07 Aug 20
The varied terrain you will find on ‘The Way’
The Camino Frances is one of many pathways leading to the historical and spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela. Spanning over 800km across regional Spain, this pathway is one that will offer you varied environments, landscapes, culture, food, wine and, underfoot, a great variety of terrain.
On my walk along the Camino, over the Pyrenees and from Logrono to Burgos, I encountered a whole range of different pathways underfoot, from chunky rocks to pebble stones, to gravel, to dirt paths and the best case scenario, very established pathways.
If you are planning the Camino for the future and are wondering how to train, there is a lot of benefit in training on similar terrain; this is beneficial whether you are walking or cycling the Camino de Santiago. There are three significant sets of mountains to cross with passes up to 1500m, and the great open expanse – the Meseta – in the middle of the route.
Some of the best places to train on similar terrain is to do some hiking in the beautiful national parks that Australia and New Zealand have to offer, these not only offer you more rugged pathways but also offer you mountains, rivers and valleys which will help you prepare for what’s in store on your Camino adventure! If you are unsure of your nearest national park, use the links below.
