Camino Frances

[Atreus]

All my children are now off at Uni and so I'm going to take some time out for me! I'm going to spend 6 weeks walking the Camino Frances, approx 800 km across Northern Spain. Just wondering if anyone has done this and what your top hints and tips would be. Beyond excited at the prospect of flexibility and freedom!

I haven't been sorry but omg enjoy!!!! It's on my bucket list! I have done a road trip along the camino portuguese and it remains one of the best holidays of my life. I assume you've seen that film with Martin Sheen, The Way. If not, hopefully it'll add to the excitement for you. Pamplona was the favourite stop for our friends who've been

I have done it !

There are lots of Facebook groups on it and there use to be a group called Camiga's on there which I used !

My only advice is not to go when it's too hot if you can avoid it

I went in September and had the best time !

Join one of the Facebook groups and people will be happy to help

Plus do it your way, you can get your bag carried ahead if you want it as well

Precook roncevalles as it's a long walk the first day

But mostly enjoy it 😊

Fantastic, thank you both! I have seen 'The Way' (about 10 times!) and I am a member of the Camigas FB group - it just sometimes seems quite US focussed. I'm planning on walking late April/May/start of June so hopefully won't be too hot and have booked the first 4-5 nights and then plan to play it by ear. @gindreams did you start in SJPDP and how far did you walk each day? I have an ear to ear grin every time I think about it!

I did start there ! I had booked the first two nights and then played it by ear

I didn't know anyone at all ! But I met so many people along the way and ended up walking with them so it's good to be flexible

My Camino friends were from all over the world

I flew to biaritz and then got the train down I even met people on the plane going out

I walked between 20 to 25 kms a day and took about 5 weeks

I did it three years ago and I still speak to the people I met along the way

No personal experience but an old schoolfriend of DH's is quite the Camino expert. He has done dozens - lots of different routes - and has written books on the topic. If you've got any specific questions I can try to ask him. One of the things that always strikes me when he talks about it is how friendly and supportive people who are also doing it seem to be. I'm sure you'll have a great time. We're considering doing one of the cycling routes when our children have left home as I can't walk very far because of joint problems. Good luck!

@gindreams @MrsAvocet this is so good to hear. My family and friends can't believe that I want to do this solo and keep offering to come too! But a huge part of this is the chance to walk and meet new and interesting people just as me rather than as someone's wife, mother, friend, employee etc to and also to walk at my pace, rather than adhering to the schedules of others. I first started thinking about doing this 6 years ago and can't quite believe it's really not that far away now!

Totally go alone it will reinvigorate you !

I am envious of all you have to come

The best advice I can give is that as soon as you feel something rubbing on your feet take your boots off and deal with it

Plus air your feet regularly when you rest

I didn't even get one blister

From what our friend writes I think it's quite common to go alone Atreus. His updates are often along the lines of meeting up with someone en route, walking a day or two with them, then going their separate ways before joining someone else later on. There does seem to be a great camaraderie and sense of common purpose, even though people are doing it for many different reasons. I can certainly see the appeal and ut us a really beautiful part of the world.

Those photos!!! How fit were you prior to starting? Did you do any specific training beforehand? I'm pretty fit and walk quite a bit already but am now trying to walk with my rucksack to get used to the feel of something on my back. Were there items you took and never used or things you wish you'd brought with you? Thanks for letting me pick your brain!

@MrsAvocet

From what our friend writes I think it's quite common to go alone Atreus. His updates are often along the lines of meeting up with someone en route, walking a day or two with them, then going their separate ways before joining someone else later on. There does seem to be a great camaraderie and sense of common purpose, even though people are doing it for many different reasons. I can certainly see the appeal and ut us a really beautiful part of the world.

This is exactly what I'm hoping for!

I did some walking training probably not enough but I managed

Walking with your backpack is the best training and doing some consecutive days helps as it's tiring getting up and going each day

I tried to keep it light with a couple of pairs of trousers and shorts a few tops an evening outfit a change of shoes

I took a sleeping bag liner a large micro fibre towel and towel for my hair !

I used a bladder type water carrier thing as well as I did get thirsty and it will be hot when you are there

I just used to do a wash every few days

It's very well sign posed as well so as didn't get lost and I have no sense of direction

It's true you meet some people you walk with a long time and some people you see once and don't see again

I met a lady on the bus coming in and didn't really see her again until I was sitting in a bar in Finisstaiire at the end of the Camino and in she walked and we had a drink

Or I turned a corner in Santiago and there was a couple who I walked with at the beginning who were pleased to see me

It's so much better to go alone and experience the whole thing

Thanks so much for confirming my solo plan thoughts! I'm writing my packing list this afternoon and doing my best to keep it light (under 6kg). Honestly even the planning is bringing me so much joy!

Please pop back on the post and keep me updated !

I will!

@Atreus

volumeonehundred.com/2021/12/03/girl-alone-walks-the-camino-de-santiago-part-1/?fbclid=IwAR1FiBxcAEVIwyoey8NhlW5tTTcGOzjinFjd3elz4Fn-4ez8Jj3aspUVX-U

Might be interesting for your venture

Oh great, thank you, I'll take a look!

@gindreams I realised I hadn’t returned to the thread to thank you for all your Camino advice. You were completely right…it was the most incredible experience. I made it from SJPDP to Santiago and then onto Finisterre and Muxia, 1000km in 6 weeks, met some incredible people, saw stunning scenery and loved the time I spent alone just walking from A to B every day. Now planning the next one!

That's amazing - any photos? If you have time ait would be great if you could answer the questions you posed beforehand regarding fitness, training, stuff to take/leave behind. Also did you ever feel vulnerable on your own? I'm planning a much shorter hike and am wondering whether to go alone.

Yes would love to hear more about this. Just been reading about it this week and I’m really keen on doing one of the routes at some point!

@Delabruche sure! Re fitness…I did do quite a bit of walking in advance and made sure I could walk with my loaded rucksack for 20km on 3 consecutive days before I left. I did find the first week hard though and I did get a few blisters en-route, despite having trained in the same trail runners and hiking socks. Your feet and muscles get used to it quickly though and by the end I was walking 30-40km days.

My poles were invaluable and I think I’d still be coming down one of the mountains now if I hadn’t had them! I loved the rhythm of walking with them and like to believe it toned my arms!

I packed really lightly, 6kg including weight of backpack itself but not water. 3 changes of clothes, flip flops, minimal toiletries, lightweight sleeping back and liner, sun hat and waterproof poncho. I had a great water system with a tube like you get on a camelback but with an adapter for a normal plastic water bottle. Much easier to fill up and means you can easily and often take sips of water.

In 6 weeks I felt vulnerable only once and that was in one of the towns, the rest of the time I had zero concerns. Some days I walked mainly alone but within sight of other hikers, other days I walked in the company of others, and at other times completely alone, but I honestly wasn’t concerned (in fact I relished it!) I would definitely go solo again. Hope this helps and good luck with the planning for your trip.