Additional information for travellers:

- Telegraph Online Newspaper NEWSPAPER TELEGRAPH TRAVEL MENU

PART OF THE CAMINO SANTIAGO FAQ

EQUIPMENT

1.Unframed rucksacks better than framed rucksacks which get caught on trees

2.Even good quality rucksacks not always waterproof-wrap everything in polythene.

3.Lightest gear essential for everything-Rohan good. Empty tems out of bulky containers.

4.Clothes-one set on, one set off, one set spare. Take old clothes on 'last legs' and discard as you go. Nothing formal required-continental cafes, restaurants very unstuffy.

5.Safety pins always useful for emergencies.

6.Socks double as gloves.

7.Hat essential in hot weather-much of the walk is unshaded.

8.But Spain can be cold and wet even in August.

9. - 11 kilos weight (rucksack 30-35 litres) without tent/sleeping bag/water quite heavy enough to carry for 40+ kms or even less.

B.FIRST AID:

For blisters: Spenco skincare pack Spenco second skin dressing, foot pads etc

MONEY

1. Pay by credit/charge card wherever possible as exchange rate tends to be better than for cash/traveller's cheques. VISA & AMEX best, Access is not taken much in France.
2. However, keep sufficient cash in francs/pesetas for petty expenditure to avoid time consuming visits to Banks. Bank visits can wreck planned schedules and do not allow early starts.

WATER BOTTLES In hot weather absolutely essential to avoid dehydration. 1 litre per person per day minimum in coolish weather-far more when hot. Keep water container topped up from fountains (Spain) and farm:'. Remember the ancient Dorians (in Groeco) when on route marches stopped for water every 10 km and constructed a network of fountains for the purpose.

II. ON THE WAY

1. Early start-even in the dark- saves valuable sightseeing time and helps avoid midday heat. Recky dark stretches the evening before to establish location of waymarks, hazards etc.
2. Wear your scallop shell- entry fee:' will be reduced,- cafes will give you food and drink- and everyone (certainly in Spain) will greet you.
3. Inspect footwear frequently, and always at the end of the day to remove anything which may damage the footwear or your feet.
4. Women walking in shorts-a lightweight wrap around beach skirt useful for wearing over short:' for church visiting.

DOGS:

French dogs usually more timid than their hark-fierce ones not normally allowed loose. Eyes down on French pavements; the stuff is difficult to remove from well-soled boots.

Maurice and Marigold Fox April 91