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Original poster

I want to walk the Camino but I’m nervous!!

56 replies

Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 08:35

Not sure why I’m posting but I have been thinking about the Camino for a few years, I have an opportunity to do it this year with a local hiking group.
i feel like I just need to take the plunge and sign up…why am I nervous??

OP posts:
YogaLite · 06/02/2025 08:38

Not been myself but I know people who have and read books by people who did. Should be easy with a group.

Are u doing 1 week? Is it from Sarria?

Theflameislit · 06/02/2025 08:38

If you do, please report back as this is on my bucket list

Dearg · 06/02/2025 08:38

It’s a challenge - that’s why you are nervous; plus it’s something you have wanted to do for a while.

Sounds great though, an organised walk with experienced companions . Go for it !

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Camping
Billybagpuss · 06/02/2025 08:39

You’re nervous because it’s a big commitment and that’s quite scary. But everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

having the time to do something like that’s is an amazing luxury. You can also take it one day at a time when you’re there. Remember every Camino is a personal journey and if it’s not working for you when you’re there that’s ok. Once you get past the first few days I think you’ll have an incredible time.

I haven’t done it but have spent many hours dreaming about Canterbury to Rome.

YogaLite · 06/02/2025 08:45

@Billybagpuss I have done Canterbury to Dover 🤣

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 08:48

Dearg · 06/02/2025 08:38

It’s a challenge - that’s why you are nervous; plus it’s something you have wanted to do for a while.

Sounds great though, an organised walk with experienced companions . Go for it !

Yes I think it’s a mixture of not really knowing anyone, leaving my (teenage) daughter for a week, even though she will be fine and is encouraging me. I’m fit and well and I guess you don’t know when you would get this opportunity again. I can also afford it this year. I truly feel it is ‘calling’ me which sounds ridiculous as I’m not even religious but it’s true

OP posts:
FedUpandEatingChocolate · 06/02/2025 08:49

I'd love to walk it! Sounds great if you're going in a group as well.

toooldforbrat · 06/02/2025 08:51

there was a lovely thread here a few months ago of someone doing this on their own - was really nice to follow and its inspired me to put on my list for when I retire! ( leaves me about 10 years to get fit enough to do it! )

Billybagpuss · 06/02/2025 08:51

YogaLite · 06/02/2025 08:45

@Billybagpuss I have done Canterbury to Dover 🤣

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step 😂

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 08:55

toooldforbrat · 06/02/2025 08:51

there was a lovely thread here a few months ago of someone doing this on their own - was really nice to follow and its inspired me to put on my list for when I retire! ( leaves me about 10 years to get fit enough to do it! )

I must search it!

OP posts:
Bobadob18 · 06/02/2025 09:19

I did the last 100k nearly 6 years ago with a friend and my daughter aged 18 did 2 weeks of it on her own. We have both said it was one of the most amazing things we have ever experienced and I’m hoping to do it again soon. It depends which bit you are doing. The last 100k from Sarria wasn’t hilly really so not too demanding. You finish a day and can’t imagine how you will get up the next day and walk but you do and when you reach Santiago at the end it’s incredible. The bit my daughter did was more hilly (I think she started in Leon) and had some challenging days but met so many people along the way. I used walking poles which were amazing and helped so much. I walked some of it in my own and some with my friend (she was faster than me) and found it a time to be reflective and came home very calm and happy.

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 09:43

Bobadob18 · 06/02/2025 09:19

I did the last 100k nearly 6 years ago with a friend and my daughter aged 18 did 2 weeks of it on her own. We have both said it was one of the most amazing things we have ever experienced and I’m hoping to do it again soon. It depends which bit you are doing. The last 100k from Sarria wasn’t hilly really so not too demanding. You finish a day and can’t imagine how you will get up the next day and walk but you do and when you reach Santiago at the end it’s incredible. The bit my daughter did was more hilly (I think she started in Leon) and had some challenging days but met so many people along the way. I used walking poles which were amazing and helped so much. I walked some of it in my own and some with my friend (she was faster than me) and found it a time to be reflective and came home very calm and happy.

What made it so amazing for you, can I ask?

OP posts:
LemonBossy · 06/02/2025 09:53

I did it about 7 years ago, the whole thing from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago.

I went with someone but lots of people did it alone and met their "group" along the way.

The feeling of freedom, seeing the sky all day long, was amazing.
Having a daily purpose and goal but nothing much else to worry about.
The physical exercise is so good for you and you sleep like a log 😂
Of course some amazing scenery and beautiful cities and towns.
Walking in the countryside, seeing robins, butterflies, birds, dogs, flowers, olive groves, vineyards.
The feeling of adventure!
The huge sense of achievement at the end.
For some the bonding experience of making friends along the way.

Not to mention in my case, the very exceptional five weeks off work which felt really, really good. Some was unpaid though.

There are many ways to do it - one section a year, by bike, by horse, get your luggage transported each day or carry it yourself, pay someone to book your accommodation or wing it for cheaper.!

I think about it almost every day still and it is one of the best things I ever did.

Bobadob18 · 06/02/2025 10:01

@Snapsnap44 lots of reasons, some more tangible than others. My father had died a few months before so I found it a time for healing as you are doing nothing but walking in nature (well a few towns) and it gave me time and space to think about the loss. It’s just wonderful me time, so you have no other worries other than one step in front of the other and finding where you will stay that night. We booked in advance but my daughter did a lot of turning up at hostels. You meet wonderful people along the way with their own stories to tell. And you might meet someone one day and then not see them for a day or so but you recognise each other and say hello. You collect stamps at churches etc along the way and are welcomed in by kind people. It’s just such a heart warming experience, so hard to put in to words! I didn’t do the very hilly bits and I hate hills so think I would find that harder! I loved walking through different terrains, vistas and villages. I really returned refreshed and ready to embrace every day life again. There are so many different stories I could tell and I know my daughter had lots. I would go for it. My mum also did it aged 76. She did a few of the routes. We will
all say the same thing to you… do it!

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 10:14

Bobadob18 · 06/02/2025 10:01

@Snapsnap44 lots of reasons, some more tangible than others. My father had died a few months before so I found it a time for healing as you are doing nothing but walking in nature (well a few towns) and it gave me time and space to think about the loss. It’s just wonderful me time, so you have no other worries other than one step in front of the other and finding where you will stay that night. We booked in advance but my daughter did a lot of turning up at hostels. You meet wonderful people along the way with their own stories to tell. And you might meet someone one day and then not see them for a day or so but you recognise each other and say hello. You collect stamps at churches etc along the way and are welcomed in by kind people. It’s just such a heart warming experience, so hard to put in to words! I didn’t do the very hilly bits and I hate hills so think I would find that harder! I loved walking through different terrains, vistas and villages. I really returned refreshed and ready to embrace every day life again. There are so many different stories I could tell and I know my daughter had lots. I would go for it. My mum also did it aged 76. She did a few of the routes. We will
all say the same thing to you… do it!

Thanks…I just need the push I think. Sounds fantastic. What age did you do it and how many km were you doing each day?

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 06/02/2025 10:29

I did the Ingles (English) camino last year, on my own - its shorter, complete camino at 110kms - I took 6 days - as other have said, you get to just walk, be outdoors, you meet up with people on the way, have good conversations. For me, I did it in memory of my DH who had died, and I found the time alone a really chance to just be. I would highly recommend it. There are good apps such as Buen Camino which help you plan which route you want to do, it will break it down into how many miles you was to walk each day, where to stay etc. If you are feeling like you want to do it, go for it - I have never heard anyone say they regretted it.

SabrinaThwaite · 06/02/2025 10:42

DH has done the Porto to Santiago route with his mates - they book varied accommodation along the way (hostels, hotels, AirBnBs, paradores) and generally cover around 25km each day. DH used a company to transport his luggage so was just carry a day sack.

We’re planning to do the Santiago - Muxua - Finisterre route.

mindutopia · 06/02/2025 10:53

Just do it. But also don’t feel like you need to bite off more than you can do. There is not just one ‘Camino de Santiago’. There are many many routes across a lot of different terrain. I walked the Camino de Finisterre a couple years ago (alone btw) and did it in 4 days. I think one of the challenges of doing it with a pre-determined group is that you are stuck with them, in terms of pace, accommodation type, rest days, etc. I appreciated having the freedom to do what worked best for me.

Do train especially carrying gear, especially so if you are planning to do any of the more hilly routes. I do a lot of hiking and long distance walking in the UK, and it was really rough on my knees. I was 42 at the time and did about 12-18 miles a day.

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 11:11

mindutopia · 06/02/2025 10:53

Just do it. But also don’t feel like you need to bite off more than you can do. There is not just one ‘Camino de Santiago’. There are many many routes across a lot of different terrain. I walked the Camino de Finisterre a couple years ago (alone btw) and did it in 4 days. I think one of the challenges of doing it with a pre-determined group is that you are stuck with them, in terms of pace, accommodation type, rest days, etc. I appreciated having the freedom to do what worked best for me.

Do train especially carrying gear, especially so if you are planning to do any of the more hilly routes. I do a lot of hiking and long distance walking in the UK, and it was really rough on my knees. I was 42 at the time and did about 12-18 miles a day.

Edited

Amazing! Well done

OP posts:
Pilgrimish · 06/02/2025 11:23

2 weeks to go to my big solo adventure and starting to lose my nerve! | Mumsnet

This was the thread from last year. It's brilliant and was so good to follow the (literal) ups and downs of TwoDogs' experience.

It had been on my wishlist for many years but OH has no interest at all. I did the Fife Pilgrim way with my son for my 60th as a sort of consolation prize. I retired last year and a combination of various friends and family having health and mobility issues made me realise that if I'm ever going to do it, it should probably be now. TwoDog's experience was definitely a factor in my decision.

So I've started training and booked travel (Eurostar and sleeper train) for late April. I do have a dodgy knee so am not totally convinced it's going to happen, though so far so good. When I let myself think I am actually going to do it, I'm a mixture of excited and terrified.

I can see why going with a group you don't know is intimidating, but I think part of what makes it worth doing is that it's going to take us out of our comfort zone. I suspect posting here is a sign you are pretty serious about it - I hope you do go ahead and keep us all posted on how you find it.

2 weeks to go to my big solo adventure and starting to lose my nerve! | Mumsnet

My brother died very suddenly in his early 40’s 12 years ago. Before he died he had done a number of long solo walking holidays including the Camino f...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5032932-2-weeks-to-go-to-my-big-solo-adventure-and-starting-to-lose-my-nerve

Original poster
Snapsnap44 · 06/02/2025 11:55

Pilgrimish · 06/02/2025 11:23

2 weeks to go to my big solo adventure and starting to lose my nerve! | Mumsnet

This was the thread from last year. It's brilliant and was so good to follow the (literal) ups and downs of TwoDogs' experience.

It had been on my wishlist for many years but OH has no interest at all. I did the Fife Pilgrim way with my son for my 60th as a sort of consolation prize. I retired last year and a combination of various friends and family having health and mobility issues made me realise that if I'm ever going to do it, it should probably be now. TwoDog's experience was definitely a factor in my decision.

So I've started training and booked travel (Eurostar and sleeper train) for late April. I do have a dodgy knee so am not totally convinced it's going to happen, though so far so good. When I let myself think I am actually going to do it, I'm a mixture of excited and terrified.

I can see why going with a group you don't know is intimidating, but I think part of what makes it worth doing is that it's going to take us out of our comfort zone. I suspect posting here is a sign you are pretty serious about it - I hope you do go ahead and keep us all posted on how you find it.

Thanks- I will take a read at this later this evening

OP posts:
Lyn348 · 06/02/2025 12:11

We did it with our 13 year old from Sarria, so perhaps get your dd to do it too if she's interested. It's not very hard really if you have normal fitness, we certainly didn't do any training for it - but we did cheat and get Correos to ferry our bags from place to place. The weather in Galicia is hugely variable, there was a heat wave while we were doing it and we had days above 30 degrees but in recent years IME the summers have been wetter so be prepared for all weathers.

The longest stage for us was the one into Arzua which was 28km. We did find that one tough as it was our hottest day too. I prefer to keep the days 25km or under personally.

Radiatorvalves · 06/02/2025 12:15

Go for it! I was recently made redundant with a fairly generous package. I signed up to do a bike ride abroad (challenging but more about seeing the country with a group). I had an amazing time and being solo worked well. I was pleased to have the support of the group - I wouldn’t /couldn’t have done it solo in that country. It also made things easy. But if you’re after more flex maybe going alone would work for you?

jotex · 06/02/2025 12:55

I did it twice, once with my school (Porto to Santiago) and once at uni (Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago). Even at 16 y/o it had a profound impact on me and I still remember it as a very special time in my life. You won’t regret it OP.

Bobadob18 · 06/02/2025 13:06

@Snapsnap44 i was 45 when I dit it. We did mostly 15 miles a day but one day 20 miles. As another poster said the hardest day was the walk to Arzua.That was the 20 miles day. I wished we had stayed in Ribadisso (I think that’s the name) its before Arzua and much nicer. I have my daughter that advice and she and the people she met all sat by the river and said it was lovely.
Happy to give any more tips.