If the person is elderly and suffers from a pathology, a previous medical check-up is recommended in order to determine the suitability of the plan, the advisable level of exertion and the problems to avoid.

It is necessary to draw up a plan by stages and which is adapted to the physical capacities of each person. In the stages marked out, rigid, immovable objectives which might require the persons to make superhuman exertions should not be proposed as this could lead to injuries or excessive fatigue and frustrate the experience of the Way. It is very important to measure out exertions and keep to our own rhythms, especially if the pilgrimage is long and involves many days. Moreover, the distances between stops and hostels must be taken into account.

A special aid for planning is to have a guide to the Way within reach.

In the previous planning being drawn up, it is interesting to take into account the weather forecast for the places which will be passed through, so, the person can adapt clothing to the heat, cold or humidity. This last factor is very important as it can affect persons who suffer from chronic, muscular or skeletal ailments.

Another recommendable previous measure is to prepare the muscles for the exertion; so, a visit to a physiotherapist in order to ease the muscles will help to start the Way in optimum conditions.

The beginning of the walk must always be smooth and rhythmical, the intensity can be increased gradually only once the body is heated up. Once the level of exertion in accord with our capacity is reached, walking must be maintained at a regular, continuous level.

It is very important that the way of walking is comfortable, that the stride does not require excess effort which prevents other activities, such as having a conversation. The stride must also be adapted to the terrain.

For this modality it is advisable to travel preferably in company, be especially careful with the traffic and always obey the traffic regulations, such as travelling in single file and with the necessary safety equipment as prescribed by the regulations. We must also take into account that it is necessary to travel 200 kilometres by bicycle in order to be able to apply for the Compostela (at the Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago).

In our planning of the extension of the stages, it is advisable to study the profiles of each one of these, this is important as is the physical conditions of each participant. This option has its advantages such as knowing the places of interest near to the route or making specific unhurried stops.

On foot, an average of 4 or 5 kilometres are covered per hour, which for a cyclist can be 12 or 13 kilometres, 60 kilometres in approximately 5 hours.

The ideal period for starting the Way on bicycle is the first two weeks of September once the rigours of summer are over and the days are still long.

The network of public hostels does not allow horses to spend the night there.

The pilgrims who plan to enter the city of Santiago with horses must notify the Local Police of their arrival several days in advance. The police will inform them of the obligatory route and the established timetable. At the same time, they will also issue an entry permit up to the Praza do Obradoiro which authorises a brief stay in front of the Cathedral. Immediately afterwards, the horses must be taken to the riding school or to the accommodation facilities arranged by the pilgrims.

In 2014 there were 1,520 pilgrims on horseback.