Jacki Liuzzi
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino de Santiago 2012
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Thank you.The Chemin du Puy is not more difficult than the Camino Frances. You can get profile information from this site:
http://www.godesalco.com/plan/podense
Thinking of walking Le puy to St. Jean Auguat/September this year. Just wanting to know the degree of difficulty in relation to hills/mountains. I have nowhere at home to train in hills. I want to enjoy my walk not slogging it out every day. Walked Camino de Santiago in 2012 and had no problems there but believe this walk to be much hillier. Perhaps Del Norte could be a better option?
Thinking of walking Le puy to St. Jean Auguat/September this year. Just wanting to know the degree of difficulty in relation to hills/mountains. I have nowhere at home to train in hills. I want to enjoy my walk not slogging it out every day. Walked Camino de Santiago in 2012 and had no problems there but believe this walk to be much hillier. Perhaps Del Norte could be a better option?
Thinking of walking Le puy to St. Jean Auguat/September this year. Just wanting to know the degree of difficulty in relation to hills/mountains. I have nowhere at home to train in hills. I want to enjoy my walk not slogging it out every day. Walked Camino de Santiago in 2012 and had no problems there but believe this walk to be much hillier. Perhaps Del Norte could be a better option?
Hi Jacki - walked the Le Puy Route last year.... its absolutely fine......I wasn't half as fit as I would have liked starting the hike due to illness but I ended up managing fine. No real challenges at all ... just go at the pace you want and you will be fine. Yes there are some hilly sections but any steep bits are short and really enjoyable (like the steep hike out of Conques) ... its mainly undulating if anything rather than mountainous. By the way, I feel (at least from my perspective) that the guidebooks were slightly optimistic on the daily distances that can be achieved. I think they are geared towards the very fit rather than the average hiker but I am sure not everyone will agree... I took my time on the route and did shorter sections if I wanted and really enjoyed it. By the way the first couple of weeks on the route are really special.... you will be walking on lovely natural trails and through beautiful landscapes..... personally I wasn't so mad about the route after Moissac..... there was ALOT of road walking (at least alot more than I like). Oh and another tip... consider taking the GR651 route in the Cele Valley - really beautiful and it was FULL of so many butterflies .... never seen so many in one place .... can't remember the exact town where you turn off to do that variant but its after Figeac I think...
Thanks irishgurrrl, you have made my wife very happy with your description of how hard the walk is. Even though we walked from Roncesvalles to Santiago last year, she was still a little bit cautious about how hard our Le Puy Camino is going to be starting this April 24th. Now she is not concerned at all.
Hi. I have walked from Le Puy as far as Moissac over the last two summers and am resuming from Moissac to St Jean and onwards to Roncevalles in June 2015. I would concur with what has been said re the hilly sections and the need to walk to your limits. These sections, although not usually long, can be quite steep and energy sapping so definitely get some stadium/staircase climbing in. I would be concerned for myself about the road walking you referred to from Moissac onwards - a case for trail shoes rather than mountain boots do you think?I didn't think there were any majorly difficult sections. Bear in mind I didn't do high mileage at all (max. 25km/day and usually no more than 20km generally..... I took my time on this one haha).. if you are planning upwards of 20-25km per day then you may curse me later. Its the pace and daily distances you choose which will cause any challenges. The terrain isn't anything you haven't already dealt with in Spain but look at the elevation maps to decide a realistic distance for that particular day. Not sure when you are planning to go but we found it warm enough in April May. Less water refill opportunities and a distinct lack of places to eat during the day so carry enough food and water to get you through the day unless you are passing somewhere which definitely will be open... Often we stocked up on pain au chocolat, small tins of tuna, sausicon (spelling?), fruit, cheese, baguette (highly recommend the artisan versions!), nuts etc depending on our preference that day.... Spare ziplock bags will come in handy for this reason. Its a stunning route so enjoy and bon chemin!
I didn't think there were any majorly difficult sections. Bear in mind I didn't do high mileage at all (max. 25km/day and usually no more than 20km generally..... I took my time on this one haha).. if you are planning upwards of 20-25km per day then you may curse me later. Its the pace and daily distances you choose which will cause any challenges. The terrain isn't anything you haven't already dealt with in Spain but look at the elevation maps to decide a realistic distance for that particular day. Not sure when you are planning to go but we found it warm enough in April May. Less water refill opportunities and a distinct lack of places to eat during the day so carry enough food and water to get you through the day unless you are passing somewhere which definitely will be open... Often we stocked up on pain au chocolat, small tins of tuna, sausicon (spelling?), fruit, cheese, baguette (highly recommend the artisan versions!), nuts etc depending on our preference that day.... Spare ziplock bags will come in handy for this reason. Its a stunning route so enjoy and bon chemin!
We are leaving Le Puy on 24th April. Until we sort out how we are going and to make sure we get a bed and an evening meal, we have booked the first five nights with demi-pension. From then on we will book 24 hours in advance and be more flexible apart from public holidays and Mondays. We are starting easy with the following.
(1) Montbonnet - 16 km.
(2) Monistrol d'Allier - 14 km
(3) Saugues - 13 km
(4) Le Sauvage - 19 km
(5) Les Estrets - 20 km
On the Camino Frances we tried to keep our walking day to 20 km, a lot more enjoyable and no blisters. We walk for pleasure not for distance.
We are leaving Le Puy on 24th April. Until we sort out how we are going and to make sure we get a bed and an evening meal, we have booked the first five nights with demi-pension. From then on we will book 24 hours in advance and be more flexible apart from public holidays and Mondays. We are starting easy with the following.
(1) Montbonnet - 16 km.
(2) Monistrol d'Allier - 14 km
(3) Saugues - 13 km
(4) Le Sauvage - 19 km
(5) Les Estrets - 20 km
On the Camino Frances we tried to keep our walking day to 20 km, a lot more enjoyable and no blisters. We walk for pleasure not for distance.
Hi. I have walked from Le Puy as far as Moissac over the last two summers and am resuming from Moissac to St Jean and onwards to Roncevalles in June 2015. I would concur with what has been said re the hilly sections and the need to walk to your limits. These sections, although not usually long, can be quite steep and energy sapping so definitely get some stadium/staircase climbing in. I would be concerned for myself about the road walking you referred to from Moissac onwards - a case for trail shoes rather than mountain boots do you think?
I used goretex runners when I walked Le Puy - SdC in 2009. It was in August /September and the weather was dry. It was not a problem for my ancles, but I recommend shoes or boots with a stiffer sole which I have been using on my later returns to the route. A lot of offroad streches on the GR 65 are very stony and it was a problem feeling the sharp stones through the soles. A stiffer and thicker sole makes up with that.I used boots and they were fine. I never hike in shoes so don't know to be honest. Maybe someone else can chip in here?
Thank you both for the advice - it's off to the Great Outdoors now to get a decent pair of trail shoes to go with my new boots!I used goretex runners when I walked Le Puy - SdC in 2009. It was in August /September and the weather was dry. It was not a problem for my ancles, but I recommend shoes or boots with a stiffer sole which I have been using on my later returns to the route. A lot of offroad streches on the GR 65 are very stony and it was a problem feeling the sharp stones through the soles. A stiffer and thicker sole makes up with that.
A related question. My wife goes uphill just fine, so total elevation gain is not her issue. And distance is not her issue (she could walk 35-40km/day if she did not have to wait for me). Her issue is a debilitating fear of falling. This almost always manifests itself either in narrow trails with steep drop offs to one side, stepping down over rock "steps" or coming down steep descents on eroding trails with loose footing (we took the road to Roncevalles rather than the steeper path). Even in city life, she cannot go downstairs without holding onto a rail.
The Camino Frances was perfect for her. The only day that was a little rough was the first day after Roncevalles through that lovely wilderness section. Some of the downhills were on slick rocks. Nothing for others, but a real challenge for her.
We are thinking about doing to Le Puy route. Would this be a good walk for her? She can deal with a little bit of this stuff, but it seems to have a cumulative effect--the more she does, the greater the paralysis. Exposure therapy does not work--it increases the problem.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience, and Buen Camino.
Jo Jo
That particular bit may have improved since 2011 when I walked it last; it was more of a short (50m) steep section that needed steps but didn't really have them. So someone had cut rough steps into the clay soil, and rigged up some rope "handrails"....the mention of hauling herself up by a rope was a deal-breaker ...
Thinking of walking Le puy to St. Jean Auguat/September this year. Just wanting to know the degree of difficulty in relation to hills/mountains. I have nowhere at home to train in hills. I want to enjoy my walk not slogging it out every day. Walked Camino de Santiago in 2012 and had no problems there but believe this walk to be much hillier. Perhaps Del Norte could be a better option?
Not at all; this is a general experience!I must be the odd man out ...
We did the Cele Valley alternative route and in places we were walking with a sheer wall above us and a steep drop off below. It was hard going as it was HOT in September, and the paths up from the valley were often rough and stony, then along a cliff face for a km or so and then down to the valley floor again for a while and then up a steep path to again walk along the elevated cliff face. The scenery was wonderful but had to watch the path as in some places we had to stoop under the overhang to walk.@Jo Jo there are no sections that I can recall with a steep drop-off on the sides. There are a couple of steepish descents and climbs into and out of river towns. They all have road alternatives. The worst I think is the drop down into Monistrol. Get the Topo guide (Amazon) or use IPhiGeNie (app) to see all the detailed topographic maps with contour lines. IPhiGeNie is particularly useful because you can zoom down to fine detail, and see all the roads as well as the walking trails. Or go to Geoportal on the computer and take screen shots of the relevant sections for printing and carrying. (IPhiGenie allows downloading of maps for off-line use - you pay a license fee - Geoportal is free but needs live connection).
I agree with you - the first week is hard. From Le Puy to Cahors is tough, especially when your bag weighs 15-17kg. Every morning you start walking with a stiff uphill stretch (usually to leave the gite in the village and get back onto the Aubrac. I left Le Puy at the end of March and there was still snow on the top and wind/rain/sleet gives problems when stopping for lunch - shelter is at a premium.I must be the odd man out as I found parts of it considerably harder than the Spanish Camino until about Cahors, even leaving there was steep but only for about 30 minutes.
The path last August had been cut up by summer rains and some of the descents (500-600m) were steep and rough walking. Even with two poles it was tricky at times. Climbing up was easier than going down in most places. There is some wonderful walking though and the Aubrac plateau stands out as especially scenic. I had trained well but despite my prior walking experience carried too much weight in my backpack. Next time will aim for no more than 8kg. By the way many of the French people walking carried only 500ml or at the most 1 lt of water was they knew there was always water to be found at the cemeteries in each village, even those without shops etc. Just look for the church.
I agree - start in Le Puy. Miam Miam Dodo indicates which towns have transit connections. Then, another year, you can pick up where you left off. The scenery is front-loaded on the Le Puy route. The other scenic section is from Navarrenx into SJPP, walking along the foothills. Very different feel in that part of France. But I would start in Le Puy, and if one of your party needs to take advantage of baggage transport, then do so.Presently, our plan is to begin in Le Puy, but is there a favorite 6 day section of this route that is beautiful and perhaps not as difficult?
Yes, it is in the church and after the short service the volunteers take you to the near by church/parish hall for nibbles and drinks and a chat.Thank you @SYates. I didn't realise that it was for statistical data. Is the pilgrims welcome in the church at Navarrenx? I remember the one at StJPP was lovely.
Thank you @Kitsambler. I have not been able to find the MMDD in English and my French is near non-existent. Do you know if they do an English version?
I agree that it will be good to get the legs used to the walking before the climb to Roncesvalles.
Sorry but I completely disagree. The way from Le Puy to Decazeville is much more dificult than the french way. After Decazeville things are sama as the french but the first 1/3 is really harder.The Chemin du Puy is not more difficult than the Camino Frances. You can get profile information from this site:
http://www.godesalco.com/plan/podense
Thinking of walking Le puy to St. Jean Auguat/September this year. Just wanting to know the degree of difficulty in relation to hills/mountains. I have nowhere at home to train in hills. I want to enjoy my walk not slogging it out every day. Walked Camino de Santiago in 2012 and had no problems there but believe this walk to be much hillier. Perhaps Del Norte could be a better option?
It's beautiful and overall no harder than the Frances imo - highly recommended. I've walked it twice and would do it again in a heartbeat except there are so many other beautiful Caminos to explore...
I also feel very nervous walking down steep slippery slopes, even with walking poles. There is one particularly bad one early on, I think between St Privat and Saugues. I was absolutely terrified, made worse because I have an arthritic knee and got cramp twice. I made it with much coaching from my companion, but was shaken and very distressed by the time I got to the bottom. Thankfully I didn't slip, so got over it and carried on.A related question. My wife goes uphill just fine, so total elevation gain is not her issue. And distance is not her issue (she could walk 35-40km/day if she did not have to wait for me). Her issue is a debilitating fear of falling. This almost always manifests itself either in narrow trails with steep drop offs to one side, stepping down over rock "steps" or coming down steep descents on eroding trails with loose footing (we took the road to Roncevalles rather than the steeper path). Even in city life, she cannot go downstairs without holding onto a rail.
The Camino Frances was perfect for her. The only day that was a little rough was the first day after Roncevalles through that lovely wilderness section. Some of the downhills were on slick rocks. Nothing for others, but a real challenge for her.
We are thinking about doing to Le Puy route. Would this be a good walk for her? She can deal with a little bit of this stuff, but it seems to have a cumulative effect--the more she does, the greater the paralysis. Exposure therapy does not work--it increases the problem.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience, and Buen Camino.
Jo Jo
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