How These Hikers Trained To Complete The Camino

1/13/2026

At Summit Strength, we've helped dozens of hikers prepare for the Camino de Santiago, building the fitness, strength, and resilience needed for a successful and enjoyable hiking experience.

Through structured online training programs, expert education, and personalised coaching for hikers, our clients consistently achieve outstanding results on these iconic bucket-list walking trails.

Below, you'll find a collection of real Camino de Santiago success stories from hikers who trained with Summit Strength and went on to complete their Camino hikes with confidence, comfort and enjoyment.

Training For The Camino: Summit Strength Reviews

"I have a tendon injury in my left ankle and outer knee pain that kept flaring up on hikes especially while going downhill. I hired Summit Strength to help me prepare for the Rota Vicentina and Camino de Santiago, so I can complete the whole thing without my leg issues flaring up.

The experience was balanced and well paced. I felt I was doing the 20% that would get me 80% of the results, which is precisely what I wanted as someone with a full-time job and not a whole lot of time outside it.

I had a flare-up after a month of things going great. Rowan was excellent at reassuring me, and getting me back on-track while accounting for my injury. I was thinking of doing the 16-min mobility routine to further help it but he recognized that that's a lot daily and gave me a higher ROI shorter routine. I felt everything was well balanced between what's realistic and what's necessary to achieve my goal.

Yes. I successfully completed a 7-day hike (my first!) with none of my leg issues flaring up!"

- Richa

"A huge thank you to Rowan for his Summit Strength program. I am about to finish 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and have not had any issues with my knees! No issues at all really except I needed to get new shoes.

If you want to accomplish a big backpacking adventure, sign up for the program! Best thing ever!!!!"

- Janet

"Thank you! 5 days, 108km, 10000 feet of vertical, 31+ hours on the Camino de Santiago.

A challenge that was worth it. A sense of accomplishment as I finish out my 60s.

Meet a lot of good people along the way and enjoyed Spanish food and wine. Thanks again."

- Joseph

"Arrived in Santiago de Compostela! 115 km in 10 days.

Slow like turtles but did it with only 1 blister.

- Olivia

"No doubt the training is paying off. 6 months ago I’d never have imagined walking 20 mile over 14 hours with over 8000 feet ascent. Also helps that I’m 35 pounds lighter.

I’m actually emotional. I want to keep going all the way but life just doesn’t allow me. The guys were happy for me to go ahead at my pace and I was averaging 11:05 per km for 6km. Pretty pleased with that."

- Dessie

"I am currently on the Camino Frances route and, thanks to Summit Strength, have just passed the halfway mark and will likely make it to Santiago.

I met Rowan in March about my dream to walk the Camino and was trying to overcome a knee injury on my own.

Rowan and the entire Summit Strength team were with me for the next six months to build my strength and cardio, answer my questions, and provide valuable tips and resources to boost my confidence.

As I walked that first day over the Pyrenees, carrying my own pack and breathing steadily, I knew that Summit Strength had prepared me well. I have had no blisters, no injuries, and no knee pain on this adventure of a lifetime. Many thanks, Rowan and Summit Strength!

Update: Many thanks to Rowan Smith and Summit Strength for helping my Camino dream come true!"

- Karen

How We Help Hikers Train And Prepare For The Camino

At Summit Strength, we specialise in helping hikers, trekkers, backpackers, and walkers get fit, strong, and resilient for their adventures, so you can hike further, feel better, and enjoy every step.

How do we do this?

We provide specialised and personalised workout plans (building strength, fitness, balance, mobility and real-world hiking in a way which matches each individual's capabilities, preferences and goals).

We educate you on the topics which can dramatically improve your training and hiking (such as nutrition, recovery, pain and injury prevention, mental strength and mindset, gear strategies and much more).

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker who is preparing to hike the Camino, and you want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, enjoyable, and successful adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers, you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For Camino Hikers

Yours in trekking,

Rowan

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Summit Strength is a personal training for hiking service created specifically to help hikers have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure.