Hi Francis,

I am thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago in July - perhaps not the best time in terms of the mooted heat and overcrowding, but I feel the need to go sooner rather than later. Reading your article initially put me off walking the Camino because I would much rather hike through wilderness than a well-trodden path. The fact that some (or a lot) of the Camino is paved is quite off-putting. I would like to know of a more remote route which follows roughly the Camino Frances.

I really enjoy hiking but I have limited experience. I did a five-day hiking trip in the Torres del Paine range in Patagonia, sleeping in a tent at night with non-specialist clothing and minimal preparation. I have also enjoyed many day hikes in Zakopane in Poland. I really want to hike more often though and the longer the better.

I will probably still do the Camino - just to see for myself what it's really like. Due to my limited experience of long multi-day hikes, I'm hoping that by completing the Camino this summer, it will be a useful experience in terms of whether I am suited for a more challenging thru-hiking experience elsewhere at a later date, e.g. the AT. The Camino gives me the option of sampling wild camping whilst giving me easy access to amenities/albergues if necessary.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I believe in the importance of freedom of speech. As such, while it is lamentable that your article has been subjected to undue criticism, it is a natural corollary of open discourse. You obviously struck a nerve with devoted 'pilgrims' which would explain some of the negative comments. Still, I think they should have respected your opinion even if it is markedly different to their own. As you say, 'hike your own hike'. Enjoy your continuing travels. Who knows, perhaps I'll see you in Africa!

Abrazo.

Hi Francis,

I am thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago in July - perhaps not the best time in terms of the mooted heat and overcrowding, but I feel the need to go sooner rather than later. Reading your article initially put me off walking the Camino because I would much rather hike through wilderness than a well-trodden path. The fact that some (or a lot) of the Camino is paved is quite off-putting. I would like to know of a more remote route which follows roughly the Camino Frances.

I really enjoy hiking but I have limited experience. I did a five-day hiking trip in the Torres del Paine range in Patagonia, sleeping in a tent at night with non-specialist clothing and minimal preparation. I have also enjoyed many day hikes in Zakopane in Poland. I really want to hike more often though and the longer the better.

I will probably still do the Camino - just to see for myself what it's really like. Due to my limited experience of long multi-day hikes, I'm hoping that by completing the Camino this summer, it will be a useful experience in terms of whether I am suited for a more challenging thru-hiking experience elsewhere at a later date, e.g. the AT. The Camino gives me the option of sampling wild camping whilst giving me easy access to amenities/albergues if necessary.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I believe in the importance of freedom of speech. As such, while it is lamentable that your article has been subjected to undue criticism, it is a natural corollary of open discourse. You obviously struck a nerve with devoted 'pilgrims' which would explain some of the negative comments. Still, I think they should have respected your opinion even if it is markedly different to their own. As you say, 'hike your own hike'. Enjoy your continuing travels. Who knows, perhaps I'll see you in Africa!

Abrazo.

You're wearing boots?!