Walking Together: Training for the Camino

You don’t need fancy gear or endless spare time to walk the Camino de Santiago, just a bit of consistency, a pair of decent shoes, and some curiosity about where your feet can take you. It's one of the world's most famous pilgrimage routes, known for its blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of spiritual journey.

If you’re not already walking or exercising regularly, try to start at least 3–4 months before we set off. The earlier you begin, the better your body (and feet!) will thank you later.

If you’re thinking about joining our Camino pilgrimage, now’s the perfect time to start walking!

Monthly Community Walks

To make it easier, and more fun, I’ll be leading a monthly walk so we can train together and get used to longer distances:

June: during our Breath Retreat at Trigonos, we’ll include a long afternoon walk in the beautiful Snowdonia surroundings.
Sunday July 5th, August 9th, September 6th: meet 9am @ the Reservoir Car Park, Longdendale Valley for 10–20km walks around the reservoirs.

These are relaxed but purposeful mornings out, a chance to stretch your legs, chat, and test your gear (which importantly you’ll already have bought by then!).
It’s miles better to have worn everything in now than discover rubbing socks or squeaky straps halfway across Spain.

Everyday Ways to Train

As well as group walks, there are easy ways to build walking into your week:

Walk on your lunch break.
Meet a friend for a brisk 2/3-mile walk after work.
Join our winter walking wednesday 630pm @ glossop cricket club
Add a weekend walk with family, pets, or a podcast.
Join Parkrun...walkers welcome! Every Saturday, 9am at Manor Park (or your local park).

Camino Training Plan outline

Month 1: Building a Base (June)

Goal: Walk 2–4 times per week.

Mix short walks (2–5km) with one longer one (5–7km).
Yoga focus: Strength and stability, Warrior I & II, Chair, Bridge, Downward Dog, Tree Pose.
Cross-train: Try swimming or cycling for variety.

Month 2: Building Endurance (July)

Goal: Walk 3–5 times weekly, with one longer one (8–10km).
Yoga focus: Endurance and recovery, Sun Salutations,

Legs-Up-the-Wall, Crescent Lunge.
Extra: Try a hill walk to mimic some undulating Camino terrain.

Month 3: Camino Simulation (August)

Goal: 4–6 walks weekly, including some back-to-back walking days.
Start carrying a small daypack (2–4kg) to get used to it on longer walks (12-14km)
Yoga focus: Restorative and mindful, Supported Bridge, joint mobility, Yoga Nidra.

Month 4: Camino Prep (September)

Goal: Keep moving but ease off slightly. Include one longer walk each week and keep your daypack handy.
Yoga focus: Rest, recovery, and mindfulness.

💡 Key Tips

Footwear: Break in your shoes early (June/July).
Walk in the socks and clothes you’ll use on the Camino.
Hydration & snacks: Practise drinking and eating on the go.
Rest: Take at least one rest day per week.
Mind–Body connection: Use yoga to tune in and notice what your body needs.

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche

⚠️ Disclaimer

This plan is a general guide for reasonably fit individuals.
I’m not a medical or fitness professional, please check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or existing conditions.
Always listen to your body; your safety and wellbeing come first.

Ready to Begin?

Lace up your boots, roll out your mat, and start where you are.
Every step is a little closer... to strength, to presence, to the path ahead!