I suddenly have some time freed up, so that instead of doing the Camino in 3 two week stages, over my next 3 years' summer holidays, I would be able to start walking around Feb 23rd, ending around March 28th. I make that just about 5 weeks altogether. But, I'm a bit worried about the weather in the Pyrenees, and at the moment my level of walking fitness is only about 8 - 10 miles per day - but that is without a pack.
So I have some questions about my "Plan A" - which would be to start at Roncesvalles, and give getting to Santiago in 5 weeks my very best attempt - do pilgrims speed up as they get fitter? is Roncesvalles in late February a bad idea? would I need a sleeping bag? is this at all realistic a timeframe for a female walker with the lightest pack she can get away with?
Then I thought of "Plan B" - start at Burgos, use the Meseta to improve walking fitness, avoid the worst weather at higher altitudes at start of trip, every chance of getting all the way to Santiago, and if I made good time I could carry on to Finisterre. Then return and walk SJPP to Burgos in the summer sunshine. Is this more realistic? Would I really be avoiding the worst weather?
Any comments or alternative suggestions would be really welcome.
Fiona
So I have some questions about my "Plan A" - which would be to start at Roncesvalles, and give getting to Santiago in 5 weeks my very best attempt - do pilgrims speed up as they get fitter? is Roncesvalles in late February a bad idea? would I need a sleeping bag? is this at all realistic a timeframe for a female walker with the lightest pack she can get away with?
Then I thought of "Plan B" - start at Burgos, use the Meseta to improve walking fitness, avoid the worst weather at higher altitudes at start of trip, every chance of getting all the way to Santiago, and if I made good time I could carry on to Finisterre. Then return and walk SJPP to Burgos in the summer sunshine. Is this more realistic? Would I really be avoiding the worst weather?
Any comments or alternative suggestions would be really welcome.
Fiona