The Ongoing Time Debate

[Robert Z]

Hello everyone,

To just give a brief introduction, The Camino is now stuck in my mind. It was earlier in 2014 when I first read about it and watched "The Way". For some reason it's really got a hold of me months later, perhaps it was always sitting in my mind somewhere.

Anyways,

I've read a lot about how long the SJPDP to Santiago takes. I am in good shape and have done numerous treks in the past (Machu Picchu, Tour De Mont Blanc, etc...) and I'd like to get an idea of how many days I'd need to go the whole Camino Frances.

I'd like to take a rest day or two to just relax and soak in a city along the way. I am a very good walker and feel I can put in some long days, if need be.

So, is 30 to 32 days enough? Shorter? Longer?

Thanks and sorry for brining this up again (can you tell I'm Canadian? lol).

Cheers,

Rob

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Rob. I walked the Frances in 2012, it took 34 days including 2 rest days. I was 58 yrs old then and reasonably fit. If I was doing it again I would spend a little longer and try and see some of the places I missed and some I found out about later.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

 

[Robert Z]

Welcome Rob. I walked the Frances in 2012, it took 34 days including 2 rest days. I was 58 yrs old then and reasonably fit. If I was doing it again I would spend a little longer and try and see some of the places I missed and some I found out about later.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

I have three weeks vacation (paid) and I'd need one to two more weeks of unpaid leave. That's the struggle for me. I've been travelling every summer on big trips for five years now ... and I LOVE IT. Though my life is approaching the wedding/kids phase.

The Camino is my last hurrah of sorts for solo travel.

I was hoping to get it done in 4 weeks, but hey ... maybe the Camino demands more.

 

[wayfarer]

Just checked my notes Rob and it was 35 days including 2 rest days. Some people have done it in less but then that puts you under pressure.

 

[C clearly]

That seems a bit tight, but you could probably do it IF you don't get blisters or other injury, or get tired of the daily pressure to push on a bit farther than most pilgrims. Perhaps it would be wise to start in Roncesvalles, or even Pamplona. Wherever you start, you can walk a few days, see how it is going, and perhaps bus ahead a couple of days at some point. Better to do that, than to pass up the whole opportunity.

 

[Robert Z]

That seems a bit tight, but you could probably do it IF you don't get blisters or other injury, or get tired of the daily pressure to push on a bit farther than most pilgrims. Perhaps it would be wise to start in Roncesvalles, or even Pamplona. Wherever you start, you can walk a few days, see how it is going, and perhaps bus ahead a couple of days at some point. Better to do that, than to pass up the whole opportunity.

I feel very confident in my walking ability and my feet have seen much, much worse when trekking across the alps. If the land is relatively flat, I can go pretty far. Having said that, I don't dare presume to say that nothing could go wrong. That would be foolish, in my opinion.

I'm thinking that if something does go wrong, I can do the bus thing. I really want to start in SJPDP though.

 

[C clearly]

I feel very confident in my walking ability and my feet have seen much, much worse when trekking across the alps. If the land is relatively flat, I can go pretty far. Having said that, I don't dare presume to say that nothing could go wrong. That would be foolish, in my opinion.

I'm thinking that if something does go wrong, I can do the bus thing. I really want to start in SJPDP though.

Then go for it!

 

[Robert Z]

Then go for it!

I just might!

Was kind of hoping someone did in 30 with rest days on here, lol.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Was kind of hoping someone did in 30 with rest days on here, lol.

That would be very slow:
Jenny Anderson ran the Camino de Santiago. She ran 506.8 miles in 9 days, 5 hours, and 29 minutes.

 

[ebrandt]

If the 4 weeks includes your travel its particularly tight. You could probably do it, but.... For me, much of the enjoyment was the people we met and the being part of the community of walkers. If you are always pushing ahead this might be affected. If you started at Logrono, you will still get in a great walk but give yourself a bit mor time to enjoy. Liz

 

[C clearly]

Search for posts by BeatriceKarjalainen. I believe she walked the Camino Frances in about 23 days and has done other routes as well. She is possibly the best spokesperson on this forum for fast walkers.

The most important things you can do to prepare are to pack very light, break in your shoes, and simply walk a lot.

 

[Robert Z]

Search for posts by BeatriceKarjalainen. I believe she walked the Camino Frances in about 23 days and has done other routes as well. She is possibly the best spokesperson on this forum for fast walkers.

The most important things you can do to prepare are to pack very light, break in your shoes, and simply walk a lot.

I have much experience in walking/hiking long distances. The Tour Du Mont Blanc was 13 days only, however they were 28km (average days) of hiking which included steep uphill and downhill terrains. So I feel very confident in the walking department. I'm also 32 and in the best shape of my life.

So if she did it in 23 days, I'm thinking 30 -32 days would be great. I'll look for her posts, thanks C Clearly!

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Robert, I walked my first camino at age 50 and did the typical 33 or 34 days that you will find in the Brierley guide and others. Since then I've found that my comfort level for walking is actually higher than the average 25 that the 34 day schedule would give you. There are lots of people walking 30-35 kms a day on the Camino Frances, not the majority, but you will not be the only one. So I think you'll definitely fall in with a camino family. The nice thing about the FRances is that you always have lots of choices and can vary your distances depending on how you feel each day. Doing the math, 800 km divided by 30 km a day leaves you with 27 days walking. And plenty of time for visiting, touring, resting, etc. Since I have to buy my round trip ticket before leaving, I have to have a return date. So what I always do is plan my days based on a rough 30-35 km a day, add four days, and then if I need those days I slow down into Santiago. If not, I have time to walk to Muxia and Finisterre, which is a great way to end the camino.

Based on your own self-description, I think you will enjoy a faster pace and longer distances, so go for it. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Robert Z]

So I read the post that Beatrice did regarding her trip in 23 days and I could very much relate to what she was saying. I too love the feeling you can get when your body is just "in the groove" so-to-speak. I find that when that happens I just want to keep walking and my mind becomes so clear ... which is one of my goals of the Camino.

I also want to be able to stop in a city for an extra night if I really find it compelling to. I think 30 or so days would be perfect. If I finish early, I could always go to Finisterre as peregrina2000 suggested.

I am still not 100% sure that I will do it this year, but boy oh boy is it eating at me (in a good way).

 

[AJ]

Last year I did it in 25 days. I took no rest days. The year before I met a young woman in Santiago who had done it in 20 days.

 

[julie]

Hi Rob,

If it makes you feel any better, my first Camino took 28 days from St Jean Pied-de-Port to Santiago. I was then 54 and it was my first long distance walk though I had done a couple of walking holidays of about a week each and had been bushwalking for a few years so was reasonably fit.

However, the reason it took me 28 days was because I allowed 39. Having lots of time meant I could walk as much or as little as I wanted on any given day. What I found was that rest days don't appeal to me. I just loved the feeling of freedom when I was walking. I knew though that, if I turned around and did it again straight away, I would be a different person which would translate into different lessons to be learnt, different stages to be walked and hence a different time frame.

That was nine years ago and going on pilgrimage has become an annual event. It has remained an unknown and I still allow as many days as I can because doing so allows me to walk in the freedom of not really knowing where I'm going to sleep that night.

This may be a one-off for you (though don't count on it). If you can afford to take the extra days off work, give yourself the gift of time.

 

[supersullivan]

Hello everyone,

To just give a brief introduction, The Camino is now stuck in my mind. It was earlier in 2014 when I first read about it and watched "The Way". For some reason it's really got a hold of me months later, perhaps it was always sitting in my mind somewhere.

Anyways,

I've read a lot about how long the SJPDP to Santiago takes. I am in good shape and have done numerous treks in the past (Machu Picchu, Tour De Mont Blanc, etc...) and I'd like to get an idea of how many days I'd need to go the whole Camino Frances.

I'd like to take a rest day or two to just relax and soak in a city along the way. I am a very good walker and feel I can put in some long days, if need be.

So, is 30 to 32 days enough? Shorter? Longer?

Thanks and sorry for brining this up again (can you tell I'm Canadian? lol).

Cheers,

Rob

Rob, if you managed the Tour De Mont Blanc without needing hospital treatment then you need have no worries about the Camino, I'm a 54 year old diabetic and I took 24 days in 2013 from St Jean to Finisterre, didn't need to take any days out and was able to have 2 very short days to give me time to see some of the sights in Sahagun and Leon. I don't think you will physically need rest days but Leon and Burgos could justify 'rest' days just to have time to explore the sights leisurely.
I had at least 2 comfortable meal stops each day, 3 on my longer days, never started before 7 am and my latest finish was 6 pm but that was a 49 km day. Typically finished about 4 pm which left plenty of time to shower, do the daily laundry, socialise with the other peregrinos in the albergue and have a nice dinner. What I gave up by walking my distances was waiting outside albergues for them to open and sunning myself in a chair in the afternoon sun.
It really depends on whether you are happy walking at your own pace alone for substantial portions of each day in which case you should find yourself covering nice distances or if you feel the need to have company for most of the day in which case your pace will be set by the slowest member of the group. Case of swings and roundabouts, each to their own.

Buen camino

Seamus

 

[Robert Z]

Rob, if you managed the Tour De Mont Bland without needing hospital treatment then you need have no worries about the Camino, I'm a 54 year old diabetic and I took 24 days in 2013 from St Jean to Finisterre, didn't need to take any days out and was able to have 2 very short days to give me time to see some of the sights in Sahagun and Leon. I don't think you will physically need rest days but Leon and Burgos could justify 'rest' days just to have time to explore the sights leisurely.
I had at least 2 comfortable meal stops each day, 3 on my longer days, never started before 7 am and my latest finish was 6 pm but that was a 49 km day. Typically finished about 4 pm which left plenty of time to shower, do the daily laundry, socialise with the other peregrinos in the albergue and have a nice dinner. What I gave up by walking my distances was waiting outside albergues for them to open and sunning myself in a chair in the afternoon sun.
It really depends on whether you are happy walking at your own pace alone for substantial portions of each day in which case you should find yourself covering nice distances or if you feel the need to have company for most of the day in which case your pace will be set by the slowest member of the group. Case of swings and roundabouts, each to their own.

Buen camino

Seamus

Thanks everyone, I am very grateful to have your inputs.

The more I read, the more I feel like 30-32 days'ish is a good mark. For those wondering, I have that number due to work/money responsibilities.

Seamus, I had no trouble doing the Tour Du Mont Blanc, though for anyone interested, it is a beautiful and very tough trek.

A theme I've picked up quite a bit in learning about the Camino and its pilgrims, that most have done it multiple times or can't wait to go back.

Is it that good? What makes everyone so enamoured with this walk? I think it's great and I would love to hear people's thoughts on that.

Maybe I'll hear and say some "buen camino's" this year.

 

[supersullivan]

Rob, for me personally, I find the lifestyle when on the camino to be a great change of mental speed from the stress my job puts me under daily, a very simple daily routine of waking up, packing my gear, walking for a couple of hours then a leisurely coffee, a couple more hours walking then a leisurely lunch and then another 1 or 2 hours walking, find your bed for the night, quick shower and laundry, chat with fellow peregrinos, dinner and then in bed about 9.30 pm and for most of the day I can put my brain in neutral mode and just soak up the sights and people as I walk along. After about 3 days I lose track of the day of the week, all those must see TV programs are forgotten about. No more need to shave daily or wear a shirt and tie. If I could find a millionaire to sponsor me, I'd walk the various caminos 11 months a year.

Seamus

 

[whariwharangi]

I like John Brierley's discussion on how long does it take. He suggests that 5 weeks are needed to reach Santiago "gracefully".

So, yes its possible to walk the entire distance in 30 days ... but what would be the point? You get a compostela for walking the distance, not for how fast you walked it.

If you have only 30 days I would suggest starting in Pamplona or perhaps even Logrono.

 

[KinkyOne]

I feel very confident in my walking ability and my feet have seen much, much worse when trekking across the alps. If the land is relatively flat, I can go pretty far.

I know exactly what you mean with walking "the Alps" and therefore "flat terrain" is much easier But I wouldn't be so sure of that. Been there, done that...
It's just something else. It's not about your muscles, it's more about soles on flat terrain and you couldn't know that if most of your treks have been on ups & downs Try at least three consequtive days of 20kms with full backpack on flat. Then you'll get the picture.

Ultreia!

 

[KinkyOne]

I have much experience in walking/hiking long distances. The Tour Du Mont Blanc was 13 days only, however they were 28km (average days) of hiking which included steep uphill and downhill terrains. So I feel very confident in the walking department. I'm also 32 and in the best shape of my life.

So if she did it in 23 days, I'm thinking 30 -32 days would be great. I'll look for her posts, thanks C Clearly!

@supersullivan is also speedy walker. Try to find his posts on CF.

PS (Edit: Oh, only now, reading further posts I've came upon Seamus post, so..., you can get the picture, hehe)

 

[mralisn]

Hi Rob,

It seems you are on the right path here. The days of 30-32 you mention could be just perfect for many reasons.

In these days, have you factored in travel days to SJPdP (or where ever you will start) and travel back? A long trip if coming from say the west of Canada. Would you want to arrive and leave the next morning or take a day to relax and enjoy. Maybe you start walking the day of arrival and stop in Orisson? Would you be walking in the spring, summer, autumn? Taking a couple of days off would be very nice, spending and extra day or two in SdC to greet those you have made friends with during the month who might be a stage or two behind, even consider walking further to Fisterra or Muxia. Perhaps do a combination of and extra day in SdC and bus out to Fisterra for a night. The wonderful thing about the Way is one can create each day to fulfill the spirit....to some extent at least.

Very much appreciate you mentioning you are a strong, experienced, higher-paced walker, and familiar with the elements/challenges which may come...of course the rewards as well.

Perhaps we share the same approach. We get told often to walk at our own pace. We are also advised to slow down and enjoy each step. Knocking out 28-32, for example, could be quite enjoyable for someone like you as it is for me (again, depending on what time of year). Starting the day between 6:00-7:00 and ending between 13:00-14:00 if in summer gives enough time to get you where you would like to be for the day and maybe even a little more or less if you decide. For example, the first time I walked the CF it took 28 days with one rest day in Burgos, so 29 days SJPdP to SdC. The next CF took 28 days (no rest days), then 4 days with Muxia/Fisterra added. The first Camino Norte from Irun was 29 days plus the extra 4 to the sea. This summer was the CN and the Camino Primitivo (I bet you would REALLY like the Primitivo!) was 30 days plus the another 4 again.

Again, it seems you are on the correct planning path. Wait until you get to the real path. You will fly in so many ways.

Trust in the arrows,
Simeon

 

[jemitch65]

Hello everyone,

To just give a brief introduction, The Camino is now stuck in my mind. It was earlier in 2014 when I first read about it and watched "The Way". For some reason it's really got a hold of me months later, perhaps it was always sitting in my mind somewhere.

Anyways,

I've read a lot about how long the SJPDP to Santiago takes. I am in good shape and have done numerous treks in the past (Machu Picchu, Tour De Mont Blanc, etc...) and I'd like to get an idea of how many days I'd need to go the whole Camino Frances.

I'd like to take a rest day or two to just relax and soak in a city along the way. I am a very good walker and feel I can put in some long days, if need be.

So, is 30 to 32 days enough? Shorter? Longer?

Thanks and sorry for brining this up again (can you tell I'm Canadian? lol).

Cheers,

Rob

Hello Rob: I walked the Camino Frances in 29 days in 2012 so your 30 to 32 days is plenty of time. Like most pilgrims that walk the Camino, you will have a finite time limit in Spain. I built in 40 days total with a day off here and there; for example a day off in Burgos to tour the cathedral. I stayed in Santiago for 3 days when I got there; one day sick in bed with a bad cold, and of course I built in 4 days to walk to Finisterre and Muxia plus a travel day on each end. Having said all that...the Camino is a wonderful walk so don't race through it but rather enjoy yourself. If you feel like taking a day off to sip great Spanish wine with your feet up, then do it, but above all keep in mine it is all about the journey. Buen Camino. John

 

[Robert Z]

I've read some posts on this forum about people talking about speed and rushing. I'm not talking about rushing, rather the fact that I enjoy walking long distances with a great pace. It's not to see how fast I can do it, so please throw that notion out the window. I think it's dismissive to say those that finish below 30 days have solely done so only to be the fastest.

Some people are just faster.

As for the Alps trek, I did carry my own bag and there are numerous flat stretches.

Personally, I am not interested in any church tours or museum time, I am interested in the goal of SDC and the clarity and peace of walking the distance.

 

[Robert Z]

...oh and enjoying some great food, wine and new friends along The Way!

 

[KinkyOne]

Than just go for it. You'll have plenty of everything

Ultreia!

 

[Robert Z]

Than just go for it. You'll have plenty of everything

Ultreia!

I may not be able to resist the call, KinkyOne!

 

[Robert Z]

Hi Rob,

It seems you are on the right path here. The days of 30-32 you mention could be just perfect for many reasons.

In these days, have you factored in travel days to SJPdP (or where ever you will start) and travel back? A long trip if coming from say the west of Canada. Would you want to arrive and leave the next morning or take a day to relax and enjoy. Maybe you start walking the day of arrival and stop in Orisson? Would you be walking in the spring, summer, autumn? Taking a couple of days off would be very nice, spending and extra day or two in SdC to greet those you have made friends with during the month who might be a stage or two behind, even consider walking further to Fisterra or Muxia. Perhaps do a combination of and extra day in SdC and bus out to Fisterra for a night. The wonderful thing about the Way is one can create each day to fulfill the spirit....to some extent at least.

Very much appreciate you mentioning you are a strong, experienced, higher-paced walker, and familiar with the elements/challenges which may come...of course the rewards as well.

Perhaps we share the same approach. We get told often to walk at our own pace. We are also advised to slow down and enjoy each step. Knocking out 28-32, for example, could be quite enjoyable for someone like you as it is for me (again, depending on what time of year). Starting the day between 6:00-7:00 and ending between 13:00-14:00 if in summer gives enough time to get you where you would like to be for the day and maybe even a little more or less if you decide. For example, the first time I walked the CF it took 28 days with one rest day in Burgos, so 29 days SJPdP to SdC. The next CF took 28 days (no rest days), then 4 days with Muxia/Fisterra added. The first Camino Norte from Irun was 29 days plus the extra 4 to the sea. This summer was the CN and the Camino Primitivo (I bet you would REALLY like the Primitivo!) was 30 days plus the another 4 again.

Again, it seems you are on the correct planning path. Wait until you get to the real path. You will fly in so many ways.

Trust in the arrows,
Simeon

I would be going in late June to late July. I have already figured in the flight to Paris, train to SJPDP and one night stay there. Then I calculate 30-32 days from SJPD and to get home, which would be Compostela to Paris flight and then flight from Paris to Toronto (where I am from - 8hrs).

Actually, when I first started to look at the routes, the Norte appealed to me. However, I see that many suggest doing the Frances for the first time. Is that true?

 

[Mark Lee]

Haven't done the other routes, but I think you will really enjoy the Camino Frances for a first timer.
Plan for doing it in 30-32 days, and if things get tight, grab a bus in one of the towns and leap frog up a bit to hit Santiago in time. No big deal. You only need 100 kilometers to get your compestela. You can always come back and do it again without skipping any of it. The Camino isn't going anywhere.

 

[mla1]

Hi, Robert, I walked my first camino at age 50 and did the typical 33 or 34 days that you will find in the Brierley guide and others. Since then I've found that my comfort level for walking is actually higher than the average 25 that the 34 day schedule would give you. There are lots of people walking 30-35 kms a day on the Camino Frances, not the majority, but you will not be the only one. So I think you'll definitely fall in with a camino family. The nice thing about the FRances is that you always have lots of choices and can vary your distances depending on how you feel each day. Doing the math, 800 km divided by 30 km a day leaves you with 27 days walking. And plenty of time for visiting, touring, resting, etc. Since I have to buy my round trip ticket before leaving, I have to have a return date. So what I always do is plan my days based on a rough 30-35 km a day, add four days, and then if I need those days I slow down into Santiago. If not, I have time to walk to Muxia and Finisterre, which is a great way to end the camino.

Based on your own self-description, I think you will enjoy a faster pace and longer distances, so go for it. Buen camino, Laurie

Laurie -- I was curious so I just checked my notes -- I think you finished your first camino in 30 days from Roncesvalles -- because I did mine in 32 from SJPP. I am pretty sure you finished one day ahead of me. I have also found that I walk faster now than I did then - though I would probably plan on 25-30 k days.....cheers Mary Louise

 

[vlogan]

Hi Robert, I'm 67 and walked the Camino Frances (31 May - 29 June 2014) in 30 days without any difficulties. This year (May/June again) I intend walk it in approx 27 days.
I would like ask you about the TMB, (I know this is a Camino forum) is it possible to do in 6 days? If so, could you suggest a timetable.

 

[Robert Z]

Hi Robert, I'm 67 and walked the Camino Frances (31 May - 29 June 2014) in 30 days without any difficulties. This year (May/June again) I intend walk it in approx 27 days.
I would like ask you about the TMB, (I know this is a Camino forum) is it possible to do in 6 days? If so, could you suggest a timetable.

Hey Vlogan,

Yeah, I'm gaining more and more confidence that 30-32 will give me ample time to walk the route and have a day or two off. If it doesn't work out that way, then I guess I'll have to go with the flow of the Camino.

As for the TMB, I did it with a group of about 12 people. Here is the itenerary that we followed:

http://www.gadventures.com/trips/trekking-mont-blanc/EFMB/2015/itinerary/

It was stunning! Very difficult though. A lot of steep, steep climbs. There are days were toy ascend a very fair amount of meters. You should totally go for it.
I would probably plan for more than six days, however. You don't really stay more than a day/night at one place (except for Courmayeur, Italy if you wish for a rest). All the other places are mountain shelters/hostels.

Let me know if you would like to know anything else about that trek.

 

[Robert Z]

Hey Vlogan,

Yeah, I'm gaining more and more confidence that 30-32 will give me ample time to walk the route and have a day or two off. If it doesn't work out that way, then I guess I'll have to go with the flow of the Camino.

As for the TMB, I did it with a group of about 12 people. Here is the itenerary that we followed:

http://www.gadventures.com/trips/trekking-mont-blanc/EFMB/2015/itinerary/

It was stunning! Very difficult though. A lot of steep, steep climbs. There are days were toy ascend a very fair amount of meters. You should totally go for it.
I would probably plan for more than six days, however. You don't really stay more than a day/night at one place (except for Courmayeur, Italy if you wish for a rest). All the other places are mountain shelters/hostels.

Let me know if you would like to know anything else about that trek.

*where you ascend (typing on cell phone).

 

[AJ]

If I could find a millionaire to sponsor me, I'd walk the various caminos 11 months a year.

I met a Belgian man on the Voie de Vezelay who had done just that and was on his way home. A seriously weird guy, so be careful!!

I found 97 days from Rome to Santiago was PLENTY: I doubt I'll do this much in one hit again.

 

[vlogan]

Hi Robert, Thanks for the information on the TMB. Your itinerary was very similar to the one I had in mine. As I live in Australia and can only travel o/s once a year I have to combine 2 trips into one.
At the moment I considering walking the camino, beginning 23 May - 18 June 2015, then the TMB from 20 - 27 June as I return to Australia from Dublin 30 June. Many thanks again. Vincent

 

[tschiwi]

Hi Robert,

i did my firsts camino (Camino Frances) in April/Mai 2014. It took me 26 days to get from SJPdP to Santiago. And another 3 days to get to Finisterre. Don't stick too much on written "steps/legs". Find your own speed and enjoy the walk. Some days it's easier to walk longer distances - some day you'll prefer to rest earlier. And you might find good company and will walk with them for a while ... like I did. Buen camino.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The guidebook stops are completely artificial. There is no reason that a person cannot walk more or less. Europeans seems to have a 5 to 6 kph pace, so theoretically can cover 40 to 50 km in an 8 hour walking day. As an American, I am not accustomed to walking most of the time to catch a bus or train, and age has slowed my pace to 3-4 kph. I am good for only about 6 hours of "on foot" time, so I cover about 18 to 24 km per day, which typically takes about 8 hours on the road including breaks. I am regularly passed by 80 year old Europeans! However, even fit persons discover the daily grind of a half-marathon a day for a month, so it may be wise to keep hubris in check and discover your limits once you are on the road. When you get a blister, it changes your body mechanics, and expectations may fall by the wayside.

Another reason that a fit pilgrim may not walk as far and as fast as he can is the people he meets. It is common to find a group you like to be with. They may not be collectively interested in walking 40 km per day, so you will end up charging ahead of very pleasant company for no reason other than you can do it. It is your choice to challenge yourself or have a pleasant time with a group. It is very true that you can meet new people every day and have a very pleasant time. It is equally true that you may find a group that walks at your fast pace. Bicyclists travel at least twice as far each day as walkers. They never have a group unless they bring one with them! I have dined with a number of them who were having very solitary journeys. Some it suited; some seemed a bit sad at missing the comraderie.

Buen camino!

 

[jpflavin1]

I've read some posts on this forum about people talking about speed and rushing. I'm not talking about rushing, rather the fact that I enjoy walking long distances with a great pace. It's not to see how fast I can do it, so please throw that notion out the window. I think it's dismissive to say those that finish below 30 days have solely done so only to be the fastest.

Some people are just faster.

As for the Alps trek, I did carry my own bag and there are numerous flat stretches.

Personally, I am not interested in any church tours or museum time, I am interested in the goal of SDC and the clarity and peace of walking the distance.

Robert Z:

Every individual who has walked the Camino is different and many walk for a variety of reasons. These reasons and physical condition, age, personality, time available etc. etc. can dictate the speed at which one walks.

I have walked days as short as 18 km's and as long as 52 km's. IMO, the Camino Frances can be walked in 3-5 weeks based on my experiences.

My advice is to:

Pack as light as possible - The Camino will teach you how minimally you really can live.
Start slowly - Let your body adjust to the daily walking of (plus or minus) a half marathon. While the Pyrenees are a relatively tough start, the Meseta provides ample opportunity to walk much longer days.
Let the Camino be your guide - Just start walking and trust in the Camino.

If you are planning to walk the Camino Frances in June/July you might want to consider another Camino that will be less crowded. The Norte, combination Norte/Primitivo or even Salvador/Primitivo.

Whatever your decision it will be the right choice for you.

Ultreia,
Joe

 

[Al the optimist]

Maybe this thread should be entitled "How long is a piece of string?"

 

[AJ]

Maybe this thread should be entitled "How long is a piece of string?"

You could say that about quite a few threads!

 

[Robert Z]

Robert Z:

Every individual who has walked the Camino is different and many walk for a variety of reasons. These reasons and physical condition, age, personality, time available etc. etc. can dictate the speed at which one walks.

I have walked days as short as 18 km's and as long as 52 km's. IMO, the Camino Frances can be walked in 3-5 weeks based on my experiences.

My advice is to:

Pack as light as possible - The Camino will teach you how minimally you really can live.
Start slowly - Let your body adjust to the daily walking of (plus or minus) a half marathon. While the Pyrenees are a relatively tough start, the Meseta provides ample opportunity to walk much longer days.
Let the Camino be your guide - Just start walking and trust in the Camino.

If you are planning to walk the Camino Frances in June/July you might want to consider another Camino that will be less crowded. The Norte, combination Norte/Primitivo or even Salvador/Primitivo.

Whatever your decision it will be the right choice for you.

Ultreia,
Joe

Thank you, Joe!

I have heard the Frances can get very busy. I also have read that everyone really believes in the Frances as the first Camino. Is the Norte longer, shorter or the same? Places to stay?

 

[jpflavin1]

Thank you, Joe!

I have heard the Frances can get very busy. I also have read that everyone really believes in the Frances as the first Camino. Is the Norte longer, shorter or the same? Places to stay?

RobertZ:

I am not sure everyone believes the Frances should be your first Camino. Many, imo, recommend the Frances because it is the most populous Camino. The Camino is, for many, a step out of most Pilgrims comfort zone. The Frances provides more infrastructure and support than some of the other routes. That and the fact that many have not walked other routes, for comparison, is why I believe it is more frequently recommended.

These two Camino's have many starting points. The most common being Irun on the Norte and SJPdP for the Frances.

The major differences, imo, are: The Norte is a little more rigorous day in and day out. It has more climbs but none as high as the Pyrenees. The route is also coastal and provides many scenic water views. Two sites which are very good to research Albergues are Gronze and Eroski. They both provide great information on route alternatives and accommodation. The Norte is well populated but nothing like the Frances.

That said, the Frances is the most popular. I have only walked in the March/April time frame. This time of year, with the exception of Easter week, the Frances is far less crowded than the Summer months.

Ultreia,
Joe

 

[Al the optimist]

You could say that about quite a few threads!

"String" "Threads"? I get the pun but oh dear it's as bad as the ones I say that make my friends cringe! (No offence intended AJ) PS My initials are AJ too.

 

[Robert Z]

Hi Rob,

It seems you are on the right path here. The days of 30-32 you mention could be just perfect for many reasons.

In these days, have you factored in travel days to SJPdP (or where ever you will start) and travel back? A long trip if coming from say the west of Canada. Would you want to arrive and leave the next morning or take a day to relax and enjoy. Maybe you start walking the day of arrival and stop in Orisson? Would you be walking in the spring, summer, autumn? Taking a couple of days off would be very nice, spending and extra day or two in SdC to greet those you have made friends with during the month who might be a stage or two behind, even consider walking further to Fisterra or Muxia. Perhaps do a combination of and extra day in SdC and bus out to Fisterra for a night. The wonderful thing about the Way is one can create each day to fulfill the spirit....to some extent at least.

Very much appreciate you mentioning you are a strong, experienced, higher-paced walker, and familiar with the elements/challenges which may come...of course the rewards as well.

Perhaps we share the same approach. We get told often to walk at our own pace. We are also advised to slow down and enjoy each step. Knocking out 28-32, for example, could be quite enjoyable for someone like you as it is for me (again, depending on what time of year). Starting the day between 6:00-7:00 and ending between 13:00-14:00 if in summer gives enough time to get you where you would like to be for the day and maybe even a little more or less if you decide. For example, the first time I walked the CF it took 28 days with one rest day in Burgos, so 29 days SJPdP to SdC. The next CF took 28 days (no rest days), then 4 days with Muxia/Fisterra added. The first Camino Norte from Irun was 29 days plus the extra 4 to the sea. This summer was the CN and the Camino Primitivo (I bet you would REALLY like the Primitivo!) was 30 days plus the another 4 again.

Again, it seems you are on the correct planning path. Wait until you get to the real path. You will fly in so many ways.

Trust in the arrows,
Simeon

Hey,

I'm looking at the Camino Primitivo. You mentioned I would really like it, is that because it is more mountainous? I also have been reading that 14 days is very doable for this route.

If my 30-32 days is not possible due to personal responsibilities back home, perhaps the Primitvo may be a good first Camino.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You can look at the route and stage profiles here:

http://www.gronze.com/camino-de-santiago/caminos/guia-del-camino-primitivo

Melide to Santiago is about another two days.

 

[jpflavin1]

Hey,

I'm looking at the Camino Primitivo. You mentioned I would really like it, is that because it is more mountainous? I also have been reading that 14 days is very doable for this route.

If my 30-32 days is not possible due to personal responsibilities back home, perhaps the Primitvo may be a good first Camino.

RobertZ:

Why not a San Salvador/Primitivo combo? This could be done easily in less than three weeks and you could probably add Finistere in that time frame. These are both great Camino's. The Salvador is sparsely traveled but beautiful. The Primitivo also a great walk.

Ultreia,
Joe

 

[waveprof]

We started in Pamplona (because of weather when we arrived in SjPDP).......and we did it in 31 without rushing. Why not start in Pamplona/Iruna?