Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular walking routes in the world, famed for its beauty, history and spiritual background. There are many different ways you can take the Camino de Santiago, with options including the Camino Frances route, the Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo. It’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time, speaking to an expert at Orbis Ways who can advise you on the best route for what you’re after, how long you want to go for and your fitness level. Their friendly and personable staff are there to advise you with any queries you might have, with their many top reviews speaking for themselves.
Photo by Steffen A. Pfeiffer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scenic-view-of-cabo-fisterra-lighthouse-in-spain-29934657/
Pack well
When taking on the Camino de Santiago for the first time, it can be tricky knowing what to bring with you. The most important thing is not to overpack. You don’t want your backpack to weigh more than 10% of your body weight as you will find this too heavy and it will slow you down considerably. Include things such as lightweight clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, sleeping bag and a first aid kit. You’ll want snacks and drinks too as you’ll need energy along the way. Find a backpack that is lightweight and built for this sort of exercise as it won’t add any additional weight to your bag and will also likely have plenty of pockets for staying organised.
Focus on your footwear
The last thing you want when hiking the Camino de Santiago is for your shoes to not be appropriate. Invest in some comfortable, well-fitted hiking boots that are waterproof and designed with comfort in mind. Ensure you break them in well before your trip, by taking them on hikes or wearing them around the house. This will make sure you don’t get blisters on the hike which can ruin your time! You should bring good quality walking socks and blister plasters with you just in case.
Don’t worry about your timing
The Camino de Santiago is designed to be a personal experience, so don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, or what your timing is. Instead, you should listen to your body, take in the views around you and just enjoy and immerse yourself in the whole experience. Think of it as a journey you are taking yourself on and seeing what you can achieve. No matter the time you do it in, it’s something you can be proud of for the rest of your life.
Take care of yourself
On route, be sure to take care of yourself. Eat plenty of nutrient and protein-packed food that will give you strength and energy to keep going. You should also drink lots of water to stay hydrated, particularly during the warmer months. Take rest days and ensure you do what you can to get a good night’s sleep when you stop off.
There are a few tips that can help you when taking on the Camino de Santiago for the first time. Remember what an achievement it is and be proud of yourself for
