ruggedness of Camino Del Norte for weak ankles or knees

[Bgates]

I am a first time pilgrim interested in hiking the Camino del Norte. As a rugged 63 year old from Berkeley California I am confident I can take on the walking, but I am concerned about my husband, also 63, who can sometimes have knee and ankle problems on rugged terrain. 1) How steep and rugged is the terrain? 2) Is it possible that one some days my husband sometimes take buses and meet me at the refugio in the evening? Barbara

 

[Canuck]

Hi Barbara,

I have PM'ed you some information. See your in box.

For the others, sorry but I think the administrators have vetoed my text!?!?!?
Unable to publish after two trials...

Ciao!
Jean-Marc

 

[Bgates]

I am very grateful for the email from Canuck regarding my query about the ruggedness of the camino del norte. With your information, my husband may coming on the pilgrimage. The idea that there may be buses for days when his knees or ankles are hurting is very reassuring. Blessings, Barbara

 

[mdefrayne]

Hi Barbara,

Knees are always a concern in the later years. Mine certainly were the first time and it is a concern for my wife on this year's pilgrimage. My experience has been that it is the downhill that is the worst. The weight of the body and backpack pounding on the knees. It sounds strange but I would prefer flat or uphill over a lot of downhill.

It is quite possible to take a bus when too tired or beat up or just to skip past a section that would be too costly in physical wear & tear. Take your time and I'll bet everything will work out fine.

Buen Camino,
Mark

 

[Rose Louise]

Hi Barbara

Walking poles certainly seemed to assist us when we were walking the Portugues way

Cheers Rose Louise