Taking my 6 year old.

[frankmcm]

Would appreciate some advice on planning.
My wife & I and our 6 year old son Finn plan to spend most of August on the Camino Frances. Adults will walk and carry, and Finn will cycle. He is accustomed to 10 mile routes at home. I am very sensitive to the possibility that the route may be too difficult for a 6 year old, and would value any comments. Allowing for a few days rest along the route, it is unlikely we could cover the distance from Roncesvalles to Santiago in the time available. Any suggestions about a better starting point? Also, rather than bring a kids bike as air luggage from Ireland, is it easy to acquire one in Spain close to the usual starting points.?

I am very impressed by the site... Keep it up.

[John Hussey]

Hard question to answer. I remember seeing some bikers pass me a few times usually when they were struggling up some rocky trail. Of course, they were likely using trail bikes designed for the mountains. I do not know how your child's bike would compare with that. But, at least on on section, descending from the Cruz de Hierro, I regretted not having one as I could see the tiny little village where I was headed far down below me and I knew that walking would take me quite a few hours whereas had I a bike I could have coasted down it. But, then you would have to jog to keep up with him.

Personally, and it is just my opinion, I would not have him take the bike as I believe it would be more bother than it would be worth. The sections are short, usually, between villages, and I suspect he would be able to amble along with you sufficiently so as to make the journey.

Here is a website with some statistics on persons doing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in the US and it seems it has been done by at least 2 six year olds:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site...QKtH/b.851151/

Now this trail is more than 4 times as long as the Camino Frances and is considerably more rugged and much more difficult as well, and the weight of one's pack is much heavier with more necessities as well as there are no comfortable villages every few kilometers to rest or resupply. It is so much so that only about 15% percent or so of those that begin it are able to finish it and most drop out before long before the half way point.

So, that being said, I suspect he might be able to make the journey on foot. Of course, thats your decision. Personally, I believe it would be an amazing educational experience for the lad, one that will remain fondly with him for the balance of his life. There are statistics available on the ages of those doing the Camino (the various Caminos) and if I can recall it, I'll post it for you

[John Hussey]

http://www.archicompostela.org/Pereg...Statistics.htm

http://www.archicompostela.org/Pereg...stageneral.htm

The Archdiocese of Santiago submitted these statistics but , even though it is not complete, it looks as if your son will not be alone. Pilgrims between the ages of 0-10 totaled 925 in the year 2004.

Have him walk just like you and have him carry a pack(but a very light one, you carrying some of his things). I do believe he would enjoy it more.

[Leslie]

I met a woman walking with her daughter who was 7 or 8. The daughter was walking but only about 10k per day. I remember walking when I was 10 and I walked 25k in the one day and was could not walk the next day.


I really think professional advice on how much a child can walk should be sought.

The bike seems like a good compromise, however there will be parts that are not too good for children cycling - near busy roads, in cities, etc.

Let us know how you get on and welcome to the forum.

[frankmcm]

Thanks for the comments. ( I note that I meant to say October instead of August...)
I have a feeling that walking that distance is just too much, whereas cycling would be quite easy for him unless the ground is just too rough. I could devise some way of boosting him up the occasional rough patch, but I would hope that most of the terrain would not require this. I just have looked at some blog photographs and mostly the paths appear passible. ( here's hoping ).

As to distance, I am tending to favour a shorter route such as Sanabres, which we probably can cover in its entirety, with the option of carrying on to Finisterre if we make good time. Any comments on this route, bearing in mind our youngest pilgrim.?
Thanks again.