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Help Camino Summer 2018

  • 17-01-2018 9:53pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8


    Hi all
    I'm really hoping to do the last 100k of the Camino to join my brother and sister on their final leg. I'm active but not extremely fit, walk women's mini marathon 10k every yr but not sure how to prep? My siblings would be much fitter compared to me. If I start with 5k walks every weekend how much more/ longer do I need to do? Up to 10k/ 15k? I also saw posts about recommended footwear, please let me know what you would rate so I can break in. Many thanks


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭stantheman8


    If you’re just doing the last 100km then you don’t need serious hiking boots - a good pair of walking shoes would do.
    As far as training goes, get the shoes you will wear and make sure you wear them
    For your training. Clock up as many kilometres as you can doing at least one 15+km and wear you backpack (packed) for at least one.
    Pack light - use 10% of your body weight as a guide.
    Buen Camino!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Hi there and thanks so much for reply, very much appreciated. I suppose your answer has raised a few more questions like back pack and what I really need to bring? Obviously as light as possible but planned a single duvet cover and pillow case as id have my own clean then from place to place. Also re walking shoes, I'm usually a trainer wearer for walks but have been told some more support would be better? Any recommendations on make? Again thanks for your input. I'm doubting I can do it but want to so badly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭stantheman8


    So I'd suggest something waterproof - maybe something like this: http://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mother-of-all-boots-waterproof-wide-width/27946W.html?dwvar_27946W_color=J06030W#cgid=women-footwear-hiking&prefn1=technologyCollection&prefv1=Waterproof&start=1
    Some general tips & advice I've given to others:
      [ltr]
    • pack light (I'd say 10kg would be a reasonable max)
    • make sure you have a good rucksack and good socks & boots which you've already broken in
    • Not all refugios provide bed clothes so you'll need a sleeping bag or at least a bed liner. I would suggest a duvet cover and sheet will be too heavy - but try it out if you like and see how it weighs
    • Guide book (link below) - failing that a decent map of the route you're walking.
    • If you're walking more than 100km you're entitled to a Compostella - certificate when you get to Santiago - you can order one from the Irish society of St James if you have time before you go (link below). If not, you can pick one up from the Camino office in Santiago (just around the corner from the Cathedral)
    • Stuff I found useful to have along with me:
      [/ltr]
      • travel towel - these are small & light and made from microfiber so are also quick dry. If not a regular towel will do, it's just bigger, heavier and takes longer to dry.
      • a small bottle of travel detergent for washing out socks/underwear/anything else that needs a wash! (made for use in cold water)
      • if your rucksack takes a water bladder then that's handy - you'll need to keep hydrated and depending on the stretch you're walking there aren't always shops available.
      • if you don't have a water bladder you'll need to carry a bottle with you and keep a spare in your sack - it'll be warm but you probably won't mind!
      • ear plugs - there are lots of snorers in the refugios (hostels)!
      • some sort of head cover - ideally a sun hat, but if not a peak cap will do. It gets hot out there!
      • sunscreen and sunglasses
     
    Your typical day will vary depending on how much ground you want to cover but may look something like this:
      [ltr]
    • it’s best to start early - around 7am is generally a good time.
    • I used to walk an hour or so and then stop off for breakfast which usually consists of orange juice, coffee and toast with jam
    • my average distance was about 25km a day which meant I walked for about 5 hours a day 
    • arrive at your refugio at around 1 & have lunch. Most places offer a pilgrims menu which consists of bread, meat/fish/pulpo (octopus - Galician speciality!), desert & a glass of wine/beer. Pilgrims menu cost between €9 and €11 when I walked it (6 years ago).
    • some hostels are municipal (Albergue Municipal), some are private (Albergues and Refugios). There are exceptions but in general municipal are cheaper, private tend to have smaller rooms. There’s a pretty comprehensive list below. Refugio and Albergue are used interchangeably. 
    • the Camino from Sarria to Santiago gets very busy - especially in July and August. Some refugios (esp municipal ones) don’t accept bookings so you’ll need to get there early (11am ish I would say). Some of the private ones may take bookings - if you don’t have any joy, make the effort to get there early!
    • It would be best to book a place for at least the first night you’ll spend in Santiago
      [/ltr]
     
    Useful links:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,141 ✭✭✭guile4582


    thinking of doing the Northern route in early May. my route would be San Seb to Bilbao, giving myself 6 days to walk it

    in another thread someone said this is considered off season and I might find it difficult to get a refugio.

    anyone any more advice experience of this route in May?
    also weather wise, is this a good time to go or will it be cold?



    Thanks for the above advice!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Excellent info there. Thank you very much!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    I live on part of the French Camino and have a friend who runs a pilgrims hostel. You'd be hard pressed to tell whether or not most of her guests are "fit" - and these are the ones doing 2500km or more (they've still got 1600km ahead of them when they stop at my friend's place! :pac: )

    Walking the Camino is not so much about "fitness" as pace and stamina, so by all means go for a 5k walk at the weekends, but make sure that it's a proper walk and not just a Sunday stroll. While it might be tempting to bring someone along with you for the company (or safety ... ) you don't want your training to be frustrated by someone who's only out for a bit of fresh air and wants to stop every ten minutes to take selfies or chat with the natives!

    As regards footwear, the sole is the most important. You won't be hard-core hiking on that last stretch, so you don't need 1000€-boots, but you do need something will cope with gravel, mud and tarmac, and that fits well. A young couple that I met in my friend's hostel had walked from Poland in runners (the lad said he was on his fourth pair :pac: ).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,457 ✭✭✭ford2600


    Excellent info there. Thank you very much!

    There are loads of Camino forums where you will get all the information you need.

    I cycled the approx 800km Nothern Route solo, in reverse in 3 days, and what struck me was the amount of walking on hard shoulder involved and road walking in general. My route was entirely tarmac but intersected and followed the Northern route a lot.

    If I was looking to do a walking route to enjoy for the walking I'd be looking at the many GR routes cross Europe. It terms of pure walking experience it is grossly over hyped in comparison to the famous European walking routes

    I'm not remotely religious but was struck by atmosphere in Santiago; lots of young people who've had a few weeks fun with feel good/high on Jesus buzz. It reminded me of the moving statues craze in 1985.

    You could go old school and start from Guiness's headquarters at St James Gate.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    From what I've read, Irish pilgrims have always been a bit on the lazy side! The "old school" route ran from St. James' Gate to a boat in either Dublin Port or Waterford, and the pilgrims were then ferried to Bordeaux where they joined the poor souls who'd walked all the way from Canterbury or departure points in (what's now) Belgium and Germany.

    That's still very much in evidence in the visitor books in our local church & stamp-station, where I have never seen an Irish pilgrim's name on the list. It's a shame, as the French part of the route is an altogether different (and worthy!) experience.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,059 ✭✭✭✭Spanish Eyes


    Sign up to this forum, it is a great resource. Or just browse through it. You will find every question under the sun there, and your own questions have been asked many times too.

    https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/camino-frances.12/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Thanks for all the replies folks. Flights booked so I'm on board! Can't wait now ðŸ˜


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 548 ✭✭✭Soulsun


    ford2600 wrote: »
    There are loads of Camino forums where you will get all the information you need.

    I cycled the approx 800km Nothern Route solo, in reverse in 3 days, and what struck me was the amount of walking on hard shoulder involved and road walking in general. My route was entirely tarmac but intersected and followed the Northern route a lot.


    May I ask a few questions - newbie here to camino

    I am flying from dublin - where would i fly into?

    I have 7 days to do some of the camino either of foot or bike any suggestions?

    Can I hire a bike there?

    How much spending money would one need?

    Ps - this is on my bucket list and just want to chalk it off!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 548 ✭✭✭Soulsun


    guile4582 wrote: »
    thinking of doing the Northern route in early May. my route would be San Seb to Bilbao, giving myself 6 days to walk it

    in another thread someone said this is considered off season and I might find it difficult to get a refugio.

    anyone any more advice experience of this route in May?
    also weather wise, is this a good time to go or will it be cold?



    Thanks for the above advice!

    +1 on this was thinking of April

    any idea of which Airport to fly into


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Soulsun wrote: »
    ford2600 wrote: »
    There are loads of Camino forums where you will get all the information you need.

    I cycled the approx 800km Nothern Route solo, in reverse in 3 days, and what struck me was the amount of walking on hard shoulder involved and road walking in general. My route was entirely tarmac but intersected and followed the Northern route a lot.


    May I ask a few questions - newbie here to camino

    I am flying from dublin - where would i fly into?

    I have 7 days to do some of the camino either of foot or bike any suggestions?

    Can I hire a bike there?

    How much spending money would one need?

    Ps - this is on my bucket list and just want to chalk it off!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Hi. Welcome to Camino firstly! I can't answer many of your questions as it's also my first time but for me I fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport and bus to Siarria, about 100k journey I think, luckily my sister is good at directions! I've been given so much useful information from very kind travellers/ pilgrims through this and kind private messages so feel free to ask away or pm me. I'll help if i can. Special thanks to Mr Bob for the kind advice and encouraging words. Convinced me to go for it! Xx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    Soulsun wrote: »

    Go on foot and if you are careful, from friends advice who have done it budget between 20 to 30 euro per day. Depending if you aren't too fussy! Walk my friend, leave the bike at home for this adventure!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,141 ✭✭✭guile4582


    Soulsun wrote: »
    +1 on this was thinking of April

    any idea of which Airport to fly into

    i was originally thinking april but think the weather mightn't be the best, also May might not be hugely different but thinking less chance of rain

    a mate of mine recommends flying into Biarritz with Ryanair and then getting a train to San Sebastian and starting there

    I only have 7 days to get from San Seb to Bilbao then fly out from Bilbao

    still in initial stages of planning


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    OK, I know a lot of people want to strike "doing the Camino" off their list of achievements, but when all is said and done, unless you're really doing it for spiritual purposes, it's just another walk and it seems like (Irish people in particular) go to an awful lot of trouble to fit a tiny fraction of the route into a very short space of time.

    As mentionned above, because of where I live and the company I keep, I meet walkers/pilgrims who have given themselves seven months to do the route, and without trying to be snobbish about it, they seem to get a lot more out of their experience than the Irish walkers I've met.

    In Dublin a couple of years ago, I joined a group from my mother's parish who were doing a "practice run" before heading off, and it came as quite a shock to hear them talk about bracketting what is (usually!) a relatively peaceful, de-stressing experience with a mad dash to get buses and trains and planes at both ends of the trip.

    I would strongly recommend anyone doing the Camino to take more time and do more of the route to get the best out of it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,141 ✭✭✭guile4582


    OK, I know a lot of people want to strike "doing the Camino" off their list of achievements, but when all is said and done, unless you're really doing it for spiritual purposes, it's just another walk and it seems like (Irish people in particular) go to an awful lot of trouble to fit a tiny fraction of the route into a very short space of time.

    As mentionned above, because of where I live and the company I keep, I meet walkers/pilgrims who have given themselves seven months to do the route, and without trying to be snobbish about it, they seem to get a lot more out of their experience than the Irish walkers I've met.

    In Dublin a couple of years ago, I joined a group from my mother's parish who were doing a "practice run" before heading off, and it came as quite a shock to hear them talk about bracketting what is (usually!) a relatively peaceful, de-stressing experience with a mad dash to get buses and trains and planes at both ends of the trip.

    I would strongly recommend anyone doing the Camino to take more time and do more of the route to get the best out of it.

    i need some headspace and i love the coast - this is my reason for doing it. timewise all i can go with is a week for now.

    i dont see any harm in that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    guile4582 wrote: »
    i need some headspace and i love the coast - this is my reason for doing it.

    Fair enough ...

    ... that's why I go walking in Clare!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,141 ✭✭✭guile4582


    Fair enough ...

    ... that's why I go walking in Clare!


    guaranteed crap weather and bs food there though plus accommodation is over priced :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    Obviously talking about a different Co. Clare, then! :D

    A recent springtime ramble down the coast towards Loop Head and back remains one of my favourite long walks, with lunch at the Long Dock in Carrigaholt being better than anything I've had in France, Spain or Italy. The weather that day was so great I took a photo there, with the palm trees in the background, and sent it to overseas friends telling them I was in the Bahamas. :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 WalkingGirl


    OK, I know a lot of people want to strike "doing the Camino" off their list of achievements, but when all is said and done, unless you're really doing it for spiritual purposes, it's just another walk and it seems like (Irish people in particular) go to an awful lot of trouble to fit a tiny fraction of the route into a very short space of time.

    As mentionned above, because of where I live and the company I keep, I meet walkers/pilgrims who have given themselves seven months to do the route, and without trying to be snobbish about it, they seem to get a lot more out of their experience than the Irish walkers I've met.

    In Dublin a couple of years ago, I joined a group from my mother's parish who were doing a "practice run" before heading off, and it came as quite a shock to hear them talk about bracketting what is (usually!) a relatively peaceful, de-stressing experience with a mad dash to get buses and trains and planes at both ends of the trip.

    I would strongly recommend anyone doing the Camino to take more time and do more of the route to get the best out of it.


    It would be great to do it in 7 months, think I should flag it to the hubby and kids or just head off? Ha! I think the reason most people do it in a short time period is they want to have some of the experience within the time and budget allowed to them. Experience is what you make it i suppose. Each to their own!


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