Katherine 12
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2022
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Blisters are not inevitable! You will enjoy your Camino a lot more if you can avoid them. There are many blister prevention strategies - first and foremost properly fitting shoes. Other things that work for people are double socks - a liner sock and a regular sock, or double layer socks like WrightSocks.I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible
K, I am excited for you--and I thank you for asking the questions you asked--it gave me more ideas for my Caminos.Thanks do much everyone for the friendly welcome and all the advice so far!
@Faye Walker you have really boosted my confidence, thank you. I don't plan to be as a quick as you, but it seems doable then! I think I will also take your advice and spend some time in Astorga before starting, I think I can spare a morning/day.
@Tincatinker and @alexwalker, thank you so much for the reminders about Rome2Rio, I had completely forgotten about it. It helped me make decide how to travel, which is plane to Madrid then train to Astorga as they are most frequent. Will also look at the godesalco site.
@trecile definitely it would be good to avoid blisters! Thank you for the tips. Do you use vaseline with the tape? I have had good results before with Compeed blister plasters, I was thinking of taking them and inspecting my feet regularly and applying to red/sore areas before I got a blister. But the tape sounds good, I will look out for it.
Outward flight now booked for 20 May 2022! I get in to Madrid at 11.45am.
I don't use vaseline with tape - it really wouldn't stick!@trecile definitely it would be good to avoid blisters! Thank you for the tips. Do you use vaseline with the tape? I have had good results before with Compeed blister plasters, I was thinking of taking them and inspecting my feet regularly and applying to red/sore areas before I got a blister. But the tape sounds good, I will look out for it.
You will arrive in time to get an afternoon train from Chamartin to Astorga. Book at www.renfe.com ahead to get a cheap ticket 3-6 weeks ahead.Thanks do much everyone for the friendly welcome and all the advice so far!
@Faye Walker you have really boosted my confidence, thank you. I don't plan to be as a quick as you, but it seems doable then! I think I will also take your advice and spend some time in Astorga before starting, I think I can spare a morning/day.
@Tincatinker and @alexwalker, thank you so much for the reminders about Rome2Rio, I had completely forgotten about it. It helped me make decide how to travel, which is plane to Madrid then train to Astorga as they are most frequent. Will also look at the godesalco site.
@trecile definitely it would be good to avoid blisters! Thank you for the tips. Do you use vaseline with the tape? I have had good results before with Compeed blister plasters, I was thinking of taking them and inspecting my feet regularly and applying to red/sore areas before I got a blister. But the tape sounds good, I will look out for it.
Outward flight now booked for 20 May 2022! I get in to Madrid at 11.45am.
If you don’t mind one more piece of unsolicited advice (besides nothing new on race day), when you’re checking out gronze below the map you can click for elevation profile for that stage. Starting in Astoga you have two good sized climbs, one your first day out (IMO fairly gentle but persistent) if you’re stopping in Foncebadon, the next at ocebreiro so hopefully some hill practice ahead of your trip. Actually most would probably say the descent from Foncebadon is worse than the climbHi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
Absolutely, for the descent into Molinaseca. Rocks, rocks, rocks.Actually most would probably say the descent from Foncebadon is worse than the climb
I think the time is perfect. My first camino was Astorga to Santiago.Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days.
LEUKOTAPE is amazing. It will literally stay on for days and is not bothered by sweat or showers. I used it on the ball of my feet and around the edges of my heels.I don't use vaseline with tape - it really wouldn't stick!
Since there are a bit expensive, I think that Compeed blister plasters are best reserved for actual blisters. The tape is more cost effective, and the rolls are quite wide, so can cut pieces to fit large areas. In my case I put a piece across the balls of my feet.
you will love it - beautiful scenery. I did it in the fall so had more rain. Be prepared for hills, 20k a day is enough - and the beautiful smell of eucalyptusHi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
Hi Katherine.Hi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
Hi KatherineHi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
Astorga is a lovely small town. The Municipal albergue is very good and has lots of beds. It has good bus and train services . Look at rome2rio for transport options. Madrid is a way away but the connections make it good. Or maybe fly to Pamplona and take alsa buses. Take a little time to see the sites in Astorga.Hi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
Great adviceI use a sports cream designed for long distance runners, and socks without seams. But my advice: before your trip use every single piece of equipment and clothing—more than a few times. As you do some practice hikes to check out your backpack & poles and break in your shoes, try different blister preventives. Hose your rain gear down (you in it) or walk in a rain storm (better)—if it will be raining where/when you walk, maybe not. Hand wash your clothing (and socks!) and see how long it takes to drip dry (no heat). Adjust the temp in your house to expected lows when you will walk and sleep only in your gear/sleeping bag (windows open is often the albergue norm)—or if it will be warm when/where you walk see if your bag is too warm and you not need a sleep sac. Make sure you can drop your pack off of you without looking and immediately (bear, mugger, fall into river). If your poles collapse be sure you can easily and quickly collapse or extend. Even in the dark. Try different packing methods to be sure you know the most comfortable way to pack your pack for long hikes.
If taking a hydration bladder practice with it.
in the words of my marathon coach, nothing new (especially footwear) on race day
Buen Camino!!
On your way.Oh wow!!This forum is amazing! Thank you so much everyone for your detailed advice.
Hi Katherine 2, Welcome to the forum and welcome to a journey that will bless you abundantly. Like many one of my favorite stops was Astorga, truly so much to see, the square has fabulous eating places with a great atmosphere. I think most importantly have very good footwear & socks. As a Christian woman I walked predominantly on my own, never felt unsafe and found this time so fulfilling. The growth within me has changed my life forever. I have made lasting friendships and we are still in contact regularly. I traveled the full journey over 35 days sept -7th October 2018 and planning to go back either 2023/24.Welcome!
Astorga is in my top 2 favourite places (Pontevedra is my other one). Can you fly into Santiago and then get a train to Astorga (time would be the issue)? That’s how I would manage it. Leon also has an airport (but I’m not sure if you can fly to there from the UK) and a short train trip to Astorga.
Astorga has so much to offer so I hope you will spend a day there before you leave town. The Roman Archeological Museum, the Gaudi Episcopate, the cathedral (obviously)… but also: may great bakeries with special local cakes, a booming chocolate industry (and museum for those inclined that way), and really great places to eat (Including the street market if you are there when it’s open).
I think you can do it in the time you have given yourself. I went Astorga to Santiago most recently in 2018 and departed Astorga on the 29th of August, arrived in Santiago on September 7th (I do not advise the double-stage of 42 KM that saw us make it from Arzua to Santiago in one day)… Even so, at age 51 I did it just fine, and that leaves 4 days more for your schedule.
Buen Camino!!
Hi, my husband and I just finished walking from Astorga to Sarria about a week ago. We have already walked from Sarria to Santiago--about six years ago. Then we decided to start at St. Jean and walk the rest of the Camino in stages as we had time. So this walk completed our Camino Frances. We flew into Madrid and got a bus to Astorga from Terminal 4 at the airport. On weekdays, ALSA has buses to Astorga from the airport quite often. The buses are economical and comfortable. The bus station in Astorga is just a block or so off the Camino so it is quite convenient. You can get your tickets online from ALSA. One word of warning, however: There are fewer buses going to Astorga on the weekend so you need to check the schedule first. There is also a train that runs from the airport to the main train station at Madrid--Chamartin. That train is free for people who have a ticket for a Renfe train out of Chamartin. The train is more expensive and runs less frequently, but it is faster.Hi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
I did Astorga to Santiago in July 2021! It was my first Camino, and it took me 12 days of pure walking.Hi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
I took the train from Madrid too. Very easy and no stress. Madrid is quite an interesting city in any case!Fly Madrid, train to Leon, bus or taxi to Astorga. Straightforward and pleasant walk to Santiago.
I recommend allowing at least one full day in Santiago - starting further on than Astorga if necessary. You’re going to Santiago, it’s a little silly not to spend some time there when you arrive.
Hi everyone,
This is my first message on this forum, I hope its in the right place. I have been reading a lot of other posts and think the best thing for me to do is to start the Camino at Astorga. I'm a single 42 year old Christian woman and plan to walk alone, or hopefully make friends along the way. I have 2 weeks I can take off work, so that seems like a sensible starting point, from what I have been reading here and elsewhere. I would like to finish if possible. I am not particularly fit but I am fairly used to walking eg, on my holiday this summer I walked around 10 miles a day, but was only away for 5 days. I got some aches and blisters, but nothing too terrible and really enjoyed the walking and wanted to carry on! Obviously, the Camino will be in a different league and I plan to increase my daily walking before I start.
I plan to start around the 21st May 2022 depending on transport, hopefully travelling on the 20th May and 6th June so I actually have 14 days for walking the Camino. Not sure if I will book accommodation ahead or not, strangely I'm not worried about that especially! My main questions then are this please:
1) Which airport is most convenient for starting at Astorga? I'm coming from London, UK. Then how do you recommend traveling to Astorga please?
2) Do you think 2 weeks is reasonable in case of having to take some slow days/rest days. I read somewhere that Astorga to Santiago in 12 days is 14 miles a day which seems tough but hopefully doable.
3) Has anyone else done this specific route recently?
Sorry for all the questions, thank you for reading
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?