Guide
How to prepare a three-day walk
Three days is the right distance to find out whether a long walk suits you. Long enough to settle into the rhythm, short enough not to hurt you if you got the shoes wrong.
The stages
Count on 15-18 km a day in your first year, no more. Elevation costs more than distance: 600 metres of climbing feels roughly like 4 extra kilometres on the flat.
Water
Two litres per person in the warm months, plus a spare bottle if the fountains are more than two hours apart. Water is the one thing you never save weight on.
Frequently asked questions
How heavy should the pack be?
Under 20% of your body weight. Over three days, the difference between 8 and 11 kg shows by the second afternoon.
Should I book the stages?
From May to September, yes: beds on the busier routes are gone weeks in advance.