Trying again!

[phdoc007]

I am starting my training to do the Camino from Sarria to Santiago again. I attempted to do this same trek in 2020; however, Covid put the brakes on that trip. Now my renewed plan is to put my feet to the path on 5 May 2025, my 75th birthday. I have been trying to figure out how steep sections of the trail are out of Sarria. It looks like the highest elevation on this final section of the Camino is less than 2400 feet (730 m). I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western NC and my house is at 3500 ft (1066 m) where walking includes some pretty steep climbs. My question is how difficult will it be to do the final section for this older man? I have another question about my walking stick, too, but I will post that in another post under the TSA thread. Buen Camino.

 

[C clearly]

My question is how difficult will it be to do the final section for this older man

Welcome to the forum! Older than whom? No part of the Camino is too steep if you simply slow down

 

[Bradypus]

The really steep and difficult sections of the Frances are all east of Sarria. After Sarria the slopes are mostly pretty gentle and gradual and walking surfaces are generally very good. There is one particularly rough and rocky descent just before Portomarin but there is a well-signposted safer alternative by minor road to follow.

 

[KFH]

I hope no one minds but I'd like to piggyback on this and ask how the hills are between Samos and Sarria. I have a friend who is older than the OP whom I might be escorting but I've never been to Samos and can't advise him on that part.

 

[ginniek]

For my 70th birthday back in 2017 I did the same thing you're going to do, but without your advantage of living in the Beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. I live in the Lowcountry of SC, and have for many years, and we don't even have buildings over four stories in the town where I live. Anyhow, I made it to SdC mostly in one piece and, except for two COVID years, have done a different section of the Camino Frances every year since. One of the ways I keep going each year is by practicing what a French-speaking ski instructor in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec told me many years ago when I was freaking out about getting down a steep and rocky section of the ski trail: Only look at where you are going right in front of you; do not look ahead of yourself. So, when I come to a section with a long, steep incline I look down and only where I will be taking my next step or two--and I even move a bit faster that way. Also, I only carry a day pack and have by bag transported for me.