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If you just want to get used to walking every day, without any kind of "pilgrimage experience" in Spain, I'd recommend the Hadrian's Wall trail as that's not far for you since you live in England. Otherwise, get brochures or check the websites of Exodus Travels, Explore Worldwide and similar and look at their offers for self-guided walks to get an idea for trips that might appeal to you. There are plenty to choose from!Reading many of the members comments has whetted my appetite and made me think that a practice run next year might be a sensible idea, particularly as I have never attempted anything like it before and it will give me a good indication of how I will respond to walking a good distance every day.
I am seeking some suitable recommendations for a trip of around 7-10 days walking, hopefully not too strenuous but something that would also get me used to carrying and living out of a backpack for a number of continuous days.
Thank you Bradypus,My suggestion would be to walk the Camino Ingles from Ferrol. A few short steep hills but nothing too mountainous. 7 days would be plenty of time to take it fairly easy. If you still have time and energy you could add on a few days to go to Finisterre or Muxia. Alternatively Santiago is a good town for some gentle R&R. You can fly direct from London to either Santiago or A Coruna and then take a bus to Ferrol to start.
Thank you for your reply.There are a number of long walks in Britain. The lodging will cost more though. As for myself, if I were planning to do the CF I would avoid finishing any of the Spanish or Portugese caminos so the entry into Santiago from the CF will have the most impact.
Stuartwe......depending on where you live in the U K ,what about this ....https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Angles+Way
This trail also joins the Peddlars way and the Bigod trail so you can extend your walk if you wish .
Starts in Great Yarmouth ,Norfolk . If you do this walk you are welcome to a free nights kip in Oulton Broad as the trail passes about 2 klms from us .
Hadrians wall walk , as has been suggested by Kathar!na is also a good call for a trial outing .
Test the waters with a hiking trip at home. A week on a camino will not give you a taste of a half-marathon a day for a month. Your feet and muscles will not even be recovered after a week. It takes about two weeks to reach your second wind! The most you might find is the technique for finding buses and taxis to reach a nearby objective!
I second Bradypus's suggestion of the Ingles. In addition to what he states, it has the advantage of doing a "whole" Camino route start to finish, and, since you are from England, the historical link of so many pilgrims from the British Isles having gone that route. Have fun researching, planning and walking!
I will research further as so far I have just been looking at the Camino Francés
If you just want to get used to walking every day, without any kind of "pilgrimage experience" in Spain, I'd recommend the Hadrian's Wall trail as that's not far for you since you live in England. Otherwise, get brochures or check the websites of Exodus Travels, Explore Worldwide and similar and look at their offers for self-guided walks to get an idea for trips that might appeal to you. There are plenty to choose from!
As you consider various options, look at temperature and humidity, too. Walking in the sun at 35°C with 20% humidity is very different from walking on a grey British isles day. As much as possible, train in the same climate as you plan to walk.
I am planning to walk the Camino Francés in 2020.
Reading many of the members comments has whetted my appetite and made me think that a practice run next year might be a sensible idea,particularly as I have never attempted anything like it before and it will give me a good indication of how I will respond to walking a good distance every day.
I am seeking some suitable recommendations for a trip of around 7-10 days walking,hopefully not too strenuous but something that would also get me used to carrying and living out of a backpack for a number of continuous days.
I am reasonably flexible regarding location but obviously mindful that travelling from England,it would make sense to have start/end points that are easily accessible to minimise travel time to and from.
Also, I do not want to touch the Camino Francés as would prefer that to be a totally new experience the year after.
I am nearing my 60th birthday ,in ok condition but having a goal to aim for would also provide a good incentive to improve my general fitness.
Probably look to go during months of May/June and some good scenery in late spring/early summer would be ideal.
Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
More good advice,much appreciatedTwo suggestions if you're planning a dry run - 1) Match the mileage you're planning to walk. Everyone has their "wall" that they're going to hit each day. Doing 10 mile training hikes won't prepare you if you're going to be walking 12-17 miles a day. Those last few miles do make a difference. 2) Train on long downhills, preferably on bad trails. Most injuries happen on the downhill as well as blisters, foot pain, etc. This will ensure you have the right pair of shoes more than walking on flat or uphill trails. Walking poles will help. Learn how to use them.
Buen Camino!
Yes,I have considered it as I have a reasonable knowledge of France particularly around Cahors and Moissac.Why don't you try a section of Chemin St Jacques? Its the French part of the Camino so much more accessible from England. I only found it by accident during a motorbike tour earlier this year. Long day on the bike, parked up and showered and went for a walk. Found signs pointing the way (literally!). Looked it up and plan to walk a chunk of it next year myself
More power to you,good luck with your future plansTry walking the GR10 from Hendaye to StJPdP, it gets you gently into walking longer stages and with good accommodation, I started there in 2000 and met peregrinos in StJPdP who told me about the Camino Frances. I walked English Long distance paths every year to 2015. In June 2016 I walked from Roncesvalles to Burgos in 11 days with no breaks and no problems, I was 74 in 2016, I think my preparation was just about right ! I hope to start again in Burgos in May 2018.
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