Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[miguel_gp]

Hi,

Walking Camino Ingles starting in A Coruna on 30th April, 2008 and then on from Santiago to Finisterre.

Anyone know whether there is anywhere in A Coruna to obtain Credencials? I know that Coruna isn't far enough to obtain a Compostela but understand that Credencials will be required to allow us to stay in Albergues and of course as a record of our journey.

Any help gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.
Mig

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Miguel

Funnily enough I will be in and around A Coruna at exactly the same time - and I'm planning to walk out to Finisterre....we may very well bump into each other.

The CSJ Guide to the Camino Ingles states that Credenciales are available from the Sacristy of the Church of Santiago in A Coruna. That guide is a little out of date and it may well be that they are available from the Tourist Office - one of the things I hope to find out.

I walked this route from Ferrol last year and I simply added some pages to another credencial - got the sellos and the Pilgrim's Office were happy to issue a compostela. So making your own is an option.

As you know there aren't many albergues - the first on this leg being Hospital de Bruma. It is excellent with a very helpful hospitalera - but take food as there is no bar or restaurant unless you are happy to walk to the nearest which is few K's away on the main road.

Hasta A Coruna!

Buen Camino

John

[sillydoll]

Hola John,
I'm not sure that making one's own credential and being accepted into the albergues or being granted the Compostela is still an option. There has been much discussion about the changes in the issuing of credentials and Ivar reported on the new 'rules' which will allow for foreign credentials printed by overseas St James Confraternities or organisations but, perhaps not a 'homemade' credential. Better to get one in your own country or get the official Spanish credential once you reach Spain.

[JohnnieWalker]

Sil

You are quite right to counsel caution on this. I have my CSJ Pilgrim Record which will be fine. Miguel was asking for advice with only a week to goto his departure.

Although the A Coruna arm of the Camino Ingles isn't long enough to earn a Compostela and there is only one albergue ( with a nearby hostal option ) on the way down in to Santiago - Miguel will still need a credencial to use the albergues en route to Finisterre. Presumably he can get one in Santiago if all else fails? In fact that may be his arrival point before setting out for A Coruna.

John

[miguel_gp]

I've just received my CSJ Guide and see the reference to the church of Santiago. I've also emailed the Tourist Office in Coruna to see if they issue credenciales (our time in Coruna is limited and the church may not be open). No reply as yet but will ring them in a couple of days if still no reply - I'll post to here as and when I find out. As a last resort I guess we'll be able to obtain one at the Albergue in Bruma, although it would be nice to obtain sellos, if possible, before then.

We (group of 5) arrive in Coruna on 29th April and begin walking on the 30th so maybe see you on the route John somewhere between Coruna and "Land's End".

Thank you both for your advice.
Ultreya

[miguel_gp]

Update having now spoken to A Coruna tourist office.

Pilgrim Credentials are available only from the Church of Santiago before mass, which is daily at 12:00 and 20:00 (10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 Sundays and Public Holidays). The Church is open 10:00 - 13:00 and 18:30 - 22:00 daily.

There is also a Pilgrim Advice session on Thursday's between 19:00 and 21:00.

This basically confirms the advice on Pilgrim Records/Credentials given in the CSJ Guide to this route.

Thanks again for the responses.
Mig.