Quitting the Camino de Santiago After 2 Days | Why the San Salvador was too much

[@MartinClifford-dp2sh]

Yes it is hard but you are the one that set the pace learn from it and move on. Good luck with your next Camino

[@Caminohacks]

It was an overly optimistic pace to try and get to Oviedo, lesson learned. Thanks, Martin.

[@pismorichy]

I know you had timeline but do you think you did wayyyy too many miles on day 1? I always limit myself to 25 kilometers

[@pismorichy]

At 64 and just did Francis to Finisterre tenting when feasible I'm literally frothing to do San Salvador April 2025 was going to finish section from Leon to Sarria but I'm changing my mind. The terrain is very similar to "my" California Sierras. I'm doing the John Muir for my 64 in September

[@Caminohacks]

Yes, I’m hindsight it was too far, we got in late and woke up tired because we had another big day ahead of us. Like David said at the end of day one, doing a 35km day in the middle of a Camino is so much easier as your body is used to the long distances by then. 25kms seems like the right way to go 😊

[@Caminohacks]

I’m sure you will have a brilliant time walking the San Salvador. If you have time, I’d recommend going onto the Primitivo too. I met a pilgrim who camped along that route. It’s got some stunning views too

[@grahamwallace]

Loved this video and your honesty in coming to that decision. I’ve already watched your Primitivo video and knowing how much you enjoyed that makes your decision to stop all the more satisfying I’m guessing.

[@Caminohacks]

At the time it was a very tough decision, but in hindsight it was the right call. If we’d have carried on with our itinerary I’d have arrived in Oviedo broken, then had to get up the very next day for a 20/30 km day. Making that decision also enabled us to have a slower start to the Primitivo and time to stay at the monastery. Thanks for watching

[@jtbondgirl788]

Relieved to see you weren’t too badly hurt after that tumble! Glad you’ve been able to take a positive spin on this experience despite the struggle. Beautiful scenery as always 🤩

[@Caminohacks]

Thankfully it was more my spirit that took a knock that day 😄 Twas a beautiful route, that’s for sure. Thanks ☺️

[@SimplyBeingAqui]

I did this back in May in 5 days - 5 days appearing to be the norm online and also strongly recommended by the guys in the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Leon; with them saying it could be quite dangerous due to bad footing in places. Watching your vid I kept wondering what the hurry was? I take my hat off to you for doing it but not for me (I'd learned my limits on the primitivo, which I found the toughest of them all). One of my favorite expressions which I apply a lot to hiking is "you don't know what you don't know" so you've learned a valuable lesson and that's priceless. And regarding that forest; in May that entire path was just a rink of mud (maybe it was there but not easy to catch on camera) and every pilgrim I spoke to had went over in it; I think my experience of walking in the Yorkshire dales all year round had finally paid off! You did great at capturing the amazing views; truly spectacular in places. Buen camino peregrino!

[@Caminohacks]

Glad to hear you navigated the route ok. We had limited time as we wanted to walk the Primitivo and be in Santiago by a set date, so we wrongly thought the San Salvador could be a nice little warm up…how wrong we were 😄 Did you struggle on the Primitivo then? Thankfully we learnt our lesson and took it easy on the first two days, but there was some tough days! That’s a great expression, thanks for sharing. It reminds me of one I use myself ‘I only know what I know’. The forest is grim, isn’t it! I got the feeling that they don’t check on the route much when we walked it. A far cry from some of the more popular and well walked routes. Thank you, the scenery on that route is pretty special! Any plans for more Camino’s next year? Buen Camino

[@SimplyBeingAqui]

@@Caminohacks Yeah, I rewatched the video and I'd missed the explanation re: primitivo. As much as it was a bad decision to start the salvador I think it was the right decision to stop it so you could do the primitivo; you'd also seen the most beautiful parts (which were days 2 and 3 on the 5 day itinerary if you ever go back) We actually got lost before all those bushes and the mud, taking a left at the previous marker (thought it was a celtic symbol rather than 2 arrows) as we'd had a few beers at the bar with the amazing views 🤣so we had to backtrack and it was a long day. I didn't mind the forest (we all have our likes and dislikes) but every other pilgrim I met was as unhappy as you about it. I feel the recommendation there would be to follow the road down to avoid it. I'm looking forward to watching your primitivo video - it was on the primitivo that I first heard of the san salvador; I walked only with Spanish people on that they told me there was a famous refran (like a saying) about the san salvador...which I can't recall. I'm looking at the doing Via de la plata in the Spring... I'd considered last month but spring is supposedly the ideal time due to temperatures and the beautiful flowers. Speaking to a friend who was doing it last month I think I'd made the right choice. Buen Camino

[@Caminohacks]

thanks for watching it a second time! 😄. Yeah, I didn't want to ruin that by arriving in Oviedo broken and tired. The San Salvador exprience helped us revise the start of our Primitivo and start at an easier pace. I have heard we saw the beautiful parts, so not all bad I guess! ha ha Sounds like those beers did you a favour! 😂 I think I hated the forest so much because I was so tired by that point and had a vision of more of the same for the next few days, slipping down the side was icing on the cake. I'm guessing the beers helped you appreciate the forest that little bit more. Next time I see a forest, I'm going to have to crack out the beers too! ha ha Thank you, I put a lot of time and effort into the Primitivo video. We met some wonderful people and stayed in such lovely albergues, well most of them. What did you think to the Primitivo? When in the year did you walk it? Its up there as one of my favourite routes so far. Will you walk the whole Via de la plata? I've heard it's a very quiet route in terms of other pilgrims, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on what sort of Camino you prefer. I think Spring will be perfect from what you've described. Buen Camino

[@SimplyBeingAqui]

@@Caminohacks I did the primitivo in Sep a few years ago; it was roasting hot everyday and that nearly killed me. Almost everyone walking it was Spanish which is good for me as I speak Spanish; which also means if I ever feel lonely then I can chat with locals and this is a massive boost to the camino experience. Via de plata does sound very quiet but when I was on the last stage of el norte the stage from Gijon to Santiago I had one night on my own and about 5 nights with one other pilgrim. On the San Salvador I had the alberge at Pajares to myself - with my buddy having already reserved at the hotel/bar so I got to have an evening meal with someone. Buen camino

[@filiporoque4997]

Hi Mate, It was a relief to hear at the end of your comments to say that you are still going to do the Camino Primitivo, I am very much looking forward to take time to watch (the views of San Salvador were stunning, I have second thoughts also to combine) thanks and have a great day

[@Caminohacks]

I was a bit bruised and battered by the time we rolled into Oviedo, but after a couple of days rest and some easier start days, we got onto the Primitivo. The San Salvador is a great way to get to the start of the Primitivo, but if you don't have your Camino legs I'd recommend trying it over more than 4 days, as the days are tough - but come with stunning views.

[@aquilamccann6096]

Never feel so bad just from a fall. When I was in Tempelarios I fell into a ditch full of cow dung and I could not get out despite calling for help. In the end, I had to pull myself up while the heavy bag was constantly dragging me down. It was horrendous.i did not give up, I was annoyed, flustered, cursed the village I was in. The sign was badly placed, that is how I ended up falling into that ditch… the smell on my clothes was putrid, my socks were full of thorny and sticky mud, my sandals were ruined… 😡 I still made it to Santiago! Sometimes, you feel the walk is endless and you are nit getting anywhere! Believe you do end it but the thing let the fall be a good inspiration to push more forward!

[@Caminohacks]

Oh my god, that sounds awful. I totally understand why you would curse the village after going through all that. Pleased to hear your Camino didn’t end there and you made it up Santiago ☺️. Thanks for sharing your story and advice

[@rossnairn6488]

I have plans to do it in 7 days followed by the Primitivo. Amazed you even tried to do it in 4 but it was sure a learning curve. Buren Camino

[@Caminohacks]

Your plan sounds much more sensible. We rather foolishly decided to try and squeeze it in with the limited time we had. It’s a beautiful route and with more days it will be much more enjoyable - the perfect way to warm up for the Primitivo. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Buen Camino

[@carolinesaunders6656]

Well done. A very tough experience and I appreciate your honest video. Stunning scenery. Hope you find your Camino joy on the Primitivo.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, Caroline. It was a bit scary being so open and vunerable, but I felt it important to I was honest about what was happening on the Camino, both on camera and in my head. It is such a beautiful route. I have a lot of Primitivo footage to edit, which was a very different experience :)

[@NickLivingLife]

Really polished and emotive video mate. Congrats on this one. 😊 The photography is beautiful, so much attention to detail and I loved the ending where you are opening your heart about it while David showers vigorously in the background 😂😂

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks buddy, so pleased to hear you enjoyed it. Good old (well new) Go Pro capturing the stunning scenery. Ha ha, he got first dibs on the shower which when combined with feeling like I'd just quit, tipped me over the edge!

[@dsus4th]

Long Camino days call for vigorous showers!

[@Caminohacks]

@@dsus4th a well earned one too! 😂

[@storiestellr]

Dan, your video about quitting the Camino is next-level. Yes, you had to quit, which stinks… but: you have put so much energy into the making of this beautiful movie, making us almost quiet passengers on your quest. Splendid work… the images, the narration, the music, it all just flows together. Being there for your introspection and doubt makes this a much more compelling proposition than a “oh ‘t was all great!” Camino movie. In my eyes, your reasoning was absolutely sound. And the landscapes look incredible…

[@Caminohacks]

Such kind, beautiful words, thank you, buddy. I’m not crying, who said I’m crying?! 😭 I’ve picked up so many things from your wonderful travel logs. I look forward to your next masterpiece, my friend

[@Caminohacks]

P.S and thanks for the tip on day 2 to film everything, as it was going wrong.

[@storiestellr]

@@Caminohacks oh that’s great to hear, that my small tip made a bit of an impact! 😅

[@Ilia.justtravel]

Great work on your Camino video! The landscapes are breathtaking. I just finished the Portuguese route and shared my experiences on my channel.

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks! Yes, the scenery on the San Salvador is wow moment after wow moment 😄 Congrats on finishing the Portuguese Camino, I’ll check out your channel! Buen Camino

[@afptoronto1]

Thanks for sharing this vid man. I loved the S.Salvador, but at the pace you two hit it, I can definitely understand that it just overwhelmed everything else. I hope you'll go back one day. I did it in 5 days, and even though I was fine physically, in retrospect I wish I had taken more time and taken more breaks to enjoy the scenery. My longest day was a 38k day. I too wanted to get to Oviedo at a certain day so as to continue on the Primitivo. That day was beautiful until it just became a physical challenge. I think if I had started with that on day one it would have wrecked me too. All the best on the Primitivo, I look forward to seeing it! I loved both these routes and one day I want to go back and do it again (with modifications!).

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks! Yes, too far too soon and we paid the price for it. I may go back and like you say, take more time and not do such long days. Wow, 38km is a massive long days walking. I can imagine it went from feeling great to ‘I just want you to be there now’. Guessing you had a rest day after that? We had more time for the Primitivo after leaving the San Salvador so took it slow at first. It’s such a beautiful camino. I shot a lot of footage, so it may take me a while to edit it. I hope you get to go back and walk those two beautiful Camino’s again, my friend.

[@Caminohacks]

That’s great going, I think building up to the big day and then knowing you had a rest day put you in a better place than we were - I know we had to keep doing big days. In retrospect I’m so glad I called time on that.

[@davidpippin3460]

No worries, health is paramount. The route will always be there if you ever desire to return. Great video BTW.

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, David. Lots of lessons learned, and like you say it's best to put your health and happiness first. Buen Camino

[@AmgedphaLimael]

QUitting is not failing, quitting out of wisdom is brave and wise. 1 body, never feel ashamed to listen to it.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for saying that. It took me a while, but eventually I listened to what my inner voice was trying to tell me.

[@AmgedphaLimael]

@@Caminohacks That's always for the best. The ways won't go anywhere and there is always tomorrow. But I feel you. I realy felt the pain you displayed right before the sigh after the fall.... Beautiful documentation btw. I was just looking into that route when your video poped up! "camino provides".

[@Caminohacks]

@@AmgedphaLimael Yes, it's good to be reminded there will always be a tomorrow and another chance to go again. I'm glad we made the call, as it gave us time to rest and go onto have a more relaxed start to the Primitivo. Thank you for your kindness. It is a stunning route, but maybe don't try to rush it like David and I 😂. The Primitivo is also stunning in places, although that's a 2-week walk.

[@pismorichy]

Great vid Thanks like the Francis it looks like tons of places to pitch my tent ⛺⛺

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks! You should be able to get away with camping as there’s more space and a lot less people on this route compared to the Frances

[@pismorichy]

That's why I hiked Francis March 14th to April 20 than went back to Jean Port over Napoleon in fact I tented at. The Summit Brrrr and gusts​@@Caminohacks

[@Caminohacks]

Impressive views to wake up to sleeping at the summit!

[@nancycompagnie6500]

Wise decision, Dan...i just got back from a 3 month camino and your tips helped me do that. I had a bad fall, 2 weeks in...ended up in the hospital for a couple of days because of my injries, 10 days later i continued but not before i was ok. What i mean is, we have to know when to stop and when to go on and you did...💪

[@Caminohacks]

Hi Nancy, so pleased to hear my tips helped you on your Camino. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear you had a bad fall on the Camino. How soon into your Camino did it happen? It sounds like it was a nasty fall if you had to rest for 12 days in total. But, happy to hear you were able to carry on. Thank you, yes, deep down I was worried that if I kept on like that it would impact my next journey, and I wasn't enjoying myself. At first it shocked me, because I love Caminos, so the walk that day gave me time to pick that thought apart and work out why I wasn't enjoying. It ultimatley helped me to make the call to stop.

[@nancycompagnie6500]

@@Caminohacks the camino keeps teaching us, doesn't it 🙂 I had the fall about 2 weeks after i left home. I had a pretty nasty headwound, required some soutures there, had a concussion, broke my finger in 2 places. At first they thougt my eyesocket was fractured aswell but it was just a bad bruise so that was good 🙂 I took a 4 month leave of absence so i had a bit of extra time, so i continued and it was great...crossing France, after that i did the camino Frances and after Santiago i continued to Muxia and Finisterre. Did over 2500km, it took me about 3 months.

[@Caminohacks]

Yes, I love that the Camino gives us time and space to listen, whereas in our day to day lives we often ignore what life is trying to teach us. Ouch, that does sound like a nasty fall :( Good on you for resting, recuperating and keeping going. So you arrived on the Frances a battle hardened pilgrim! Wow, 2500kms!!!! And there's me complaining about a 35km day, ha ha. That is very impressive, well done you. A journey of a lifetime

[@nancycompagnie6500]

@@Caminohacks It certainly was 🙂 Believe me, i have complained over shorter days then a 35k one 😁

[@Caminohacks]

Phew! I don’t feel so bad now 😂

[@annakurasinska1287]

I know how you feel and I admire your decision! I think it takes more mental strength to quit and accept it. I'm on my first Camino at the moment. Had to reorganise everything because of the food poisoning, ended up in hospital and I'm unable to walk anymore as I'm very weak. I managed to make it to Padron (Coastal Route) - very close to the finish. Unfortunately, the last section I had to go by train. I know the feeling of a failure, sadness and disappointment. Still, on the other hand, we are stronger because of our failures! Next time, you'll plan better, maybe reorganise a bit and you'll rock Camino! 💪😁

[@Caminohacks]

Im so sorry to hear you got hit with food poisoning and ended up in hospital. Are you able to rest up in a hotel in Santiago before you have to head home? It sounds like this decision was taken out of your hands because you were so sick. I think making it all the way to Padron is such good going, you should be proud of yourself for getting so close when you were ill. Now I have space and time from my decision to quit I know it was the right call. At the time I felt like I’d failed, but thankfully I no longer do ☺️ Rest up and you’ll be back again one day 💪🏻

[@annakurasinska1287]

@@Caminohacks Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I'm resting up in Santiago at the moment. I'm grateful for the extra time here but I'm looking forward to going home on Wednesday 😁 Take care and remember - Camino is waiting for you!!

[@Caminohacks]

Glad to hear you’re resting up in Santiago. Safe travels home on Wednesday. Thank you, I’ll be back with another route video in late summer/Autumn ☺️

[@pismorichy]

10 hours! No wonder you quit. I made the same mistake on French simply because in March I /we hikers were trying to beat weather constantly and at 64 I finally had a sciatica attack 2 days out of Leon, the pain was knarly did a nearo in Leon than skipped up to Sarria where I will return April 2025! I did make it to Finisterre so very happy. The volume of "Cheaters" and Garbage after Sarria was unsettling . I left Santiago after 2 beers and some goodbyes the trail and garbage twiddled to almost zero! I plan to do the loop again at Hospital this time up to Muxia than down the coast to Finisterre, great "hippy" bar in Finisterre. Bartender is one hell of a chef! Good herb.

[@Caminohacks]

11 hours walking the first day and 10 hours the second - too much. It’s tough isn’t it, trying to push further and further. Ouch, I’m sorry to hear you had a sciatic attack, sounds very painful. I guess your bodies way of saying “no more”. Yes, the garbage is very sad to see from Sarria , no thought for nature and other pilgrims 😢 Cool that you’re going back! I think I know the bar on Finisterre, is it in the main square near the tourist office?

[@lindafarnes486]

Knowing when to quit is smart. I thought a lot of people do this Pilgrimage in stages. You have no doubt learnt from your journey so far and will be better prepared for another try.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, Linda. Yes, I learnt a lot about myself by calling time on this Camino. I thankfully was able to take the lesson learned from this and do shorter days from Oviedo on the Primitivo

[@rawadventures2024]

In my mind you walked a couple of days of the San Salvador before you crossed over the the Primitivo, no failure whatsoever. Unbelievable scenery, great footage. As you said Camino Community is a big part of the experience., enjoy!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, I really appreciate you saying that. The San Salvador hits you with such awe inspiring scenery on day 2. ☺️

[@dsus4th]

The lack of community on the San Salvador was (in hindsight) a huge contributing factor to our decision to quit. We had exactly the opposite experience on the Primitivo (video coming soon, right Dan?) and it reminded me that the community is why I do caminos. The San Salvador is beautiful but too secluded for my taste.

[@Caminohacks]

@@dsus4th the Primitivo video will take a little while longer to edit, but yes it’s definitely coming (end of summer/fall). The lack of community did afford us more time and space to shoot video of just us and the landscape. The next video will be very different ☺️

[@rawadventures2024]

@@dsus4th yes it certainly looked remote with some really tough climbs in just two days! Glad you enjoyed the Primitivo. I finished the Portuguese in June and was surprised how many pilgrims we met in Santiago who had just finished the Primitivo, they all loved it.

[@Caminohacks]

What did you think to the Portuguese Camino? Hope you enjoyed it. Maybe the Primitivo will have to be your next one :)

[@BaltistaniBoys]

Absolutely amazing. Yes its hard but you adventure tell you more then. But your stemna still amazing. I recommend you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak Gilgit-Baltistan Barah Valley

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you. I have heard that both of those places you describe are stunning. One day I would love to be able to get out that way and experience the amazing landscapes.

[@christiankreps5920]

Definitely the right decision not to go on. I think the die was cast on the beginning of day 2 when you said you weren't enjoying it. That underpins everything - psychology, stamina, reflexes. But wow, that scenery though! Will you try again (with more days to complete it)?

[@Caminohacks]

Yeah, you're right, I tried to ignore it but it came back and when I voiced my concerns to David he was thinking something similar. They say the mind goes well before the body does. The scenery was mind blowing! Hmm, well I'll let you into a secret...after some rest, we walked the Primitivo and it was such an amazing experience, mountain views, but with a lot more pilgrims. Such a different exprience and it reminded of why I love the Camino so much, the community. So, I may go back to walk it one day, but set aside more than 4 days. Or, I might search a route with a few more pilgrims.

[@christiankreps5920]

@@Caminohacks looking forward to seeing your footage from the Primitivo. How would you compare the landscape with the San Salvador (which looked mind blowing)?

[@Caminohacks]

There were some stunning days on the Primitivo, but not those wide vistas like on the San Salvador. There’s a day on the Primitivo where you’re walking above the clouds which was pretty special. The San Salvador tops it for breathtaking views, with the Primitivo in close second.

[@christiankreps5920]

@@Caminohacks sounds amazing. I really hope you have the chance to go back and complete the San Salvador

[@Caminohacks]

@@christiankreps5920 thank you ☺️

[@lenoxlenox9447]

Don’t put limits on- just go start do what you can and go back another time

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, Lenox 👍🏻

[@gregoryhageage6362]

Dude, there’s no shame in being smart and listening to your body and inner self. You accomplished a lot. Go back, ideally with más tiempo, and finish up. Give yourself a pat on the back and carry on. I look forward to your next video🤙🏽

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks, Gregory! Appreciate you saying that. With the benefit of some time and distance from it, it was totally the right call and meant my Primitivo trip could start gradually. Thanks for watching and I hope to have the next video out at the end of summer/early autumn. Buen Camino, buddy

[@angelfire402]

Take a day off. I would turn it into a regular vacation.

[@Caminohacks]

By cutting it short we thankfully got two rest days in Oviedo

[@johnrodgers2018]

Great video and you have inspired me to add the San Salvador to my list. I would agree with you, that unless you are young and super fit 30k days are really, really hard. The Primitivo is a fantastic camino and I look forward to watching it, Buen Camino!!!

[@Caminohacks]

Hi John, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Yes, I had trained a bit prior to going, but in hindsight not enough for such big distance so early on. The San Salvador has such stunning scenery, I think you’d enjoy it…maybe don’t try do it in 4 days 😂 The Primitivo was amazing, I have so much footage so I hope to have a video out on that route later in the year. Buen Camino, buddy.

[@johnrodgers2018]

@@Caminohacks look forward to it. Do you think you could Camp along the San Salvador?

[@Caminohacks]

@@johnrodgers2018 There is quiet a lot of farm land along the way, but I think you could get away with it much more easily than on some of the more well travelled routes. I met a guy who camped along the Primitivo, so I if he can do it there I'd say you can do it on the San Salvador. You know the rule about pitching after dark and breaking down before sunset to get around the camping laws? That's basically a way to get around their no wild camping rules.

[@pismorichy]

Me 2 That sign with arrows pointed 2 ways is a bit sketchy reminds me of Napolean before crossing over to Spain.

[@Caminohacks]

Luckily we had an app that pointed out that one of the ways the arrow was pointing to was so much longer, so we picked the shorter route

[@kevindrumsey9324]

Lesson learned, mate.

[@Caminohacks]

Yep, big one learnt on the San Salvador 😬

[@pedrozatravel]

Harsh but you gotta be realistic, the body is important to listen to

[@Caminohacks]

Very true, when you stop listening to the body is when injuries start to happen. Thanks 👍🏻

[@03085716]

only a prep for a primitivo, doesnt matter if you complete

[@Caminohacks]

Love it, thanks! Turned out to be great prep.