Poles on the coastal rte?

[jon gregg]

we're in our mid 70's and have made nightly hotel reservations from Portoto Fisterra/ Finesterre and will have our packs transported for us.
We start from Porto tomorrow to Vila do Conde along the coast.... Should we bring our collapsible poles for the day ?

 

[Telelama]

Hi Jon, in my humble opinion, and from research stated here on a number of occasions and in articles on the subject, walking poles help to relieve stress on the muscles and joints. Some have suggested as much as 20%+ relief of stress, but there are others here that are more expert than I (there are others too that would never, ever use them and dislike them immensely).

They are not just for uphills, downhills, or travel on rough terrain. They provide not only muscle and joint relief, but also help to keep a rhythm and provide a third or even fourth balance point when crossing a difficult section (such as crossing a pond sized puddle). We would not walk without them, and yes, we used them on the same section you're walking back in late May.

Bom Caminho, and have a wonderful, wonderful time!

 

[JohnMcM]

we're in our mid 70's and have made nightly hotel reservations from Portoto Fisterra/ Finesterre and will have our packs transported for us.
We start from Porto tomorrow to Vila do Conde along the coast.... Should we bringour collapsible poles for the day ?

Yes Jon. You'll be pleased you did. It can be a long day.
Buen Camino

 

[Mike Savage]

I will definitely be using mine on the same route next month.

Bom Caminho!

 

[gerardcarey]

I've seen bio-mechanical studies showing that up to 20% of the energy required for forward momentum is transferred from leg muscles to upper torso muscles by the correct use of walking poles.
I'd be happy if that figure came out at 10%.
Regards
Gerard

 

[Theatregal]

I was very happy to have my poles when I walked this wonderful route...for all of the above mentioned reasons.

Bom Caminho!