Hallo Martin
Congratulations on your achievement. I am VERY impressed. I was also supposed to go on the trip in April this year. But only to SBP. Maybe next year. I like to walk far, but I have only walked for two weeks, walking approx. 40 km per day. I would like to know if you have a plan of your daily stages? It would also be nice if you have a list of the places where you stayed overnight. Finally, I would like to know if you had a tent with you. And if that is the case, do you think you can do without the tent. Thanks in advance, Birgitte
Hi Birgitte
I averaged 38 km per day over 56 days, Some days I did over 60km, other days less due to weather or terrain.
I did have a tent which I used on a few occasions, a couple of campsites and a bit of wild camping which isn't quite as easy as you think, I planned to camp more but due to the unusually poor weather (thunder storms, heavy rain etc) I used hostels and hotels more than I'd planned to, yes you can do without a tent if your budget allows you to find hotels etc.
As to the route I used mostly the 3 books of the cicerone guides by Sandy Brown, I occasionally split days, did double days or went a little off route to find suitable accommodation but these guides form a fairly good basis. I will add that I tried where possible to follow the historic route when the option existed.
I wouldn't recommend that anyone follows my itinerary but listened to their own body as to how far they go each day, we all have off days, each day when I started walking I didn't have a fixed destination in my mind, I just walked until fatigue, weather or even my mind told me to look for a place to stay. Some days you will feel like a short day but you must be prepared for the long days.
If you really need to know I can go over my records when I have a few minutes and make a list of the towns and villages I stayed in but as I've said it would be unwise to follow my itinerary to the letter.
There were times I couldn't wait to finish, there's a fair amount of tedium to deal with ( especially in France ) but I'd do it again tomorrow! In fact there are plans being made as we speak. Time will tell.
Regards
Martin