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How do people 60-and-over plan their Camino?

There is little debate that walking the Camino is a physical challenge. Walking our first CF in 2014 at 55 and our second CF in 2019 at 60 reinforces the idea that you have to walk the Camino to learn how to walk the Camino. My wife and I experienced sore feet, blisters, injured Achilles, debilitated knees, aching backs and more. I would contend age is only a partial component to these bodily functions. We saw many younger pilgrims injuring themselves attempting to do too much, too fast. Did they never read "The Tortoise and the Hare?" The "mental exercise" of the Camino tends to be much more challenging. Each day is another conversation with yourself and sometimes it seems to be a constant negotiation. 2 more K? Then, I'll get that coffee. Walk to this village? Reward yourself with a nice bottle of vino tinto. I spend a good amount of time laughing at myself. If I believe I matter, surely the world must agree with me (How to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans). Regardless of age, How do you walk the Camino? One step at a time...
 
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I know it is an old post but still beautiful and enlightening. Glad that i found it.
 
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The biggest advantage that many older people have is that they are not constrained by time in the same way as most younger people. We may not be able to walk as far in a day, but that doesn't matter if we have more days available to us.

The biggest mistake I see people making is trying to walk too far, too fast. Unless you are doing that sort of exercise in ordinary life it puts a lot of strain on the joints and is, in my opinion, a primary cause of blisters.

So my advice is to walk at your own comfortable pace and plan for short days initially. You may find that your body adapts as you progress and you can walk further later, but if it doesn't that really doesn't matter.
 
"Plans are worthless, but planning is everything"

I am a project planner by trade and I always plan a lot. On the Camino, for me that translates to knowing the route and what is ahead so that I don't miss an opportunity -- not to have structure. I don't book ahead, but I am aware of contingencies. For example, when walking the CP we had an early start and a cool day and covered a lot of miles by noon. I remembered from pre-planning a well know donitivo that was ahead. We could have easily walked by, but instead had the best night's stay on the CP at the Casa Fernanda!
 
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Walk slowly, honor your body,, tis a mental game also, after 5-7 days your mind starts ,,,This isn't fun anymore...so be prepared to muster some determination,
Most Important ,,,, it's a long distant trek ,,,,,remember The Turtle Won !
 
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Whilst the original post started 10 years ago I agree its still totally relevant even today. Regardless of age the prior preparation to prevent p... poor performance is something that applies to all pilgrims I suggest. Yes again walking any camino does provide the necessary insight that will make the second one so much better. I know that when I started from St Jean in May 2017 I gave myself 3 or 4 days to get "camino fit" (that is adjusting to different beds each night; walking with a 10kg pack; walking 10/15/20 km up hill and down - despite your training). I know that when I left Pamplona heading for the Alto Del Perdon I found it so much easier than cycling in 2015 and the subsequent days where the same. Buen Camino
 
Plan carefully but do not oppose changing your distance. Since Albuergue space is limited this year, you may want to carry a tent.
Be advised that el Norte is not easy.
I did it in my 70s
Buen Suerte
 
I walked the Camino Frances on my own for my 80th birthday. I would like to suggest you consider this route...simply for the infrastructure and multiple services you might need 'down the road'. You can start the Frances route other than St. Jean Pied de Port...many start from Pamplona. And chances are you'd find more accommodations on the Frances. There are other considerations as well...please feel free to send me a personal message...am happy to help.
 
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Same way as everyone else I guess - don't carry too much, don't walk too far, find out as much as you can before you leave about the places you are going to pass through. Try to get in some long distance day-walks (20-30 kms) before you go to test your equipment and your stamina. The pandemic has meant much less accommodation so book if you can. If your Spanish is not great you can either use your smart phone to book online or ask the staff at your hotel/pension to book the next day for you (most people who work in hospitality in Spain have good English). I walked my first camino at 61 and when my government lets me out of the country I shall be at least 70 and doing another one. The Norte has some steep, short ascents, especially the first half but it is not the Himalayas, having said that, the Francés has the best infrastructure and most manageable stages. Enjoy the wine, the people, the scenery, the food and buen camino.
 
I'm well over 60. Walked my first Camino (CF) at 65 in 2017 and three additional full CF plus CP and part of VDLP over a three year period until pandemic grounded us. My husband is in his mid 70s and has walked nine times since he was 65--his last Camino was at 72. We are daily walkers at home and usually ramped up our distance a bit before each Camino. We listened to our bodies and recognize that the sections identified in various guidebooks are just that--guides, not mandated daily distances. After the first week, we got up to and maintained 12-15 mile days. It was a great feeling. It felt just as good to throw in a 6 mile day periodically to allow for a great meal and wandering in a favorite place. It's about the journey so is important to enjoy, listen to your body, and see old friends (people and places) along the way. We will travel back to Spain in a year from now.
Buen Camino.
Carol
 
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I was 71 when I walked from SJPP to Santiago in September/October 2018 (solo until Sarria, then met up with a woman friend my age, to walk the last 100km together). Before Sarria, I shared a taxi twice, and took two bus rides: one short, with new friend who was injured; and one long ride from Burgos to Leon, because I didn't have enough time to walk the Meseta. I had prepared by walking several miles in the summer heat every day before I went to Spain. I had good shoes and socks that fit well. Most of the time I wore a Macabi travel skirt and a wide brimmed hat. Although I had all the items one would need for blisters, etc., I never even got one. I stayed in albergues except for two nights, reserved most of my albergue beds and often requested the lower bunk. I sent my pack ahead every day after the first few grueling days. I bought one walking stick in SJPP, found a second one somewhere after Melide, offered it to many other pilgrims, and when no one claimed it, I considered it a gift from the Camino. A good thing, too, because somewhere along the path I injured my left knee. In Arca, a kind pharmacist examined my knee, and sold me a brace and some pain relieving salve. I needed both sticks after that. I hope to go again, maybe 2022 or 2023? I'd like to walk the Meseta when there are flowers, or maybe do the Norte. My physical condition hasn't deteriorated yet, so I think it will go just fine. I'll go alone again, because it's nice not to have to keep up with others who are faster, or to match my speed to someone who's slower. My Compostela hangs in my bedroom; I look at it every day as I continue the Camino which doesn't end in Santiago.
 
Old threads, like old soldiers, never die. But unlike old soldiers, they never fade away. The OP would be at or near 70, as I am myself, and my camino companion and I are planning (or hoping) to do our next camino as soon as we possibly can. But this time I am really going to make sure I know as much as I can about the Visigoths. And maybe remember to take gloves this time.
 
For now we plan and walk pretty much as we have always done - carrying our packs and walking our preferred distance of about 25-30 kms a day on average. We figure as time goes by that’s at least two variables we can play with if need be - daily distance and what we carry.

Some years ago on the Arles Way we met a French couple who have walked dozens of Caminos. They were in their early 80s. They told us still walk on a Camino at least once every year but now try to keep their daily distance to 15 kms and carry very little. If they need transport between stops, they organise it.
 
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Perhaps these words
from Ulysses, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson are relevant for anyone who is older.

"...and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
 
Phil, my husband, is 71 and walked this fall with his own pack. He also was a hospitalero in September. We plan to walk the Aragonnes in June and hospitalero at Canfranc Pueblo. We try to keep our stages at 10 to 12 miles a day.

In 2016 we encountered a walker in his 90's with his 65 year old girlfriend. They carried their own packs and slept in albergues just like the younger generation.
 
Danaher said:
This was good info especially about the ratio for back pack weight. What kind of pack did you get and where can I find good list of what to bring? Thank you
Click to expand...
Aarn Backpacks= fabulous weight distribution w/ smaller essential packs carried on front of you while bedding and clothing in back. https://www.aarn-usa.com/ my husband and I bought the featherlite backpacks and love them! we sold our Osprey backpacks when we got these, never going back to the carry only on your back style. Buen Camino!
 
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Just the word I needed.

Thank you ever so much.
 
Understatement of the year... "a little problem with my heart"! Glad you got it taken care of and it sounds like you're stronger and better now. Keep on trekking! I admire you walking the appalachian trail. I'm hoping to hike the JMT next summer but first another Camino this spring, the VdlP.
 
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I am 63 and just did my first camino this past summer--the Frances. I just read everything I could and then bought airplane tickets and went. I walked about 10 miles a day and stayed in albergues--in the dorms. Did it on the cheap. There are plenty of seniors out there doing the camino. I've heard the Camino del Norte is quite mountainous compared to the Frances.
 
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From Irun to Bilbao the camino goes up and down quite a bit. It can be a rough start if you haven't done a lot of training on hills. Nevertheless it is also beautiful and can be done if you simply train, listen to your body and are patient with yourself.
Another option is to start in Bilbao where you can see remarkable stained glass at the train station and spend a day visiting the Guggenheim before starting your camino from there. There will still be "hills" to climb but they are fewer and seemed to be not quite so steep.
 
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Hello: I walked the Camino in 2017 when I turned 65. The only difficulty I had was the first dat when I pulled a tendon in my hip. After liberal use of voltarin I was able to continue, but, like me who will do this again in September, think very strongly of breaking up the first day and stay at Orisson. Also, make sure you take a day of rest after a long flight and you will appreciate the rest. I am doing this in September and will do so every year until my body says no
 
These old threads are a real trap. I made the mistake of clicking on the thread instead of the latest post. However, I did get to read an amazing post on page 1 from someone who told us that his training before each camino, (3 in his case) was to walk 2000km with a full backpack.
 
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Hello I walked the whole Camino Frances last Sept at 73. I did not use a tour group. I used one of the several backpack transfer services ( Correos, jacotrans etc) I have an artificial hip and dodgy knee so can only manage a day pack. I bought early and studied the Brierley guidebook. It is, naturally, very densely written and takes a bit of figuring out so you can mark “ likely” places to stay. His daily maps are invaluable. You don’t have to stick to his recommended stages but they help in planning on the road. I was a bit of a couch potato before planning but got a bit in shape by walking laps in the local park and most importantly doing hill training on the toboggan hill in the same park. Use poles. Watch lots of You Tube videos. “ the man with the stick” is one of an older guy and Efraim Gonzales are a couple among many. The Norte has a reputation of being pretty steep in places. Don’t be afraid. This is Spain, after all. Lots of infrastructure and phone services. Go for it! I’m planning the next one! Isobel in Montreal
 
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Hi, All.
These posts are the inspiration many need to take that first step...hopefully in practice several months in advance.
My inspiration was a fellow named Jose, who at 75, had just completed his solo Camino Frances. When asked how it went, "It was hard. I hated it and I absolutely loved it. It was hard and it was amazing. I'm still realizing the many lessons I learned on my Camino. Just go. You'll not regret it."
I did my Frances in 2018 at 73 and just completed Ourence to Santiago (Via deLa Plata/Invierno) and then out to Finisterra this May.
For those over 70, practice in advance is really important.
It takes us a lot longer to build up the muscle mass in our legs, hips and back needed for a 6+ week trek. Also, wear a backpack on every practice walk. Start with a daypack and add a bit of weight each week. Then the in the weeks just prior to starting the real deal, start wearing your true backpack. This will really help your shoulders (which is where we "seniors" lose a lot of muscle mass) become used to the weight.
Finally, the more you walk, the healthier your brain. Seriously, we were made to move, to look ahead and think over the horizon. It's what made us unique. If you're lucky enough to be able to walk at "advanced age", don't take it for granted. As Jose said, "Just go. You'll not regret it."
 
Hi Dave, I think we walked from Sjdpp to Pamplona in 2016. Kevin in the kilt.
 
I am 62 and walked last summer from SJPD to Santiago. I was in decent shape, a runner, and did no extra training, just started walking. I walked with my 18 year old daughter and a friend of hers so I was alone a lot. We averaged about 12-15 miles per day, carried our packs, and loved it!! No extra training, we got stronger every day by just walking. I plan on doing to Norte route solo in Aug/Sept. Buen Camino!
 
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I have walked 6 caminos and about 6000K. This is my advice. I am sure some agree some have already said what I will say some will disagree.
First I would not make the Norte your first Camino. It was my 4th Camino and I was 64 years old. It is much harder than the Camino Frances. It is beautiful. One person said it is tough to Bilbao. I think there are some tough days to Avila. There are very steep up and downs that will take its toll on your joints. I believe no matter what kind of shape you are in you can't really reproduce what happens on a camino. I was in great shape before my first Camino and I thought I was going to die on that first day up to Orisson. I did make it to Roncesvalles but it is a day I will never forget. The second time I did it I walked up to Orisson without a problem and then on to Roncesvalles feeling great. I have mention this because I trained less but I had started 740K earlier in Le Puy so I was in great camino shape. I do not think you need boots for any of the Caminos unless of course there is a need medically for them. Through observation I have noticed far more foot problems with boots than trail runners. But of course it is a personal choice. Your feet will expand so get larger shoes. I would say walking the Camino Frances is better because there is far more infrastructure and you can stop in far more places.
Listen to your body, stop when it tells you to rest, when it tells you enough today, when you should eat and when you should walk. Listen to your body to learn your rhythm and follow it. If your brother walks faster or slower than you than you may need to seperate for portions of the day. You need to follow your own pace.
Walk less rather than more. You may feel good after 20K and think I can go to the next town. It is just 5k more. That 5k can be the longest of your life. Take rest day whenever you need to regardless of where you are. If you insist on trying to get somewhere that is a day or two out because it is a place of interest, walk two 12 or 14 k days, two days if you need to. Have earplugs in albergues so you can sleep undisturbed. Have food and water when you walk, especially fruit and candy bars etc that will give you energy.
Make sure you have a hat and sunscreen. Also I think walking poles are a must especially on the Norte. Zig zag down hills and keep one pole facing downhill to keep you upright to relieve pressure on your joints.
I have walked with a man 83. A married couple who were 81 on the Norte but they knew "how to walk" I believe it was their 6 or 7th Camino. Don't push yourself and attend to your aches and pains. Sometimes pain can be transitory and other times it can end your camino. Same with blisters, know how to attend to them properly. If you do not take care of your pain and your blisters it can end your camino.
I am not trying to paint a doomsday scenario. I am just giving you what I have learned. I have followed my own advice through the teachings of others and my own experience. I am getting ready to walk in late October another 900K or so and I can't wait. Also remember if you do not absolutely 100% sure you need something do not take it. Like I have read we carry our fears in our backpack. Less is more. It is not the Sahara. You can get whatever you need. Listen to your bodies, take care of each other, don't push each other and you are a real family take care of each other. You will love it.
 
Jacobite1972 said:
Hi Dave, I think we walked from Sjdpp to Pamplona in 2016. Kevin in the kilt.
Click to expand...
Hi Kevin, yeah....I still have our pics from SJPP. Hope everything is good with you. I'm in the throes of sorting a camino from either Seville or Lisbon next year.
 
Very carefully and slowly!
 
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diverdavey said:
Hi Kevin, yeah....I still have our pics from SJPP. Hope everything is good with you. I'm in the throes of sorting a camino from either Seville or Lisbon next year.
Click to expand...
Nice one Dave. We are doing it again in early October with pals, 50th this September so why not!! Hope you are good. Would love to see the pics!
 
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