Trekking poles on the Inglés

[giuliamaria]

Just a question about the need for trekking poles on the camino Inglés. Are there some tricky (ie: rocky) - ups and downs? I took a nasty tumble on the descent from Alto del Perdòn which I wouldn't want to repeat. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[t2andreo]

Yes. Learn how to use them and take them.

On uphills they provide added stability, and are like having 4-wheel drive.

On a downhill, they provide added balance, stability, and braking capability to prevent gravity from sucking you down the hill.

You can go to the manufacturer's website, or to You Tube to search for videos on "how to use hiking poles." It is not that difficult. Once you get the cadence and rhythm, it is like swimming or riding a bicycle.

I would not walk without them.

 

[natefaith]

Hi @giuliamaria and welcome to the Forum!

Yes, I would recommend trekking poles on the Inglés. The route being in Galicia, with all its hills - some quite intense, like coming out of Pontedeume - the poles will be a big help. I found them really useful going in and out of Betanzos as well. The hills aren't as rocky, per se, but still - you'll feel them

Buen Camino!
Faith

 

[Jeff Crawley]

There's nothing like the scree of Perdon on the Ingles but generally poles help and I wouldn't have made it up the hill out of Pontedeume without them! Fear not, it doesn't go on forever, there are benches 3/4 of the way up and a bar (and farmacia) at the top!

 

[KinkyOne]

I would take them on Ingles again for all the reasons mentioned above. But then I'm using them on all Caminos just not in the villages/towns on asphalt because I only use metal tips and hate the clacking sound. Locals on Frances must go crazy or deaf each year with clacking hoards of pilgrims...

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Hi @giuliamaria and welcome to the Forum!

Yes, I would recommend trekking poles on the Inglés. The route being in Galicia, with all its hills - some quite intense, like coming out of Pontedeume - the poles will be a big help. I found them really useful going in and out of Betanzos as well. The hills aren't as rocky, per se, but still - you'll feel them

Buen Camino!
Faith

It's funny but I didn't remember the exit from Betanzos as being particularly steep but I just looked at my graph and yep, it is. Mind you it did rain that day and I had my specs off for a lot of the time!

 

[daesdaemar]

Yes - they will be helpful. I actually think that properly used they are helpful even on flat terrain. The Ingles is not flat

 

[natefaith]

It's funny but I didn't remember the exit from Betanzos as being particularly steep but I just looked at my graph and yep, it is. Mind you it did rain that day and I had my specs off for a lot of the time!

Ha!! And I'm short, so I feel EVERYTHING!
My only blister came going down into Betanzos, and then climbing out of Betanzos I remember needing to go slowly because it was more uphill than anticipated. Still a beautiful trail, though, eh?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Ha!! And I'm short, so I feel EVERYTHING!
My only blister came going down into Betanzos, and then climbing out of Betanzos I remember needing to go slowly because it was more uphill than anticipated. Still a beautiful trail, though, eh?

Can't say, might have to do it again one day to find out

 

[natefaith]

Can't say, might have to do it again one day to find out

 

[giuliamaria]

Yes. Learn how to use them and take them.

On uphills they provide added stability, and are like having 4-wheel drive.

On a downhill, they provide added balance, stability, and braking capability to prevent gravity from sucking you down the hill.

You can go to the manufacturer's website, or to You Tube to search for videos on "how to use hiking poles." It is not that difficult. Once you get the cadence and rhythm, it is like swimming or riding a bicycle.

I would not walk without them.

Thanks t2andreo! Good advice - I did use one pole on the Francés but still managed to fall so I'm sure 2 would be better than one.

 

[t2andreo]

I find two always better than one. But everyone is different. I tend to be top-heavy and sometimes have balance issues.

 

[giuliamaria]

I find two always better than one. But everyone is different. I tend to be top-heavy and sometimes have balance issues.

I think you are right t2andreo ! Thanks- I'm decided now.

 

[OTH86]

... it doesn't go on forever, there are benches 3/4 of the way up and a bar (and farmacia) at the top!

And if you're lucky, there are 2 Spanish guys on bikes who might offer to share their food!