Planning to walk the Camino de Santiago

Just how do you go about walking the Camino de Santiago in Europe, and how fit do you need to be?

Before we start on this, let’s take a step back — as the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James, is a pilgrimage, rich in medieval history and sights, which brings together all sorts of people to walk to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in north-west Spain. The remains of Christian apostle St James are believed by some to be in the cathedral. For many, this is more than a walk — it is spiritual journey. Yes, a pilgrimage.

There are various paths, each with their own charm and character, and in 1993, the Camino was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

HOW FIT?

There are two points on fitness.

+ The first is that the “hardest thing” can just be doing multiple days … so, to really enjoy it, my suggestion is (something like, depending on your fitness), to walk two days then rest for one. Something like that … but build in rest days, think about these, and decide where you’d like to “hang out” for the day. I think that can really enhance the experience rather than “slogging through it”.

+ The second is that, when you sit down with a map, pay attention to elevation — the height you have to climb up and down. The challenge is not so much distance as this elevation. For example, the first day on the French walk feels challenging … don’t be put off by it. There are easier days. On the really “full walk”, hard days are the steep walk up to O Cebreiro, on the French route. But this village is very special, so that may be a resting point.

PLANNING IT

These are good sources …

+ It’s not a bad idea to start with an informative map. This is a good place for maps, clicking through to buy from Amazon: caminoguidebook.com and caminoguidebook.com/book/camino-de-santiago-maps

+ When you get to Amazon, also search for “Camino Santiago guide books”.

+ This is a go-to planning site: santiagoways.com

+ … and a good way to do the full walk is to go to santiagoways.com and search “St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona”.

+ Also look through caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago-planner

+ There is no permit for the walk, but walkers should get a Credencial del Peregrino (Pilgrim Passport) at the start of their trip, getting it stamped along the way. The stamps prove that they have walked the 100km necessary to get a completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela. oficinadelperegrino.com

A BIT OF GEAR

With companies (through the previous websites) offering packages with accommodation and transport for luggage between the nightly stops, walkers can be carrying just their daily needs. When choosing a day pack with a water bladder built in, make sure it is comfortable — long enough and sits well on your back.

+ A lot of people find Kmart’s 6L Hamilton 2 day pack surprisingly comfortable. It is just $22. kmart.com.au