Hello---
If you have walked the Camino de Santiago (Frances), I would love safety advice (I am a female) and the reality of walking the 491 miles in 30-35 days.
I do not want to stay in hostels----but in cheaper hotels. Can you reserve the night before?
Any advice would be amazing! I would love "What you wish you would have known before walking" comments too.
Thank you!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
640 posts
We walked the Francis in 2019 and Portuguese in 2024. We stayed in private rooms in albergures, casas and hotels booking in advance. Where i walked with my partner we encountered many women traveling alone. As far as the preparation you will get all kinds of advice. I believe it is absolutely doable for everyone as long as they pay attention to their age, medical issues, fitness level, training and experience. Unless you are young and very fit I would recommend taking training seriously. Being prepared will allow you to enjoy the experience and finish.
I believe the best forum for questions and information is https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/members/ivar.1/
and
https://stingynomads.com/.
These sights will lead you to
many excellent resources and youtube videos too.
Buen Camino!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9352 posts
I have walked the CF solo on several occasions. I just posted a trip report about my Camino this past April on the Portuguese route. I have never felt unsafe on any of my Caminos. Personally, I prefer shorter days and spent 47 days walking the CF last year and would have been happy with one more week. At age 68 at that time, it is nicer.
The websites you have been recommended are fantastic, but you might want to take a look at the Wise Pilgrim or Camino Ninja apps to find pensions or albergues with private rooms. Those might need to be booked a bit ahead, especially that first week until you get past Puenta La Reina. Stopping at Borda that first night needs to be booked early as it fills up. Waking up near the top of the Pyrenees is very special and a highlight from 2 of my Caminos.
I like this website for planning my routes, how many km I want to walk each day: https://godesalco.com/plan/frances
Feel free to ask any questions. I have stayed in a mix of places, from private hotels, private albergues, municipals, donativos, etc. Getting a wonderful experience is my goal. Having communal meals, having enough time each day to see what I want.
Posted by
1 posts
I walk the Camino Frances in 2022 male age 72 at that point. I met and assisted a few young ladies that were also walking. I gave them confidence and supported their attempt. You will find helpful people along the way. I call them my Camino Angels. I used a guide book, but am doing the walk with an app this year, at age 75, starting in late August. (Wise Pilgrim) Take care of your feet and wear the best sneakers you can get. I take 2 pair. Wear smart wool wicking socks. I only took 27 days to finish on my first trip but have 31 days planned so I can stop to see more stuff. I joined the Confraternity of St. James UK for assistance, I am from the USA, New York. Try to bring silicone ear plugs for sleeping at night to block out snorers and other noises. Big sleeping bags or large blankets are unnecessary. Carry light, pack minimal, take 2 water bottles, this extra weight is worth it. There are all sorts of people and advice on Pinterest website. Buen Camino!!