This section is devoted to Frequently Asked Questions - click on a question opposite to be taken to the answer.  Much of the information here can also be found under an appropriate heading in the Tips section so if your specific query is not here, it might be worth looking there.  If you still cannot find an answer, please email the CPR Webmaster - clicking on the link below will take you to a page where you can fill out a form which is emailed automatically on submission

Where is the best place to start?

Canterbury is the obvious place but if you cannot spare time to walk all the way there are alternatives which will reduce your journey length.  Besancon is where the flat (not all) countryside of France meets the Jura and the scenery picks up.  Lausanne gives you a few days flattish walking around the lake and along the Rhone before starting the St Bernard pass.Martigny would be the equivalent of SJPP with a stiff first couple of days.Aosta would be the equivalent of Pamplona.Lucca (the minimum distance 400km for cyclists to qualify for the AIVF Testimonium )Siena is less than fourteen days walk away from Rome so could be done in two weeks.  Acquapendente (the minimum distance 130km for walkers to qualify for the AIVF Testimonium – AIVF members only)

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What is the Pilgrim Record?

The Pilgrim Record is a certificate of bona fide pilgrim status, and may be required for access to the refugios/monasteries. It is stamped at the beginning, and daily at churches, town halls, bars etc along the way. Pilgrim records are made available only to walkers, cyclists, and pilgrims on horseback.  Also see Pilgrim Credential (AKA Pilgrim Record, Pilgrim Passport)

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Is there an equivalent of the compostela?

Things are complicated and changing all the time at the moment in this area.To qualify for the Testimonium (issued through the work of the AIVF), walkers and pilgrims on horseback must have covered at least the last 130 km, and cyclists the last 400 km in one journey and have completed the pilgrimage for religious reasons.  For those who arrive at Rome as pilgrims, a certificate is also available at the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi on the Via della Concilazione just outside St Peter's Square.  The distance requirements are different to the AIVF.   Once things become clearer in this area we will update this item.

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What about travel/health insurance?

EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card - EHIC, which entitles you to basic healthcare in all member states.  In France you have to pay up front then reclaim what you have spent from your local health service. The EHIC card does not cover the cost of emergency repatriation - and though you'd be very unlucky to need it, you should consider taking out private medical insurance. Non-EU citizens should certainly take out private medical cover.

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How long will it take?

Allow about three months to walk the entire route (it is 85 days without stops) and about 30 days to cycle.

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When should I go?

If you wish to walk the whole route in one go your departure date will be governed by access to the Great St Bernard pass.  This pass can only be crossed between June and September and is about halfway so you will need to leave Canterbury somewhere between mid April and mid July.   The Italian coast is very hot and busy in August.  There is a wide range of  temperature according to height, latitude and season.

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What is the route like?

There is a wide variety of landscapes and towns.  There are traces of pilgrim activity in the past and numerous interesting small chapels and churches along the way.  Among the most exceptional sights are Canterbury Cathedral, Reims Cathedral and St. Peter’s Basilica.  Towns on the Italian section include Siena with its stunning Cathedral, San Gimignano with its towers, Lucca with its thick walls.

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Where will I sleep?

There is not the network of pilgrim refuges as on the routes to Santiago but there are some provisions for pilgrims in Italy.  The route is developing and more cheap accommodation is becoming available albeit fairly slowly!  See also the entry for Accommodation under A in the Tips section.

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