Page 23 - Camino

How long does it take to walk 25km?
On a flat surface, a person of reasonable fitness can walk around 4kms an hour carrying a small daypack weighing up to 8kg. A person
of ‘reasonable fitness’ should be able to walk over rough ground with a daypack for 6-7 hours, requiring only short stops. When hills, undulating terrain or inclement weather is involved, that pace slows down to between 2-3kms an hour. Your pace is also determined by your attitude towards the journey. Are
you planning to enjoy the day by stopping frequently to take pictures and soak up the scenery, or is the end goal to move as quickly as possible to get to the next destination?
What gear must I take?
On a walking trip, looking after your feet
is of the utmost importance. Well worn-in walking boots, or even trail hiking shoes for flatter/dry terrain, should be your first focus. Walking poles are optional but recommended. Regardless of the time of year you travel, walkers and cyclists should always prepare
for all seasons by carrying adequate protection from the elements (sun, wind and rain). Nature is unpredictable, especially at altitude – there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. We provide a comprehensive gear list for all our travellers.
How do I take care of my feet?
The importance of good footwear cannot
be stressed enough. A blister can ruin an experience, so take appropriate protection, such as compeed or blister socks, and avoid rigid boots on flat terrain. Shoes are a personal choice and the terrain you will cover will help determine your needs. Lightweight mid-level boots that are waterproof, breathable and offer ankle support are good for most of the Camino trails. As the trails are well maintained, many people prefer to walk in trail hiking shoes.
It is advisable to visit your local outdoor gear shop, not a sports store, to talk to someone about the right shoes for you.
What is the accommodation like?
In our opinion, you don’t have to stay in a bunk bed in an albergue or hostel to have
an authentic pilgrim experience. For many people, being able to have a hot shower and
a good night’s sleep in a private hotel after a long day of walking or cycling, is invaluable. We work with 2 to 4-star local hotels and charismatic guesthouses and B&Bs that are often family run. We seek to find places that add to travellers’ experiences. In Italy, we also work with agriturismos on independently- owned working farms. You can expect fantastic local flavours at meal time from your hosts at these unique accommodations.
And now, for a change of scenery ... Did you know?
A ‘Dual Pilgrim’ is someone who has walked or cycled the Camino de Santiago and hiked the Kumano Kodo in Japan. After you’ve completed your Camino trip,
book your next walk in Japan with worldexpeditions.com and qualify for the Dual Pilgrim Credential.
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