Greetings from a pilgrunner

[Piero Frustascarpe]

Hi! I'm 69 years old and live in North-West Italy. I hike on Alps and run since ever. I love very much and regularly practice trail running, cross-country skying and nordic walking. Some years ago I discovered the beauty of caminos and with a lot of pleasure and excitement I explore the ancient pilgrim trails that are all over Italy and lead to Shrines and ancient places of worship.
I could appear weird, but to walk on Camino de Santiago is not in my most present dreams, because I still have such a long list of Italian caminos waiting to be "walked".
Buona passeggiata a tutti!

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[Phil Smith]

Buona sera Piero - I have the Via Francigena in my dreams for when I retire (over a much longer period of time than for those very fit young people). Did you start yours in Italy or further afield? How is the terrain for an ordinary hiker?
I would appreciate any feedback. Grazie - Phil

 

[Piero Frustascarpe]

Dear Phil, I live in North-West Italy, a few kilometers away from the beginning of the Italian section of Via Francigena, so did the Italian section just stepping out of home.
The terrain is very various, from steep slopes (only few!), to total flatness, and it's always easy to walk.
An "ordinary hicker" can really enjoy the variety of it. Hearing the experiences of pilgrims who also walked to Santiago, the via Francigena requires the same fitness as the Camino del Norte.
This is the link to the official website: www.viefrancigene.org.
I wish you buona passeggiata!