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1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route?
Yes, on the Frances, with only a few exceptions, eg, the 17 kms after Carrion de los Condes. But it's completely flat.2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days?
God forbid. Just take a mobile, and call the universal emergency number. You'll get help in a hurry.3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury?
Wise pilgrim Guides, Brierley. Both are here in the Forum Store.4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail?
Yes, I was going to mention the same thing. And the walk to the top of Alto de Perdón isn't the easiest either!I think Pamplona is a great place to start. However, I'd point out that the downhill part after Alto de Perdon is one of the challenging downhill sections of the Camino Frances.
I'm hardly a gazelle, but I'm always surprised to hear it described as steep or hard.And the walk to the top of Alto de Perdón isn't the easiest either!
Hi,
Thanks so much for all of this great info. I will follow up.
Hi MyWay2019,
To answer your questions...
1. There are buses, trains, and taxis all along the Camino Frances if you need to go motorized during any part of your Camino.
2. There are few, but not many albergues that are 10 km apart from each other on any of the Caminos.
3. 112 is the emergency number in Spain.
4. There are multiple guidebooks about the Camino Frances that detail the topography and terrain.
A couple points I also want to mention is that there are pack hauling services all along the Camino Frances that are not expensive to use, and maybe even consider cycling as well.
Thanks so much. This is great. Love that you've said "Don't NOT go"....thank youI would recommend starting in Pamplona. The trek over the Pyrenees is steep...up the first day and very steep down he second. And there are many ups and downs between Roncesvalles and Pamplona. Many, many pilgrims start in Pamplona.
As a rule, you could find an albergue between 10 & 15 km a day. However, there are some very long sections and there it is more than permissible to take a ride, or have your pack shipped to lighten the load. As mentioned above, 112 will get you help in Spain. Also, find the. Umber ahead of time for the taxi services that are ubiquitous on the Camino.
It's really important that you get a guidebook or two and study the route. You can map out your stops and alternative transportation that way. Somewhere on this forum are listed all the albergues along the route. It's excellent!
Most of all, don't not go. Very, very few of us pilgrims did the entire Camino without problems of some sort. You will be rewarded; so rewarded. Go slow and go easy and enjoy the journey!
Buen Camino!
Thank you so much, this is super helpful. I was also thinking that it would be best in my usual running/walking shoes as these are very supportive and cushioned. Not waterproof though so not sure if that's a huge problem.Hi,
1. My first recommendation is to consult your doctor before anything.
2. There are many hamlets, villages, towns and cities along the way, and, for the most part, they are close enough to allow you to walk 5, 10 or 15 km days. There are a few exceptions though. I recommend a guide book and use google maps to plan your stops ahead of time. Google will also inform, to a certain degree, but not perfectly, the meter climb and descent of a given route - use this to gage whether you should tackle a given section of the trail.
3. There is an abundance of public transportation available all along the way... for the most part. Each location, usually has taxis or you can ask for the local taxi telephone numbers at the Albergues or hotels and note them down: should you feel that enough is enough. Also, I recommend using public transport such as buses to avoid the hills - after all you will be crossing the Pyrenees.
4. Walk light, use the backpack or luggage carry forward services available.
5. Walk with padded running shoes (shock absorption) - maybe you require special footwear - ask your doctor.
6. Use walking poles and learn how to use them before going. This will/should help reduce the impact on your joints.
7. Myself, I brought Voltaren and Ibuprofen for pain relief. Plan for the worst and prepare accordingly: stock up on medication that your doctor prescribes for you.
8. Remember the adage "RICES" = Rest, ice, compression, elevation and stretch. Stretching, taking days off to rest and hot baths (muscle stiffness) also help the soreness of it all.
9. Note the locations where medical services are available. Part of planning for the worst.
10. Walk but take frequent breaks as needed: Listen to your body, it really does talk.
Good luck and buen camino.
Thanks so much. I do like the idea of using taxis so i can still see the scenary and visit all the towns even if not walking a particular section. Poles sounds great.I think Pamplona is a great place to start. However, I'd point out that the downhill part after Alto de Perdon is one of the challenging downhill sections of the Camino Frances. You don't want to ruin your knees on day 1 or 2! You could go to Zariquiegui, stay the night, and probably arrange a taxi on to Uterga the next day. As others have pointed out, a guide book will be helpful to show you where you might need to take alternative routes or transport. it certainly can be done. Taxis will be available when necessary.
Definitely use poles, a light pack, and take your time.
Thanks so much. This is so helpful. I will definitely skip all those downhills as it would be too much for sure.Yes, on the Frances, with only a few exceptions, eg, the 17 kms after Carrion de los Condes. But it's completely flat.
- The descent from the Napoleon Route into Roncesvalles. Easily dealt with by walking the completely delightful Valcarlos route.
- The descent into Zubiri is also not so fun - you can go on the road, but be careful.
- The descent from the Alto to Perdon is a killer - not so steep, but you're walking on rocks and loose rubble. Agree entirely with @C clearly.
- The descent into Acebo after the Cruz de Fero. Not so bad as after the Alto de Perdon, but similar.
- The descent into Molinaseca (after Acebo) - I didn't think this was as horrible as others have found it, but it was dry. And it is steep and rocky in places. You can get a taxi...
God forbid. Just take a mobile, and call the universal emergency number. You'll get help in a hurry.
Wise pilgrim Guides, Brierley. Both are here in the Forum Store.
Buen Camino, @MyWay2019 !
Thanks so much. This is an excellent picture/view of the trail. Very helpfulYes, I was going to mention the same thing. And the walk to the top of Alto de Perdón isn't the easiest either! View attachment 53457
Downhill sounds brutal even for the fit and able!I'm hardly a gazelle, but I'm always surprised to hear it described as steep or hard.
That downhill on the other side, OTOH...oooo...grf. The first time was the worst because I wasn't prepared. For some reason, expecting it made the descent much easier. Slow and steady and it's fine.
That's great thank you. This guidebook looks great. Thanks so much for the encouragement. So glad to hear from you and others that this is possible.Somebody posted a screenshot from gronze.com, a superb on line guide book. It will show you all the grades, towns, and albergues with distances. It's in Spanish only, but if you access it from a chrome browser, it will translate it just fine.
What you want to do can be done with some planning and a handful of cheap taxi rides through the worst sections.
Buen Camino!
My Tricky descentsHi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
It's actually a websiteThat's great thank you. This guidebook looks great. Thanks so much for the encouragement. So glad to hear from you and others that this is possible.
ThanksIt's actually a website
Camino Francés | Gronze.com
El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...www.gronze.com
Thanks so much. From what that photo shows, that is way too hard for my injuries. Would need to take the transport option. SO good to know this ahead of time, thank youMy Tricky descents
Alto de Perdon - the down side is steep and covered in round boulders
From Acebo to Molinesica (see the image below) rocky, steep - needs concentration and 2 poles, I see someone else mentioned from Cruz Ferro to Acebo, below that isnt any better, I found it worse (may have something to do with tired feet by that stage). I wish I had taken a photo of the descent from Alto de Perdon.
The hill out of Castrojerez is a bit rough of the knees, concrete but quite steep. the up is fine, the down needs poles for knees.
There were tricky slatey bits on the way into Samos as well, but not for very far - it was also raining hard, so that probably added to the general slipperiness.
Zubiru has ridges of limestone down the track
Down into Roncesvalles was fine, but I walked down the road.
For maps showing terrain I found the best option was the small Michelin guide book. Small enough to put in your shorts pocket with decent sized maps and a useful key for stops.
There are a few long stretches and if you know where they are you could taxi across two days, starting where you left off or bus the whole way. For instance after Carrion there is a long stretch but it is flat.
Walking poles are brilliant, worth learning how to use them
I found it useful to to ask for ice (cafes will give you ice in a bag)View attachment 53460
I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis
... 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? ...
The final section of the Camino from Sarria on has good accommodation every 10 kms or so. In the earlier sections you might need to arrange pick-ups and drop-offs each day if you want to stick to 10k max. I met a couple of people with problem joints who did this - apparently taxis are not hard to arrange - they will pick you up, take you to an accommodation off track whenever needed and bring you back to the same spot the next day. However, it might be easier start with the final section - from Sarria - do your 100 k, get your Compostella and see how you feel? The rest of the track will always be there - you can come back once you have had a feel of the road.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
@MyWay2019,From Acebo to Molinesica (see the image below) rocky, steep - needs concentration and 2 poles...up is fine, the down needs poles for knees...Walking poles are brilliant, worth learning how to use them...
View attachment 53460
Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Hi peregrino I sympathize with you ive got a rebuild on 2 knees a shoulder, back and a foot (mis spent youth haha) Last year I did the Portuguese route averaging 15 km with plenty of bar stops for ice to cool the joints.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
You've chosen a good place to tackle matters life in its various expressions. I've walked the last 165kms of the Frances over 11 days last year with a Christian friend. I was then 58. My pace was slow as my right knee carries and old sports injury from my civilian army days. My friend was very patient with my 3kms per hour progress. Struggles you will encounter along the way. The other side of the experience however is the faces, places and open spaces that you meet along the way and a deep work within yourself as you wrestle with life's stuff and receive guidance and solutions in the simplicity of the multiple daily experiences.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
You've chosen a good place to tackle matters life in its various expressions. I've walked the last 165kms of the Frances over 11 days last year with a Christian friend. I was then 58. My pace was slow as my right knee carries and old sports injury from my civilian army days. My friend was very patient with my 3kms per hour progress. Struggles you will encounter along the way. The other side of the experience however is the faces, places and open spaces that you meet along the way and a deep work within yourself as you wrestle with life's stuff and receive guidance and solutions in the simplicity of the multiple daily experiences.
Greetings, and buen camino. You have received a lot of very good advice from other members. I would like to add my few cents worth. First, and foremost, as others have opined, THIS IS YOUR CAMINO, DO IT YOUR WAY. Here is a personal example. Prior to May, 2015, the start of my first Camino when I was closer to 71 than 70, I had been corresponding with a fellow pilgrim-to-be, Stephen. He was my age, and in great physical shape, except for his knees, which had suffered a lot of damage due to college football. We were to meet in Roncevalles and start our hike together. From the get-go it was apparent he could not sustain anything more than about 10-12 km / day. While at Roncevalles Stephen met Pepe, a Spanish national our general age that did not speak any English. Stephen's Spanish was limited to "hola, si, gracias, and buen camino". Yet he and Pepe quickly formed a friendship.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
For reference I'm 65, but with none of the issues you refer to. If I did have those aches and pains, I'd SERIOUSLY consider starting in Pamplona. That would take out the Pyrenees with its very steep descent at the end of day one, as well as the very steep descent into Zubiri on day 2.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
These are all useful questions for older hikers and/or those with physical limitations. I’m both of these— lol.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Hi MyWay2019 -
I can sympathise with you regarding your leg problems - mine are very similar.
On the subject of the ascent and descent from the Alto de Person - last year I took ages to walk the path up to the Alto de Perdon - I used the steel tips on the hiking poles and kept to the left - the high side - on the very steep parts. The soil seemed a bit softer here and the pole was able to get greater purchase into the ground so I was able to anchor myself more.
I chose to walk the slow winding road down from the summit. I believe it added around 4km to the walk to Uterga. I was much happier taking this route rather than risk slipping on the loose stones on the path down from the summit and also putting a lot of pressure on my weak left knee. It was easy following the road down and eventually I saw the sign to Uterga and made my way there. At one point there's an option to go left or right - no signage there - so I used logic and took the road to the left. No worries.
I walked with a hiking trailer which worked really well - all that weight off my body was fantastic. You might want to look into investing in a hiking trailer if your funds permit that. There are threads on both commercially available and DYI hiking trailers on this Forum which will give you tons of information.
Buen Camino!
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny
Yikes! I know how all that feels. First of all what I would say is spend these weeks before your Camino building up the strength in you legs as much as possible. The loose rocky terrain is really off-putting on the downhill sections, more strength in the legs will just give you more confidence in those sections, which in most cases are not steep at all, just very unstable. A couple of YouTube physiotherapists (Bob & Brad) have some good advice on helpful exercises.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Trekking poles will take considerable weight off your feet, knees, and legs. They are specially helpful on the downhills.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
Hi,
on this website you can check the distances between each stop on the CF. As far as I know there are two stages, where one has to cover more than 10 km, because there is no village to stay overnight.
Orisson - Roncevalles 17 km (check Express Bourricot for transport) or start at Pamplona, then you can skip that part at the beginning altogether, because it's steep up- and downhill. I'm still debating with myself whether or not to do that too).
Carrión de los Condes - Calzadilla de la Cueza 17,5 km
There are also some other stages where the distance is about 12 to 13 km.
About the practical aspects later on I've got no experience, but I'm interested in those as well.
Hi gerip - yep - there's a road - a long and winding one - which will get you to Uterga. If you remember the steep path down was opposite the beautiful pilgrim statues ... you cross a quiet road to get over to that path. That is the road which will take you down the hill and on to Uterga.There's a road???!!!?? I looked for one & didn't see it.
You got great advice here already; let me re-emphasize it. My wife and I walked SJPdP to Santiago last May, averaging between 10-15 kilometers a day. We were in great shape, but were challenged like you by downhill segments.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
this website, recommended above, https://godesalco.com/plan/frances is much mre than what appears at first glance: It is an excellent planning resource: Here, you can set your starting and ending points, and then choose daily etappas, with indications of what sleeping alternatives exist at each place,, you can produce maps with daily ascents/descents, elevations, distances m.m.Hi new friends, I'm completely new to this forum and to long distance hiking in general. I'm age 57 with advanced osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joints (under patellas), but main knee joints are mostly fine. I am at a turning point in life and would like to walk the Camino Frances to help me process my new situation and restart in life. However I would need to limit each day to no more than 10km and maybe have some rest days as well. I am ok walking uphill and on the flat up to 10 km max to keep swelling down, but downhill is very painful and causes significant swelling due to bone on bone action of maligned patella's on bottom of femur (cartilage worn out). I don't have a time limit for completing the trail. For me it is more important to respect my physical limitations and care for my body along the way. I was wondering if someone might be so kind as to advise me on the following, along with any other thoughts you might have that could help me protect my knees please. 1. Are there any sections that have long and/or steep descents and which can be skipped in some way such as by using a bus or alternative route? 2. Are there accomodation options along the trail (especially low cost options) within approximately 10 kms of each other or less, so that I could do these shorter days? 3. How do you call for medical assistance along the trail between towns if there is a significant injury? 4, Where could I find a good resource that shows the accomodation options and also the contour and surface type of the trail? Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your guidance.
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