Camino De Santiago

Hi All,

I am thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago next Summer, walking the 780km route within 4 weeks. Few questions:

1. How fit would I need to be? Am already rather fit, go to the gym and am doing 2 10k runs next year.
2. Would 780km be achievable in 4 weeks? And,
3. Would you reccomend going with someone or is it just as good going on your own and meeting people on the way?

Thank you for your help in advance.

Didn't Don Minqez do this a while back?

I'm new to Runners World and have no idea if anyone has done a thread similar. Apologies if it has.

He did, Barkles, but he doesn't post on here any more.  

Jonathan, he did the walk, not a thread about the walk - although there may be something if you search on his name.

DM did it over a period of 3 years I think

to come back to the OP's post

to do the Camino in one stretch is a big ask - that's just under 30km a day across mixed terrain, none of which is particulalry flat, and in temperatures that can be well into the 30's in summer.   being gym fit is one thing - being fit to do this is another altogether.

how much walking do you do at the moment?  if you're an experienced walker comfortable with a backpack for long days in the hills, then I'd say fine - it's doable.  but I just suspect you're too inexperienced at this stage to do it in one go.

it's a good challenge but I think you might need to do a bit of joined up thinking first

Thanks for the advice. I have done a trek in the jungles of Thailand, so am quie use to walking in the heat. But I do agree with the distance of the walk.

i don't think i'd have the patience/time to walk it but i'd quite like to run it?

http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/

theres a site to help with this

Jonathan, I walked the Camino in 2012 at age 61 in 43 days. I had shin splints and took three days off before continuing. At first I took it easy, by the end, I was hiking 42 km/day. I recommend starting slowing and increasing the distance as your body adjust. I had two additional rest days.

Don't let anyone disuade you from the Camino—it is a experience of a life time. If you don't have time to complete the entire trip. Start somewhere closer to Santiago.

There are many books about the camino. Check out the Camino Books Pinterest Board or follow my adventure on the Camino de Santiago in 43 days board.

I am now thinking of the Potugues route (230km). I reckon this could be a more achievable target and as you said Jane, is a consderably shorter distance. How long would this take to achieve? 2 weeks?

Jonathan,

According to the forum, it should take about 11 days from Porto. The John Brierley guide, Camino Portugues, which I will be using, divides the walk from Lisbon into 23 days. You might find the walking from Lisbon discussion interesting.

Best of luck and Buen Camino.

Thank you Jane.

I had attempted to buy this book but was unfortunately out of stock. I am looking forward to doing the Camino, should be a great experience!

Jonathan, I assume you mean the Camino Francés. Wonderful! Have a wonderful time.

Buen Camino

don't do the Portuguese route. it's boring.

on the french route. 1) no. you don't need to be fit, all you need to do is wear your footwear in and NOT CARRY TOO MUCH IN YOUR BACKPACK. 2) yes, perfectly doable - although a few more days would be ideal. by the end you will easily be doing 30kms a day. 3) go on your own - the best part of the Camino is meeting new people - you will make dozens of friends.

if you really want a shorter route do the Camino Primitivo starting in Oviedo.

buen camino!