How to Plan Your First Camino

Next week I'll apply these steps to planning my own Camino as an example.
Any questions, please ask.
Or feel free to contribute tips in the comments.
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TIMESTAMPS (in case you want to skip) 👇
0:00 Intro
1:22 Purpose of Walking in the Camino
PLANNING PROCESS
3:34 Best Time of Year to Walk
4:20 Compostela
5:40 Time and Days you’re going to take
7:15 Accommodation
8:36 Carry all your gears or not
9:51 Budget
11:23 Planning your gears
12:43 Summary
14:22 Outro
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For more details about each journey you can visit the detailed blogs at robscamino.com/
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#caminodesantiago #caminoplanning

[@robscamino]

Next week I'll apply these steps to planning my own Camino as an example. Any questions, please ask. Or feel free to contribute tips in the comments.

[@mortenfoss1303]

I found your WEB site a few days ago, and I have watched quite a lot of your videos already. I just love them! You are a very professional presenter and you are pleasant to listen to. And most important: what you say make sense. I have never done any serious walking, but I have a dream, and maybe one day … Regards 68 years young Norwegian

[@robscamino]

Well, I hope you make it to the Camino one day. You are never too old. I just walked 1,200 kms at age 66, much of it with a guy of 74!

[@stephenreid_66]

For me all the fun is in the planning, I have to keep myself in check because I find myself planning the next camino before I've started my current one 😬

[@robscamino]

Oh it's so easy isn't it? 🙂 I think it's the planning process that keeps me sane in between Caminos. And doing these videos........

[@stephenreid_66]

@@robscamino I've actually planned two this year I'm doing the Primitivo with my wife in a few weeks and I'm continuing from Logroño with my son in late October but still I can't help myself looking at what I'll do next year, my wife says it's a sickness 🤣

[@robscamino]

Nice. I haven't looked beyond my next one yet, which will be the VdlP next year. From Sevilla up North to Astorga, then branch off at Ponferrada to finish on the Invierno. If I enjoy the VdlP I might go for a more remote one after that. Though I'd love to do the Le Puy route. Not sure where I'd go from St Jean though. Don't really want to do the Frances again. Maybe swing West and pick up the Norte. If my old legs are still holding me up!

[@stephenreid_66]

@@robscamino sounds like a plan 🤣

[@joefernandes1359]

Always a pleasure to go through your videos Rob. No doubt by now you are an acomplished camino pilgrim but for me it is my first camino and I seek your advise on how much you think I should walk, how often in preparation and before I actually start my camino. I will be on my camino from SJPP to Compostella starting 26 Aug coming up in less than a month. What do you do in preparation as far as fitness goes?

[@robscamino]

Very difficult question, as it depends on so many factors. 1) Age, 2) Health 3) Bodyweight 4) Current Fitness state. And to be honest, thinking about training one month out is a bit late. So I'll assume you are not that unfit. I'm actually not that fit! And I don't train much prior to a Camino. I just find training boring. But I focus on getting my bodyweight down, and doing some walking. I have a nice 5km circuit around a lake nearby. But..... I know what I'm getting into having walked a few Caminos, so my strategy is to start slow. Generally building up distances over the firs week, from 10 kms to 20 kms. And then I average only 20-25 kms per day. For those who want to walk longer distances, a much higher standard of fitness and preparation is required. I can manage 30 kms here and there if required, but not day after day. So I suppose coming back to your question, if wanting to walk more than 20 kms / day, and you are not that fit, I would start gentle training 6 months prior. Or.........do like I do, and start out with shorter days, and keep your distances lower overall.

[@peterfontaine4627]

Hello again! Wonderful episode! Just wanted to ask what is the average amount of time people take to do to the longer Caminos? I suppose it all depends on how many miles people want to do, and their endurance level--but keeping in mind not wanting to push too hard, and to allow time for some zero days. People in their books and vlogs seem to do the Frances somewhere between 35-40 days. I am planning for the Portugues, which is 100 miles less, I believe (Lisbon to Santiago). Maybe somewhere around 30 days comfortably? Just wondering what to aim for in terms of having the time off to do it.

[@robscamino]

Really hard question Peter. As you say, it depends on so many factors, that are dependent on us as individuals. Level of fitness, health/injury, what type of Camino we want to walk (slow and smell the Roses v lots of mileage each day). 35-40 days seems to be a fair average for the Frances. If we pick 35 days, that's 22.8 kms per day, not allowing for rest days. Throw in 2 rest days and that becomes 24 kms / day. Some people prefer to walk 30+ kms / day. You can start to get a sense of your comfortable 'distance per day' during training walks. But quite frankly, if you have not walked a Camino before or are not a regular walker / hiker, it's hard to judge. But from what you have said, 30 days might be OK, allowing 1 or 2 rest days. Only you know your capabilities though.

[@gemshadowsong]

Thanks for this great channel - your ideas and encouragements! I'm hoping to trek my first Camino next year (Porto to Santiago and back). Question: how many people walk the journey roundtrip? What return challenges do they face?

[@robscamino]

I don't have any numbers on those walking a return trip, but if I was to guess, maybe 1 in 5-10,000 ? The challenges would be 1) following the way markings, 2) having a 100+ people a day saying you're going the wrong way! 3) not making friends, as they are all going the other way......

[@reyvaldes611]

Good day Rob. Greetings from sunny Miami in the US. What is the name of the book with the foldout map that you referenced at the 2:30 minute mark? Thanks again.

[@robscamino]

It's one of the Guide Books by John Brierley. This one. www.santiagodecompostela.me/collections/camino-frances-guides/products/from-st-jean-pied-de-port-to-santiago-de-compostela

[@christinetaggart2715]

Good video Rob, IMHO missing was the huge decision wether to walk solo or with a companion? Can be a deal breaker for some. 🗒 🖊 ☕️ Cheers Chris

[@robscamino]

Yes a great point Chris. I guess I was assuming that decision had been made. But you are quite right to highlight it! I'm very one eyed about it though. walk alone! 🙂 But I know many who have set out with a partner / friend and it went OK.

[@robscamino]

I did a video on the topic here. Not sure if you would agree with it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/roWUdoOnbbNjrJY

[@louisecomacchio3338]

I did my first Camino this past Apr/May, it was everything I dreamed it would be, then some. Was meant to do it in 2021 for my 60th, but Covid and our Aussie lockdown put paid to that. I spent all of Apr 21 - Apr 22 watching many KZbin videos on the Frances, yours included, and putting in as much extra training as I could, albeit walking within my allowed 5km radius at the time. Lucky for me that included Parra Park, Parra Lake and the cycle path along Parra River, sadly no mountains. But now, I need advice on how to move forward with the everyday after something so epic. I chose to do it alone, I wanted to do it alone, and I loved it! But after coming home, most of those around me politely ask about it, but quickly move on to what's currently going on in their world, which I get. My eldest brother has walked the via Mozarabe and via de la Plata, he met me in Santiago, he gets it, he's my go to. The thing is, it seems to be the price you pay when you do things alone, you don't have anyone to talk to after about the experience. Any tips?

[@robscamino]

Glad to hear it was everything you hoped for! Coming home is the tough bit though. No one really wants to talk about or hear about your experience, after that initial curiosity. And you can't blame them really. It's such a unique experience, that it's hard to understand unless you have done it. So I think many of us become rather like War Vets. We only really talk about our experiences with other 'Vets' Thankfully there are many groups around. Facebook groups, meetup groups (Sydney and Blue Mountains for example) and online Forums. I hang out on Ivar's Forum a lot. www.caminodesantiago.me/community/ Get on over to the Forum 🙂 You'll find people there who have walked 20+ Caminos, alongside newbies planning their first.

[@bronwenhook6088]

It is the same with any profound experience. As any new parent, or recently-returned international aid worker, can attest to. People will ask kind questions but you have to be ready with a 2-3 sentence reply and leave it at that. Share with those who have had, or are enthusiastic about having the experience.

[@betafisica-matematica353]

Hi rob, thanks for all your videos, I'm planning my first Camino Frances next year, I have a dumb question cause I saw the elevation route map, but cause my bad knee ...... haw bad are the dowhills??? going up is not a problem for me .... going downhill is a slow process, thanks again (sorry for my bad english), greeting from Croatia👋

[@robscamino]

Yes, the uphills are the easy bits! Downhills kills my legs too. Just go slow and use poles and I'm sure you will be OK. Sections to be careful on are.... (1) Down to Roncesvalles. I always take the right hand fork down the road. It's easier and not much further. Maybe an extra 500 m. (2) Down to Zubiri can be very hard if wet. There is an alternative by road, but I have tried that and it's even more dangerous due to traffic. (3) Down from Alto del Perdon. A short section of small boulders. Take care, it does not last too long. (4) Down from El Acebo to Molinaseca. The hardest section in my view. Last time we broke the journey at El Acebo overnight and it was easy. Doing that section with bad legs, tired, at the end of the day is tough. (5) Down to Portomarin. Take the left hand road option, not the right. I think those are the main ones to look out for....... Just go slow, plan ahead for extra breaks maybe, and use poles.

[@betafisica-matematica353]

@@robscamino Thank you so much

[@sadiefox9517]

Hi! Really want to know aboht albergues and the lowest budget possible!

[@robscamino]

That's a really great question, that requires quite a long answer. I'll make a video about it in the next week or two. But here is a summary. I'll simplify it. There are different types of Albergues. (1) Donativo (donation). (2) Municipal (local government). (3) Parochial (often church groups) (4) Private (self explanatory). Pricing and quality varies. Generally private will be more expensive and sometimes 'nicer'. 2,3, and 4 generally have a set price. With 2 - Municipal often being the cheapest. Maybe 8 euro for example. 1 - Donativo is kind of the cheapest, because they only request a 'donation' to stay there. This does not mean FREE. A lot of people misunderstand this. They still need the donations to operate. But the amount of the donation is up to you. Whatever you can afford or feel is fair. Most people would suggest you donate what you would have paid elsewhere for similar accommodation if you can afford that. Hope that helps. Some people pay a bit extra, as they know others may not be able to donate much.

[@derbywinner6316]

Could you share the guide books and maps you are using. I didn’t get the name on the video. Thank you

[@robscamino]

I like the Brierley Guides, but have many others. The main one I use these days is Gronze.com

[@MJxxxx5]

Rob, I know you've done the full camino 3 times? My husband watched most of your videos but I have not. We are from Singapore and if we only had 2 to 3 weeks, and hope to walk part of the camino (as it will take some years before we can do the full route due to work commitments). 1. do you think it's worth doing it for just 2 to 3 weeks? 2. if yes, where should we start? much thanks as always!

[@robscamino]

Hi MJ. Firstly there is no such thing as a 'full' Camino. Traditionally Pilgrims would start from home! The various guidebooks and documentaries have to start somewhere, and so these start points have kind of been accepted by many, as the places to start. But you can start anywhere! 2-3 weeks is certainly a good timeframe. For a first Camino I reckon it takes 5-7 days to really get into the groove. Where to start? So many choices. Which route appeals to you? How far do you want to walk each day? Lets say you can walk 20 kms a day. And you have 20 days. I'd allow at least 1 rest day, maybe 2, just in case. So let's be conservative and say you have 18 days to walk, 20 kms per day. That's 360 kms. You could start in Leon on the Frances. 318 kms. This planner will help you go through the same process for other routes. godesalco.com/ Just make sure your start point is not too hard to get to. So maybe select a fair size town, not a tiny village on a hill top. Though I did that once! Foncebadon. Long story....

[@dennise6537]

Hi Rob. Thank you so much for all your information. So informative for planning my first Camino. Question, is Compostela only awarded if last 100k to Santiago is a consecutive 100k ( I.e. not leap-frogging alone the route to make up 100k)? We want to see so much, but time constraints prevent an 800+k trip in one go….

[@robscamino]

Yes. For a Compostela you must walk a continuous/contiguous 100kms. And collect 2 stamps per day. Leap frogging prior to the final 100 kms is fine. We did that once. But for a Compostela they need to see you walked the last 100kms continuously/contiguously. oficinadelperegrino.com/en/pilgrimage/the-compostela/ For Pat's first Camino we walked about 200kms. Leap frogged a few places and then started the final 100 kms in Sarria. That final 100kms is a delightful section by the way. You could do it in 5-6 days easily. That would at least give you a sense of what the Camino is like, walking day after day, starting where you finished the day before. How long do you have for the Camino in total? Of course if the Compostela is not essential for you....... you can walk any section in any sequence.

[@dennise6537]

@@robscamino Thanks for response Rob. We have now settled on around 21 days - so our options are wider. Still at the “ more questions than answers” stage. Planning on April 2023. Will keep on soaking up your advice. Many thanks. Buen Camino!

[@robscamino]

Happy to help. 21 days gives you lots of options. Try not to 'over think' it though 😊

[@carriecassidy5514]

I have ordered the hikers wool, wool socks, shoes, and I got the backpack from decathlon store

[@robscamino]

When do you start? 🙂

[@carriecassidy5514]

@@robscamino Thank you for the video’s and all the information that you share it is so helpful. I am not sure yet when I start the adventure. I have to get the trip in September to Louisiana out of the way, then I am free as a bird, I need to get the maps and booklet I believe I can get my Camino book for stamps at St. James church in Dublin this I will visit next week, not that it matters much to me it is about the freedom of the journey just to ramble about and enjoy just been in the moment, does that make sense? I need now to decide which one I am going to start with, ??? I am so eager and excited to begin, I got a pair of E4 wide sneakers to allow for swelling of the feet , I have taken your advice and keeping it simple, I got the umbrella, a light shirt and the backpack is 50L Travel 500 from Decathlon, might be a bit heavy but I am a strong 💪 lass plus I will be a snail 🐌 pace . I ordered the wool from NZ. and got the proper socks 🧦 smart wool. It’s the feet I would be concerned about I will follow your advice on this. I have rain gear. Now when to go ! Depending on how I feel I may try November for a week just to explore, or go in spring for 4 weeks. I am saving up my holidays at work. I have got the bug and have not gone yet! I work for the local council so it’s all about getting the time off. Many many thanks, wishing you and your wife happy trails, your an inspiration. Carrie

[@robscamino]

@@carriecassidy5514 Sounds like you're ready to go! Buen Camino 🙂

[@carriecassidy5514]

@@robscamino now I just need to get my husband to think about doing it as well ,

[@robscamino]

@@carriecassidy5514 Hmmm. Or not? kzbin.info/www/bejne/roWUdoOnbbNjrJY

[@tmrwic]

I got choked up myself feeling the emotional side of it. Haha Anyway, I'm deducing that the pilgrims' track is totally different and separate fromnthe actual road for vehicles. Is this correct? Thanks, Rob. :)

[@robscamino]

Yes and No, on most Camino routes. I think there are about 280 routes, but 12-14 'main' or well known routes. A Camino route is not really a 'made' thing. It has developed and changed over many years, often over a thousand years, based on where Pilgrims are coming from as they head towards Santiago. So often they will have created their own track over the landscape, or they follow farm tracks, and minor roads. Often there might be a short stretch alongside a major road. THey are not really 'maintained' routes, but have occurred naturally in most cases. Then there are sections that have been 'created' by local governments. Some are nice gravel paths ideal for walking, some are concrete or paved and are not that great for a Pilgrims feet. To get an idea, maybe watch some of the daily videos from my Camino this year. I'll add some links here that show the variety of paths. (via de la plata) robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/ (Camino Frances) robscamino.com/day-36-astorga-to-rabanal-videos/ (Camino Invierno) robscamino.com/day-40-ponferrada-to-villaveja/ (Camino Fisterra) robscamino.com/day-55-santiago-to-negreira-videos/

[@tmrwic]

@robscamino Great deal of information there, thanks very much. I love a bit of history and tracing back the origin of events. I see why St. James did what he did could be described all the way to the Pentecost as summarised in the Gospels. Thanks again. We've been watching your videos and all are quite engaging!

[@robscamino]

@@tmrwic thanks, glad you enjoy them.

[@HandCo]

love your Channel . i am planning my Camino for 2025 . i know its a ways out but that's when i'll be able. the one thing i'm a little confused on is do i just book a flight and find my way to St Jean Pied de Port and get my Camino Passport and start my journey or do i have to register with a Camino organization and let them know when i am arriving? thank you for any help.

[@robscamino]

There is no 'organisation' as such. You just turn up, get your Pilgrim passport and your first stamp, and start walking. With a wonderful sense of freedom 🙂

[@HandCo]

@@robscamino thank you for your help. i can't wait. Your channel is very informative.

[@robscamino]

@@HandCo Glad to be of help...

[@youtubechang8157]

Hi Rob, I last-minute decided to do the Camino for the first time. Really enjoyed your content. I will be there during the first 1.5 weeks of November. I was planning to do the last 100 km of Camino Frances. I am hoping for a quiet experience. I would love to meet fellow travelers but would be disappointed if "too" many walkers were on the trail with me, as I may have a hard time reflecting/meditating. I am relatively healthy but have never done several miles, day after day, so I was hoping that I could pick a 7-day ish slow walk for my first experience. I am doing a short introductory experience with the first walk, with the intention of coming back for a longer duration. Just FYI, I will be flying in and out of Madrid. Thinking of doing speed train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela when I arrive. Then possibly riding bus to Sarria to start my walk? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thank you!

[@robscamino]

Sounds good. I have not walked in Winter before, but I'd suggest you start to check accomodation options as some will be closed for the Winter. But because that is the most popular section on the most popular route, I'm sure it won't be a problem.

[@youtubechang8157]

@@robscamino thanks for your prompt response! I am nervous but excited. May think about booking lodging ahead of time…

[@youtubechang8157]

@@robscamino another question, is there another app or website besides gronze that can offer booking options for accommodations along frances? much thanks!

[@robscamino]

There are many 'apps' that list accomodation options, though obviously it is hard to make sure these are all right up to date. Wise Pilgrim is a popular app. I think the booking option takes you through to booking.com like Gronze does. Most apps provide other means of contacting accommodation, phone, whatsapp, etc. For a first Camino, booking.com is probably the easiest option, as it is all done online with no need to speak spanish etc. Just be aware that not all accomodation options are on booking.com and not all 'beds' are on booking.com. Accomodation hosts tend to only put some of their beds on booking.com hoping to sell them directly rather than pay the booking commission. So if a town/village looks booked out on booking.com don't despair. look up gronze or an 'app' for other options and contact them directly.

[@youtubechang8157]

@@robscamino Very helpful information! Thanks so much. Another question, if I may. :) I am really hoping for a more spiritual/reflective experience (albeit my camino will be a short duration). Are there any particular churches, towns, structures that you recommend that I spend a longer time in along the last 100 km of the camino frances? much thanks again!

[@adrianadelgado3804]

Rob, do you use any apps in your phone? I saw that there are several that show you the route, accommodations, etc. Any advice is welcome. Going to Primitivo in early JUly

[@robscamino]

It's a very personal thing. I have many guidebooks and about 6 different apps on my phone. The problem I find with many of the apps is that the information about accomodation can be outdated. Those that I mostly use are Gronze (to work our distances and lookup accomodation) , and google maps! At the end of the day to find my accomodation. On more remote routes I use a mapping app such as maps.me.

[@adrianadelgado3804]

@@robscamino Muchas gracias, perhaps just Google maps is enough. Simplify is my motto. Buen camino!

[@robscamino]

@@adrianadelgado3804 And a good listing of accommodation places with contact details is good. I use Gronze for that.

[@adrianadelgado3804]

@@robscamino Thank you. Great advice. Los Amigos del Camino from my home country of Argentina recommended that site too. I found it very useful.

[@rafaelvillavicencio9800]

Where can I get a guide for accommodations, please?

[@robscamino]

A good online Guide is this one. www.gronze.com/

[@robscamino]

Or if you want a hard copy Guide, Ivar has a good range here. He will mail to anywhere in the World: www.santiagodecompostela.me/

[@darcelespinoza9520]

What guidebook do you recommend?

[@robscamino]

Guidebooks are a very personal thing I think. And there are so many out there. I'll try to do a video on them soon. I have quite a few. Personally I like John Brierley's books, just for the maps alone.

[@darcelespinoza9520]

@@robscamino thank you

[@grantlong5540]

The guidebooks are good for planning, but some of the apps are amazing once you’re on the Camino. We used Camino Ninja in April/May this year and it was excellent. I also too Brierley but I’d leave it at home next time. I really got a dislike for the idea of “stages”. Buen Camino!

[@robscamino]

@@grantlong5540 Yes I get that. Stages are an artificial thing. Just a handy way of breaking it up in guidebooks I guess. I'm looking at a few apps myself. I have never 'carried' a guidebook. I cut off the spine, scan it through our office copier, and use it as a pdf on my phone......