Camino Le Puy Stage 1 – Le Puy en Velay to Aumont Aubrac – 6 days

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 19-26 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN - UNEVEN TERRAIN

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of April through October. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions.

On some occasions, but not often, the walk days may vary slightly regarding their length to what we have advertised. This allows us to book the 5 accommodations in sequence to facilitate this walk.

Solo walking is allowed, but as there are many transfers that are costed as being shared across 2 walkers, this will come at an extra cost. Please speak to the office about the price of this.

WEATHER

The route runs across France and through a variety of terrain. Weather is generally mild and good for walking in both the early season (late April to early May) and the latter part of the season (late August to mid-October). You can expect comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers in spring and autumn colours later on. Just be ready for some rain during both periods, and late September is often a sweet spot with nice weather and fewer people.

THE WALKING

We grade this walk as moderate to challenging, we may have to shorten or even lengthen the walking day to make the accommodation bookings work. Of course, we will let you know if this happens. The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail;  whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and along roads as you follow the most accurate route possible.

The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with the many other walkers on the trail, it’s straightforward to find your way. For each walk, you will be provided daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use them for your own device.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Le Puy en Velay and finishes in Aumont Aubrac. The best way to reach Le Puy en Velay is by arriving at one of the following airports: Clermont-Ferrand  or Lyon.

From Clermont-Ferrand, a 2 hour train journey connects (from the airport as well) to Saint-Étienne. From Saint-Étienne it is an hour or so by train.

Getting away from Aumont Aubrac by train at Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac is very easy or you can go by bus.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.