Pilgrim's Progress – Long Distance Walks in Europe and the UK

Which paths are you planning in 2025?

In May I’m planning an 8 day/240km walk along the Sentier Cathare (GR367) from Port La Nouvelle to Foix.

In September I’m planning to walk 500km from Carcassonne to St Jean-Pied-de-Port on the chemin piemont pyreneen, an ancient pilgrim route to Compostella.

How far do you plan to walk each day?

I plan to average 20 miles a day with the longest day being 26 miles and the shortest, 12 miles. I don’t plan to take any rest days during the walks.

How much weight will you carry?

I plan to keep my backpack to around 5-6kg. With 2 litres of water, this will increase to 7-8kg. I’ll be taking a tent, sleeping mat and bag.

What tent will you use?

I’ll use a Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 tent. I don’t anticipate having to use it much but it only ways 1.29kg and I’ll be taking it as an emergency backstop, just in case I can’t occasionally find any where to stay for the night.

What camera will you use?

I plan to use my smart phone rather than take a stand alone camera and an iPad. The amount of time I’ll be spending camping means that it won’t really be feasible to edit and upload photos to my blog en route.

Where will you stay?

I’ll mainly be staying with pilgrim host families on the chemin piemont pyreneen On the other paths I plan to use gites d’etape and, if necessary, camp.

How much will it cost?

I’m aiming to spend €30 a day so can hopefully keep the cost of the walk to around €1,000 including the cost of transport to Geneva and back home from St Jean Pied de Port. If I’d walked LEJOG and stayed in B&Bs and hotels, the cost of a 2 month trip would have been something between £10-15,000!

What are your biggest concerns?

The weather is always my biggest concern! I’ve yet to discover wet weather gear that provides complete protection against the rain! If you’ve got any suggestions, feel free to let me know!