First Timer Planning CF on the 12th May 18

[Morygan44]

Hi All,
My name is Richard from Falkirk in Scotland,
I am planning my first Camino starting from SJPDP on the 12th May 18. I already have my Pilgrim Passport and can't wait to get away from my job for a bit and get started Unfortunately I can only get 2 weeks off work for it, so I'm hoping to maybe get from St Jean to Burgos and fly home from there, and come back for more later.
I've done long distance walks before like the West Highland Way and long weekends hiking in the Cairngorm's, so I'm not too worried about fitness.
I was just wondering if any of you good people who've done the CF before can offer me any advice while I prepare for it.
Can anyone give me any advice?

 

[Dorpie]

Hi Richard,

Good news is that if you're used to trekking in the wilds of Scotland you should certainly be able to cope with what the camino has to throw at you. I started a couple of weeks before you three years back and conditions couldn't have been more perfect, hopefully you'll have the same luck. I definitely took too much and too heavy kit on my first trip, my boots that were perfect for hill walking in Wales were way too bulky for the pathways which make up most of the CF, I was down to walking sandals for my last trip though most seem to favour trail runners. There are a million packing articles and videos to be found here and elsewhere online.

Your distance goals seem entirely reasonable, not sure if the two weeks include getting from and back to Scotland but Burgos is eminently reachable in 11-12 days and even if you arrive earlier Burgos is a lovely place to spend a day or two.

But I guess my main advice would be not to micromanage things too much, with a few euros in your pocket there really aren't too many obstacles that can't be overcome.

Enjoy,

Rob.

 

[Morygan44]

Thank you Rob,

I really appreciate your comments, especially about not trying to overly plan and micro manage everything. I've watched that many you tube videos now that I'm starting to feel like I've already been there.

I think I'm going to have to swap my boots for trail runners, since I've not seen or heard anyone on the CF recommend boots at all.

Ya, the 11 - 12 days is kinda what I'm aiming for, with outward and return travel making up the other 2 days of a fortnight. I'm glad someone who's been on the Camino before like yourself could back that idea up for me Rob. It seems quite simple to get to Madrid from Burgos and get a plane home when my time runs out.

Fingers crossed I might get an extra week off work yet and maybe try for Leon if it's possible but I don't want to be rushing things on the trail too much.

Thanks again Rob

Richard

 

[Jose Neto]

Hi, I will leave SJPDP at May 12th, and I am planning to work to Santiago in 20 days. 25 miles per day. Let´s have a beer on SJPDP! Cheers.