Page 11 - Camino

STAFF TIP
Walking in Galicia
Scott Kirchner
Publications Manager
Route: The first section from St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono
Highlight: I really loved Estella, a great town with lively squares and great food.
The walk from St Jean was an exercise in contrasts, from serene lush valleys to dramatic barren peaks – with accompanying mountain weather.
Pamplona offered a uniquely Spanish experience, from bustling town squares and the old town fortress to the ‘running of the bulls’ heritage, through to a truly vibrant night life of bars with diverse pintxos. The walking from Pamplona right through Puente la Reina to Estella
is really interesting – through vineyards, over ridges lined with wind turbines and overlooking a valley of the towns to which you are headed. These are just some of the highlights in this section.
Gear Tip: Variable cover is essential: thermals and waterproof coats for the mountains and zip off trekking pants for the lower warmer sections. Good sun protection. Well worn in boots with a second lighter pair of trekking shoes for variation and town wear.
Training/Fitness Tip: Get your feet 'walk fit': toughen them up with regular training walks. Blisters could occur if your feet aren’t attuned to your boots and hardened for walking for some hours at a time. Do some hills – it's not tremendously hilly but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.
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Why the Camino Francés?
• Walk the full length from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago to experience the contrasts of Northern Spain
• If you’re short on time, start from Sarria to cover the minimum distance required to earn your Compostela
• Experience the real essence of the Camino pilgrim journey as you meet many other travellers from around the world
• Discover the cities of Logroño, Burgos and Leon
• Sample delicious local cuisine which changes as you cross different provinces