Clearly…and I hope you got this sense notwithstanding my very limited photographic abilities…it is simply a stunning visual walk. The reputation that follows the Fishermen’s Trail is that of being one of the best Coastal Walks anywhere. Not every km follows the coast…one goes inland which in my mind is most peaceful…however the Coastal scenery is sublime (big word for me).
How difficult is the Fishermen’s Way?
Seek out various YouTube videos of this trail and invariably you will learn « an excellent first time long distance walk »
In my February 18th pre-walk blogpost I inserted the following graph
This was my attempt at ranking the Fishermen’s Trail in terms of difficulty based on various voodoo metrics pre-walk. The resulting 11th place of my 12 walks or second easiest.
Did that pan out…I am still debating this however I would say no. Numbers cannot and never will replace the unknowns.
Why the second easiest rating is reasonable
- average of 21 kms per day over 11 days is low…consistent walking pace get’s you there
- elevation gains/losses are modest at 275 m gains/losses per day
- crude estimate 90 - 95% walking is on easy walking surfaces…be it sandy trails, country roads, wandering trails on cliff tops, boardwalks etc
Why I think the Fishermen’s trail deserves a tougher rating
- in the 5 to 10% challenging walking surfaces one covers some very rocky climbs/descents… »minor scrambling » as you try to pick out the best approach. Sometimes you may need to hold on to a bush or a rocky outcrop …actually sit on a rock to slither down a couple of feet or so. Considering we found these various sections up/down challenging in a no rain situation what would they be like when slippery?
- we had to ford a stream just shy of the waist height…for me shoes and all. Thankfully there was no discernible current
In my February 18th pre-walk blogpost I covered a number of variables which could significantly change my view of the second easiest rating
- Sand walking …yes there is quite a lot of sand walking especially in the first 3-4 days. I don’t recall a day where there wasn’t at least some sand trail walking. Frankly I did not find this walking « exhausting » as some characterize it. Sure it’s somewhat tiring however especially on beaches walking is pretty firm.
- Clifftop walking…one reads « stay away if fearful of heights or suffer from vertigo » I cannot speak for vertigo however I am well known for having a healthy respect for heights. Watch me on an outdoor balcony of a high rise apartment 😢
There is a ton of clifftop walking…sticking to the main trail and I was 99.7% comfortable. Yes sometimes the trail meanders closer to the edge however just take the inside edge of trail…no issues. If you persist taking side trails for selfies and the like…may the force be with you. This walking was THE highlight of the entire Fishermen’s Trail.
Full disclosure there were 3 times where I was uncomfortable. All of them were very short sections. I actually went first on two of them…one of them after discussing with Leonard and concluding that it was doable…x,y,z and countless others just did it. The 3rd time I temporarily froze…Again same story about others navigating this section…Leonard took the lead and a very short time later later we were off again.
Weather - We walked in ideal weather…no rain…light to modest winds. Had we started just a few weeks earlier in the torrential rains…crazy high winds I have no doubt that we would have almost certainly have chosen to abort the walk.
My take is in really poor weather the Fishermen’s Trail would be treacherous in certain locations. I have walked numerous times on Camino paths in very poor weather…one gets soaked…it’s miserable however aborting a day’s walk has never happened.
Tides, Sunrise/Sunset times - very useful to know these however simply using common sense is all one really needs here. You can see the ocean…use judgment.
A few practical tips
- Gaiters were very useful and I highly recommend them…sand in shoes is inevitable but a teaspoon full as opposed to soup ladles full without gaiters
- Trekking poles are part of my gear on all walks. On the Fishermen’s walk they were essential on those tricky ups/downs on rocky ground. Many make it without poles…no way for me…to each their own
- GPX tracks. For the most part the Fishermen’s Trail is well marked and mostly in a non intrusive way ie on rocks, trees etc. In my opinion GPX tracks are again essential given the high number of meandering trails everywhere. Wikilocs which is my app of choice beeps when off trail or lost trails. Beeps were heard quite often especially in sandy areas…sometimes they could be ignored as we could see far enough ahead…sometimes it could have led to significant backtracking.
- Baggage carry First time for me on a trail where I did the planning. Rota Vincentina did a perfect job. Leonard’s requirement…rate it a solid yes for a first time long walk and a smart thing to consider for anyone on this trail.
So is this the right trail for a first time long distance walk?
I would give it a qualified yes/maybe…can I be any more wish y washy than that?
Leonard was very successful…however he is a lifelong outdoor person…crazy canoe trips, insane cross country skiing up/down ravines, racket sports etc.
My best answer is you have to know your personal circumstances whether physical or mental aptitude. Previous walking…some kind of endurance ability…an adventurous approach…walking with a partner will all benefit and lead to a wonderful experience.
I have not vetted this with Leonard…on a number of points he will likely agree (we don’t agree on everything…that would be very boring 😉) and he likely will feel I have overstated or missed key factors.
Consider this simply my own thoughts.
I do know this…if you set off to walk the Fishermen’s Trail and successfully complete it as countless others have done…it will be an experience never to be forgotten.
If anyone wants to chat further about the Fishermen’s Trail by all means let me know.
🤨 as I wrap this up the Star Inn Lisbon Airport hotel has just dropped these two small bottles off…
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