St.Jean to Santiago in One Month

[KittyKiwi]

Hi there,

Plan on starting my journey in St. Jean on May 14th, and I fly out of Santiago on June 14th... Can it be done? I am not averse to taking a bus one day, walking longer days, biking a few days or w/e to make it. But has anyone mixed up their Camino journey with varying forms of transport?

Any recommendations about a boring leg that wouldn't be missed if worst came to worst and needed to catch a bus?

Cheers!

 

[spursfan]

There's no need to miss things - you can easily walk it in a month - just don't stop walking at lunchtime but walk some afternoons as well

 

[sillydoll]

The old Lonely Planet Guide on the camino (written by Nancy Frey) used to suggest 28 stages from Roncesvalles. We did it in 27 days in 2002 and we didn't skip any sections or take any transport. I was 55 years old and my walking buddy was 74 years old. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just take it slow the first week - don't worry about getting behind, you can make it up on the flatter paths of the meseta by which time you'll be fitter anyway!

 

[KittyKiwi]

Thank you both for the advice! Feeling better about it already! Some of the books I have recommend the 33-35 day for trip so I think best will be to figure it out as I go, and start off easy?

 

[sillydoll]

Kitty,
35 - 40 days is probably the best but, we don't always have that much time to spare. Some pilgrims do the Camino Frances in under 28 days but it is a bit of a slog! Just listen to your body. Take it easy the first 5 - 7 days and on days when you are feeling strong, walk longer distances.

 

[waldorf64]

Dear Kittykiwi
Please post how you did in 30 days as I am leaving August 21st 2009 and will fly back September 21st 2009 and I would like walk only and complete the Camino in this time. How hard have you been training
Michelle W

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You can see how to do it here:

http://www.godesalco.com/plan/frances

 

[Deirdre]

Hi Michelle,
I walked my first Camino in 2007 from Roncesvalles to Santiago in 30 days. I didn't rush, didn't feel the need for rest days, and while I walked a few long days that was by choice. I had never hiked anywhere with a rucksack and never done a trip like the Camino. My training consisted of regular walking that I do at home and walking around Madrid for the month prior to my going to Roncesvalles.While I wouldn't recommend that kind of "training" to others, it was fine for me! Other than blisters, I had no problems. I was 53.
Like Sil said, start out at about 20 im per day and work up to a comfortable pace as you get fitter and more used to walking everyday. Your body will tell you what is right for you.
Buen Camino,

 

[30daystosantiago]

I walked from SJPP to Santiago in 30 days...check out my itinerary at http://www.30daystosantiago.com. Buen Camino!