walking distance

[frmikeminn]

In 2001 I walked the camino with my brother-in-law. (great trip by the way!) But he was quite a bit more of the walker than I and he wanted to walk further each day than I did. We did a couple of 20 to 25 mile days and it was difficult for me especially on my feet. This April I'll be walking it again and I am planning my days with shorter walks in mind. Starting in Roncesvalles I plan to do the first five days in around 13+ miles each. the longest I plan is 16.7 miles. the shortest is 5.5. I'm planning a total trip of some 36 days. I'm thinking that 13 miles is a good length for most people and I'd love to hear from others who have walked the route concerning their experience of what they found to be a optimal daily distance. I realize it's different for everyone but since most people do not train heavily for the Camino, there is bound to be a normative distance for most people. (Yes, I'm in the United States and in order to use Km's I have to consult a conversion chart!)

 

[vinotinto]

optimal daily distance

That's easy - however far I had to walk to find the softest bed, the finest vino, the strongest cafe con leche, and the smoothest orujo de hierbas...ole! :wink:

That said, I don't think there's really an "optimal" daily distance, unless you're walking under a timetable that requires such a calculation. Instead, I'd walk as the day - and as the Camino - takes you.

Kind of a Zen approach, I suppose, but a lot more fun than a timeclock, which is what I went to the Camino to escape from... :mrgreen: :arrow:

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi

There isn't a "right" or standard answer to this question. Some people have worked out the Camino Frances in 27 etapas or 32 etapas and there are maps indicating these on the walls of albergues. But they are no more than ready reckoners for people who have a defined time to walk - flights purchased and jobs to return to. Some people walk long and fast others amble..some take days off and go exploring the great cities or go on a detour or just relax and catch up with the laundry.

As they say it isn't a race and I find it takes on its own momentum and it is best just to go with that.