Ok! Let me be honest with you. For the last month or so, I’ve been pretty negative about my next Camino from Lisbon and it has been getting me down. I guess I just wanted someone to talk to and to get a few things off my chest. You may call me dramatic, but I need these few days away in September to clear my head. I’m a little bit more confident now that I spoke to someone so it’s all good.
So, let’s recap. I travel to Newry on Friday to get a toenail removed. I won’t be able to start walking long distances for a few weeks after a procedure like this. I have a wedding on the weekend of the 17th of August, so I will need to get a practice walk on the weekends of the 24/25th August or the 31/01 Sep. That’s all the time I have. The following week I leave for Lisbon.
I have also updated my kit over the weekend. I have bought a Rab fleece, a Colombia t shirt and a pair of Bridgedale socks. You can find my updated packing list in my Preparation page. I hope it is useful for you or for anyone who is planning a Camino.

I always find that socks have the greatest turnover. I always seem to be buying a pair or two for each Camino. Mainly because I lose one of the two. Bridgedale is my go-to brand now, having tried 1000 Mile and Smartwool. Walking from Lisbon, it will no doubt be hotter than any of my previous Caminos so I have made sure that the socks I have bought are lightweight. I am sticking with the same kit I used for my May Camino.
More news on Friday.
Hello, David,
I haven’t heard many positive comments about starting the Portuguese Camino in Lisbon. Have you considered starting in Porto and walking to Muxia if all goes well toe-wise and heat-wise?
I’m looking forward to following your walk and I hope your toe heals quickly.
Mary Lynn
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Thanks Mary.
Yes, the first few days out of Lisbon is mostly road walking which doesn’t sound appealing. I need to do a bit more research and if it is not what I expect, I will take a train to Porto. I have already walked from the coastal town of A Guarda (north of Porto) on the Portuguese Coastal Route and enjoyed it. It is not challenging at all which is good for the toe! 🙂
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Buenas suerte in Newry on Friday David (in a post hard Brexit / no ‘back stop’ scenario that just might turn you back at the Border 😉😁 !!).
I’m sure you will be up and running in no time at all. Great to see your CP planning in full tilt. Love the tips on the gear although I’m a committed 1,000 Mile sock man myself 👍
PJ
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Thanks PJ.
I left 1000 mile a while back and use more lightweight socks now. But anything with Merino is fine.
The rest of the gear is sorted after my short walk in May.
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