Camino de Santiago Questions
If you’ve ever thought about walking a Camino – whether you’re planning your very first one or you’re curious about taking on a longer journey – now’s a great time to ask your questions! In this video, I’m currently out on the trail, on the beautiful Camino Invierno, just a few days away from reaching Santiago de Compostela. After that, all going well, I’ll be heading on to Finisterre and Muxía, two of my favourite extensions at the end of a Camino.
I’ve been on quite an adventure over the past two months. I started way down south in Seville, walking the epic Via de la Plata all the way up to Astorga. From there, I switched over to the Camino Francés, then onto the Camino Invierno, and soon I’ll be arriving in Santiago. It’s been a huge journey – over 1,000 kilometres on foot – and there have been plenty of highs, some lows, and a whole lot of learning along the way.
So if you’ve got questions about any part of the Camino de Santiago – whether it’s about planning, packing, training, or just what it feels like to be out here day after day – now’s the time to ask! Drop your questions in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I might even record some answers while sitting on the rocks at Muxía, staring out at the Atlantic Ocean – if the weather plays nicely!
While I don’t claim to be a Camino expert, I’ve now walked several of the main routes, including the Via de la Plata, Camino Francés, and Camino Invierno. I know from experience that planning a Camino can be a bit overwhelming – there’s so much information out there – but sometimes it’s the little personal tips that make the biggest difference.
Maybe you’re wondering how to handle the long stages on the Via de la Plata, how the Camino Invierno compares to the Camino Francés, or what it’s really like arriving in Santiago after two months on the road. Or maybe you’re curious about the simple stuff, like how to deal with tired legs, finding a good meal when towns are shut until late, or how to stay motivated when you’re exhausted. Honestly, some days out here I was just too tired to even think about filming a video!
I’ve also got a whole list of new Camino video ideas bubbling away after this trip – there’s nothing like walking for hours each day to get the creative juices flowing. But for now, before I rush off to my next stop (Lalín today – must get there before lunch closes!), I’d love to hear from you.
Please pop your questions into the comments – about any Camino topics. Routes, gear, planning, or life on the trail – and I’ll answer them either out on the Camino or once I’m back home.
Touch wood (literally – there’s a tree right behind me!), everything keeps going smoothly. I’ve come a long way already, and as long as there are no unexpected accidents, I’ll be celebrating in Santiago in just a few more days!
Buen Camino, and I can’t wait to hear your questions!
Final Camino Thoughts at the End – Muxia
Here’s a video I made at the end! on the rocks at muxia.
Rob do you have any comments or suggestions on how to budget for a Camino?
Hi Chris. Great question and a hard one to answer.
Here is a video on the topic and I would suggest adding about 10% to the costs to bring them up to date.
I’ll also do a blog post now explaining it further. I’ll add that link here too.
https://youtu.be/O2O8CGmKH2A?feature=shared
Here is the updated blog post on a Camnino Budget. https://robscamino.com/general/your-camino-de-santiago-budget/
Hi Rob,
We arrived yesterday having walked the Camino Invierno from Ponferrada.
I must thank you for the inspiration you have given us to choose this particular Camiño.
We viewed your video clips before we left and are sure to watch them again when we get home.
The Invierno still has very few pilgrims. Some days we saw no one. The natural beauty was simply stunning.
What an experience. Where to next for us. Maybe the Primitivo.
Thanks again Rob
All the best,
Rob and Sarah Holmes.
Hi Rob and Sarah,
That’s great! So glad to hear you completed and enjoyed the Camino Invierno.
It’s such a beautiful route, and it sounds like you had a truly unique experience.
All the best to you both!
Buen Camino for the next one,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Fellow Aussi, aged 70, planning to walk for about 2 weeks with a friend late April, early May 2025, probably starting at Pamplona. Thanks for all your videos. Just saw your distance and speed video where you mentioned 3.5 kms/hr overall. How does this relate to your normal walking speed on the flat. I tend to walk 4.5 to 5 kms/hr. All the best, Bill
The 3.5 kph is my overall speed during the day. It’s just a planning figure and includes all my breaks. My actual ‘walking’ speed varies depending on terrain and energy levels. Anywhere from 4-5 kph.
Hi Rob, I really enjoy your You Tube videos and I’ve only just realised there’s even more info in your blogs. I’m planning to walk the VDLP in Autumn this year or Spring 25. I’ve heard accommodation can be a problem but you looked to be coping without any problems to speak of. Did you book ahead and if so, by how many days ? I do prefer not to book ahead but came unstuck a couple of times on the Norte. And a big ask but do you by any chance have a list of the accommodations you used during your splendid pilgrImage ?
Thanks in advance and also thanks for all the info you put out there. All the best, Derek
Hi Derek, I didn’t have any accomodation problems on the VdlP. Just use Gronze to see what there is that suits you. I’d prefer not to share a list as opinions vary, ownners change etc etc. But none were bad. I booked the first week as it was during Semana Santa. After that, maybe one day ahead or not at all. But I did not walk the Sanabres secion, I went North to Astorga. A stand out was the Donativo in Fuenteroble https://www.gronze.com/castilla-y-leon/salamanca/fuenterroble-salvatierra/albergue-parroquial-santa-maria and maybe the one in Alcuescar too. https://www.gronze.com/extremadura/caceres/alcuescar/casa-acogida-esclavos-maria-y-pobres But hosts change… your experience may differ.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your packing list most helpful for someone just about to embark on their first Camino.
I was not able to access the links to equipment and am really keen to know the capacity of your osprey pack. Also to try and find the water bottle clips that go on the outside of the pack. That link would not work either.
Thanks
Sorry about the links.
The pack is 34 litres.
The water bottle clips are no longer available but you’ll find similar on amazon.