Preparing for the Challenge: Camino de Santiago - Frances

We’re so glad you’re considering taking part in the Camino de Santiago in October. It’s a great time to start your preparations now, and we all know how quickly time flies by. This list is not extensive, but we have tried to help you think about key areas to prepare. We have also found that there are a lot of websites, apps, podcasts and videos about the Camino pilgrimage, which will all give you a taster of what to expect and how to prepare well.

Here are some key areas to consider in your preparation:

  • Fitness and health

  • Equipment

  • Flights and Insurance!

  • Mindset / hopes and expectations


Fitness and health:

The week will involve 5 consecutive days of walking 19km - 28km per day. The path itself is classed as ‘gentle’ but the distance, and repetition are the challenging parts. 

Suitability:

In considering taking part in this Pilgrimage, we advise you to seek advice or assessment from a medical professional or personal trainer if you have any concerns about your ability to take part. Participants should consider their physical, spiritual and mental resilience for the challenge.

Walking training: Walking up to 28km, with a break in between is a realistic likeness to a day on the Camino. Planning some walks on consecutive days will also help you identify how you need to rest and recover on the night in between, and what will be most helpful for you. For example, do a long walk on a Saturday, rest and recover in the evening, then do another long walk on Sunday. This will simulate a little of what to expect when you’re out on your 4th or 5th day in a row.

Remember your safety, if you’re alone, stay to areas that are less remote so that you are nearby help if needed. 

When training, this should also be testing your equipment. So, do a walk in the shoes, with the clothing and backpack that you’ll be using on the trip - this will allow you to iron out any troubles before the week.

Condition your body! Think outside of walking. How can you best prepare your whole body. Consider stretches, strengthening, swimming, pilates. You want all areas of your body to be fit, healthy, and loosened up! Think stretching the back/ hamstrings, hips and pelvis… for strengthening consider things like lunges stretches/  Step up to boxes. 

Rest: Allow a good 3-4 weeks of gentle rest and gentle movement before the Pilgrimage. This prevents any strain or injury before you arrive to Spain.

Make it fun! Finally, you can make the training a fun and sociable activity of the summer months. Include others for part or all of your walks, join a group for something like Pilates, or stretching. Gather family or friends to do a local hike together to a local favourite cafe or park as a great incentive!


Equipment

The right kit can make or break your experience! Items to consider or research for yourself:

  • Shoes

  • SOCKS (arguably just as important as the shoes!) Look at hiking socks/ natural fibres.

  • Day backpack

  • Clothes that are protective of your skin (e.g Anti chaffing shorts)

  • Warmer layer for early starts or late evenings

It’s a good idea to buy these beforehand and practice all summer!

Support

There will be a member of the team in a support role, guiding you to the next accommodation. Contactable whilst you’re on the route each day, and where possible providing a top up of water /snacks! There will also be the option for your light baggage to be taken to the next destination. In case of any incident of injury or ill health, the support person will help you access medical attention from local provision.

Flights and insurance

Arrive at SCQ Santiago de Compostela by Sunday 12th October. 

You will need to arrange your own flights, to arrive in Santiago during the daytime of Sunday 12th October, and transfer to Sarria by Sunday evening.

Transfers from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria: 

  • 2-3 hour journey by train or bus (See details on the itinerary - only one direct bus per day, otherwise travel via Lugo)

  • There is also the more costly option of a taxi ride to Sarria (about 90 mins) £180-£250 - best shared with a large group. The Pilgrimage walk will commence on Monday morning, 13th October.

All Pilgrims must have their own travel insurance and Global GHIC card is recommended: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

These preparation tips are only given as helpful advice, but you should make your own assessment of your safety and suitability to take part in this activity, and Mercy UK will not be liable for your health and safety.

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