walk from Istanbul to Finisterre. It should have been last year -
everything was set - but an unfortunate circumstance meant it was impossible. If my
current business venture fails, then it will be next year, if the damn thing works, then it will
be another 4 years.

The route takes me through the land of your signature and I might well want to avoid the
crowds on the Francés after a lot of time on my own. A lot of people found the crowds of
Burgos, León and (especially) Santiago difficult to deal with after weeks of walking through
hills and fields.

 

[sandbender]

I also have a plan to walk from Istanbul to Finisterre.

Now that is a proper walk

If you need some links to help with route planning PM me, Hungary is circled by several 'tours', long distance paths that will help you avoid the traffic, additionally they are well serviced by mountain huts and 'tourist houses' (albergue).

A lot of people found the crowds of Burgos, León and (especially) Santiago difficult to deal with after weeks of walking through hills and fields.

The trick is to walk it in the winter, you'll be the only one afoot