Thinking of doing it

[Venado]

Hi,

I'm Paul from Coventry.

I've often thought I'd like to do the Camino one day, having read about it, but I've had no hiking or long walking experience to speak of and I don't know if I could do it. I'm not working at the moment, just going through a bereavement. Once I've sorted myself out I could go travelling for a while.

The CSJ site recommends the Arles route, even for first timers, and I'd like to go to or start in France as I've been trying to learn the language. I'd also like to get the compostella. Is the Arles to Sangiago route to ambitious ? Heck of a long way !! Or could I start in Arles, take the bus part of the way to St Jean then start walking all the time from there ?

(Some great information on the Arles route on this site by the way- sounds daunting though and a bit scary )

softie

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Paul

Welcome to the Forum. Ask any questions you may have and members will try to answer from their own experience. You've got the time and you've got the motivation. All you need to do now is get organised and get started! I know what you mean when you say you are wondering if you can do it. I know that feeling. The thought of walking 1000 kms can seem overwhelming. But it isn't like that - it is achieved little by little, a day at a time in manageable chunks. Once you get started it all unfolds.

Good luck with you planning. Let us know how you get on.

John

 

[CaminoGen]

If you're thinking about it and writing in this forum, then I'm pretty sure you'll do it. Like anyone, you are looking for assurance that you will be able to do it... YOU ARE! And 80-year old man from my walking group will leave for the Camino francès this fall; he started walking with his pack this weekend and he felt good! My colleague and her husband did the Arles route last year and they met maybe 15 people in all. Since this is your first Camino and that you are not confident in your abilities, may I suggest the Camino francès; there are so many villages that it gives you options about where to stay.

 

[vagabondette]

Maybe try going for some longer walks close to home to see if it's something you enjoy and can see yourself doing for days on end. Also, like someone above said, CF is a good option because it has lots of shorter segments that do so you can stop if you're tired. Good luck!

 

[Venado]

Dear all,

Thanks for your good advice and encouragement. Once around our local park is 2.5 km. I walked around it twice yesterday and it took me about and hour.(without backpack of course -as I don't own one). I'll buy so footwear/boots next and if I keep training and preparing and follow the advice on this website I'm sure I'll set out confidently when I'm ready.

Paul