I did the Camino Frances in April and May 2023. My tips for a healthy Camino: 1: Train with the gear you are going to walk with. Start your training as early as possible. 2: Spend a lot of time finding the right shoe/sock combination. I walked 603 miles with no blisters or foot problems. 3: Get a good headlamp with a green or red light to use in the albergue so you don't disturb people. 4: Walk your own pace. 5: Book ahead if the Camino is crowded. Knowing you have a bunk at the end of the day makes for a better day of walking. 6: There is no right way or wrong way to walk the Camino, enjoy the hard days and the easy days. Buen Camino
I had a light weight bag and a silk liner. I used the bag twice. Most Albergue's had blankets@@joshubrook324 or I just slept in my liner. I donated my sleeping bag, jacket, and extra clothes in Leon to further lighten my load. By the time I was done my pack weighed 13 lbs.
I was there August and September but I was glad to have a sleeping bag when it was cooler. I had a lightweight cheap summer weight bag. I used one made by stealth angel but there are other similar bags available.
I walked Camino April,May/23 Number one- forget about bacteria’s, viruses and fungi for few weeks ( I am physician) and you will have less anxiety! Always have in your backpack- sardines, bread ( even from supper before, prosciutto, orange and of course water. Picnic middle of nowhere-alone , with someone - fantastic experience. One soap for face, body and hair. Only 35 liters backpack.Don’t overthink all details, gadgets, cosmetics! It takes away all beauty of being pilgrim and doesn’t distance you from what you left behind. Instead of worrying where, how, when I will sleep- I always thought “Camino magic works “, “world will provide “, “ God will take care of it “ if you are religious. Not even once!!! I took the pain pill ( home I do!). “Columbia “ shoes above the ankle, walking sticks ( going down hill- specially for me) and …..stop to listen to the birds, see poppies, make some photos. When you come back- spread your word about Camino, but only to those, who want to listen. Tell your mom, father, grandmother, grandpa - I had my most beautiful 72-birthday ever ( despite army of my friends far away). My next birthday and Camino- PRIMITIVO! Buen Camino!!! Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth These are some really great tips! I particularly like what you say about not needing to take much! so true! also one of my treasured memories from the Camino was a picnic with a pilgrim from Switzerland, where we just sat down at a picnic table and shared the food we were carrying together! So exciting you have another Camino planned! Buen Camino!
For me the most important tip is: Eat enroute before arriving at destination, if arrival is after 2 pm or so…everything will be closed, and you’ll starve until early evening😂😂
Hi Kate, this is a very helpful video for those who may be contemplating this most wonderful journey of the soul. I walked my first camino in 2018, starting at the end of August in SJPP and finishing some 50 days later in Finisterre! Yes, I took my time, had several rest days and I live in Spain anyway, so I had no deadline to catch a return flight to somewhere. My advice, for what it's worth, would be the following: 1. Don't set a cracking pace in the first few days, either to keep up with others or to reach somewhere by a set time. Even pushing your pace 10% more than normal can lead to various injuries early on. 2. There will be times when you are tired and a bit cranky, so try not to be stubborn with situations and people - let things ride and go with the flow. Be patient with yourself and others. You never know what the other person is going through. 3. Accept that lack of good sleep, tiredness and various aches and pains are part of the experience - unless you are incredibly lucky not to experience any of those things. 4. Enjoy the spectacular views, the countryside and all it entails - for many this might be their only opportunity to walk the route. 5. It helps to speak a bit of Spanish, that way you can communicate more with the people who live in the towns and villages that you'll be passing through or staying in. 6. Deal with any minor niggles and injuries early, BEFORE they become more problematic. If that means shorter distances, slower pace, some rest days, change of footwear etc., then so be it. It is better to respond proactively, rather than go through a self-imposed torture. 7. In the hotter weather, take hydration, shade, sun protection and rest very seriously - consider finishing walking before 1pm (even if that means setting off at 7am or earlier). Protect yourself from sunstroke and heatstroke, it can be very dangerous if you don't. 8. Find out a little about the history of each place on the route, as this may provide more meaning to the experience. It will also help you to be more in-tune with the culture and the locations. 9. There will no doubt be times of tears, laughter, grimace, euphoria and who knows what else - live it, feel it, embrace it in all its fulness. With a bit of grace, there's every chance that you may emerge like a butterfly from its cocoon by the end if your pilgrimage. It may be just one of many such awakenings and realisations along the way. 10. Consider listening more and talking less. Silent and listen - these two words share the same letters!
Hi Mark! Thanks so much for sharing these tips! They are great! I especially like what you said about treating injuries early and taking the heat seriously. Stopping early if it’s really hot is so important. One day when it was 40 degrees we stopped at 11am and drank electrolytes in the shade while waiting for an albergue to open its doors.
In my life I made many long trail tracks,in snow in desert, but at age 67 i realised what is walking in paradise.It is Camino de Santiago. I found much more than you can imagine. I met firends. they helped me and I found much more. It is not important where you start your Camino. It is important that you a on the correct way!!!! Buen camino.
If you walk a Camino in colder or wetter months or season the dormitory radiators and heaters are also on timers that turn off at night. This means anything you hang on a heater to dry overnight won’t dry. When you combine this with less sunlight during shorter days, drying wet boots and clothes is a real issue. Public washing machines and dryers are expensive for small loads. Summer is generally fine for drying if you get in to your alberge early enough. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
isn't it funny all our friends know we can't stop talking about camino, but in your experiences we can vent out this joy bring a friend !! Yhank You Kate!!
There is nothing to know or to prepare to walk this journey. It has already called you and will give you everything you need. It is a very personal journey and you will learn as you go.
Brilliant Kate! Absolutely spot on! I found that when I set off part of my objective aside from moving through loss, I wanted to get a glimmer of how I wanted to live out the rest of my life. As I moved across the Camino and returned home…more importantly I know fundamentally how I don’t want to live. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the laughs, friendship and shared experiences! Buen Camino!
Perceptive advice. I'd emphasise the sheer practicality of a bar of soap. (Don't lose the container!) Also, keep your footwear on the loose side, and consider taping up vulnerable areas of feet.
Great tips! I kept my soap bars in a matador soap bag. This worked well. Taping your feet was also something I did - albeit too late to prevent the first blister! Thanks Robert! 😊
These are so great and #10 happened to me at a restaurant bathroom. I am back in Porto now and would usually grab the metro or Uber to the bus station but instead I'm walking there. 😂
Nice Job Kate. I can identify with all of these from my time on the Camino (all except for #3… this one seems to be more unique to Frances Camino). I had to laugh about #10. Hahaha. So true! You have added a lot of things to this list I had never even thought about. It was fun reflecting on your 10 items. Thanks for sharing.
@@harrykey2448 there were only two of them and quite far apart. Both of which had windows in their feathers, which only occurs in juveniles and sub adults, however, I’m not experienced enough to field spot the difference amongst the juveniles, so at that time could not be sure. As for vultures I didn’t see any till the far western reaches of Navarra. They were Egyptians and I’d never seen birds fly like that before, quite the thrill…..
You did say "so many"....if you'd said two I wouldn't have passed comment. I have walked the Napoleon Route several times and have always seen Vultures.
@@harrykey2448 Harry, my apologies, I shouldn’t have jumped the gun. The variety of birds and butterflies out there is a wonder to behold. I can’t wait to go back.
Hi Kate, firstly it was funny to see myself having dinner in Reliegos with you. ( I’m the man in the blue tea shirt). I enjoyed your brief shot of the pilgrim from Scotland- Jim was great company and a very wise man. We had a beer and chat in the garden at the Albergue ( La Parada). I want to compliment you on your advice about alcohol on the CF. I have never come across anyone else highlighting this potential problem or issue. Oddly enough being from Ireland, I am a very lite drinker. I find my two weeks on the Camino (I have been on it seven times) is the time where I drink far more than I would while at home. While it’s not a problem, I think it could be if I spent five weeks on it. Your comment about the fact that the Camino may not be the answer to life’s problems is very true. I can’t recall if I mentioned my Camino mantra to you-“there are no answers on the Camino, only questions. So what’s your question”. My advice for what it is worth: remember it’s your Camino, don’t judge yourself or others. If you want to/need to catch a bus, don’t worry the world won’t stop spinning if you do. The Camino is an internal journey, it’s what you bring home is the important issue. Well done and Buen Camino. Tony
I loved my Camino, and many people have their uncomfortable things that happen. It’s different for each person. I was surprised at how little sleep I got. It was loud for me, a light sleeper, everywhere I stayed. Even with ear plugs and earbuds playing white noise. lol
I’m a light sleeper as well, I’m thinking about taking a lightweight hammock and a lightweight ground roll to camp outside a few nights. This will be my first Camino and I see this being very common issues brought up.
HeeHee, I love graveyards! as no one is snoring, getting up in the middle of the night to pee 5x and simply as quiet as a graveyard is suppose to be. I plan on pitching my bivy whenever I can in them.
I would like to do the Camino when there are less crowds. My brother did it in the winter and said there were not many people. I want the experience to be hard and challenging. I don't want it to be a hippy fest. If I wanted that I would hike the PCT or AT.
A winter camino sounds great. There are also other much less busy routes to choose that you could walk in the summer as they will have less people on them compared to the Frances.
Alone in cemeteries and dark forests- nope and nope! But Heath just suggested that you should upload some of your pictures of the locations you have visited on Google Maps, so when people are googling the locations, your pictures will also be picked up and people will open them.
I’m not sure how this excellent video was recommended for me but i’m glad it was. I really fancy doing this but is it a religious thing as i’m not at all religious. Thank you.
Hi Philip - Thanks so much for commenting. People do the Camino for so many reasons including because they just want to hike across Spain. There is no expectation for anyone to take part in any religious ceremonies at all. If you fancy doing it - go for it! I’m sure you will love it!
Thank you! I felt very safe on the Frances. There will usually be someone to walk with if you want to. I had no issue with aggressive dogs for all 550 miles! I do know of someone who had some money stolen. I think that was the only crime incident I knew of. I believe there is a number for Camino police if there are any concerns. You may find that the worries you go with start to disappear as you start walking! It is an incredible experience!
Trying to find advice on how you arrange accommodation or do you just this from village to village. Food / Payment how does this work. What is sensible to have in your backpack
Hi Crispin please check out my packing video and my accommodation video for more info on these. As long as you have emergency snacks and water with you (I like to have a cereal bar and some nuts). I take some cash with me (maybe up to 100 euros and top up at cashpoints along the way) and use card payments when I can. Food is readily available in cafes and bars and in the evenings it is often at the accommodation you will be staying at. Buen Camino!
Hello!! One big question I have - are all of these tracks easy to keep to? If I’m on my own, can I just wander on and be confident I’m on track? Thank you so much!
Hello! on the Camino Frances you can literally follow the yellow arrows and scallop shells all the way across Spain without a map! In cities it can become slightly more confusing when leaving. But the arrows are still there and locals are always willing to help. I also used the map in the wise pilgrim app to work out where I was in relation to the trail a few times. But yes - it’s easy to keep to the trail! Buen Camino!
@@Kate_Pilgrim Wow what a nice reply to receive! And as for the albuerges, I’ve been thinking and reading about them - is it true you just turn up at the “checkpoints” and stay where you can find? Heard that most aren’t advertised online so was a bit worried that I’d not have anywhere to sleep!
You cannot prebook at municipal albergues. Most albergues are detailed in the wise pilgrim app. Some albergues you can book ahead via phone/email/whatsapp. I have an accommodation video which explains more!
Do you need to book accommodation or is it fairly safe to just turn up .. can you camp .. if you need to book where is the best place to do this.. I have just made the decision to go today..
You can just turn up. At municipal and donativo (donation) albergues you cannot prebook. At busy times it may be more difficult to get a bed at some bottleneck locations such as St Jean pied de port and roncesvalles. If for example the albergue at roncesvalles is full, you can walk to the next place (Burgette). At busy times you should still be able to get accommodation if you stay off the guidebook suggested stops. Camping is not permitted but there are people who do camp.
🙏 women bring a zip log bag for your tissue, I would bet $$$ more woman walk in recent years because of the mass of on the trail tissue it's gross! the camino is not a.litter ground I pick up bags full of trash but this is more then I can handle!.😢
One thing I have seen other women use is called a pee rag,, they have them in most hiking stores and dry fast. I think that would definitely help cut down on the amount of tissue used
it's not Camino but in Iceland I was getting attack by Arctic tern Bird. there were so many wild animal I was by myself. I have never hitch hike before it was first time I was brave enough to ask help to save me. luckily I met sweet couple who saved my ass from middle of nowhere. I am very shy person. I cannot believe I over calm that shyness to save my stupid ass walking into wild.
I have experienced the attack of the arctic terns in Iceland! At one time I was driving and my dad got out of the car to take photos of them and then they just dived bombed his head!! I was with my sons in the car and we were laughing so much as he turned and ran for cover back to the car!! 😂 I can totally understand why you would overcome shyness in that situation to be rescued!
Also, a tip about the pronunciation: it’s not Camino FRANces (a woman’s name)but the Camino FranCÉS with the accented syllable on the CES. It’s the French way :)
it’s an ancient pilgrimage route. The terrain varies but all of it is on paths of some description. The trail regularly passes through towns and villages with services along the route including albergues (pilgrim hostels) or even hotels. It’s very popular and many people who have never done anything like this before embark on this journey.
I am sorry to say for me the biggest surprise was how rude many pilgrims were. Two nationalities specially. I am aware I can't tell which, but really the worst part of the experience were rude and inconsiderate people. This was a huge surprise.
For the full documentary featuring my Camino Frances walk - click here! 👉 ruclips.net/video/MeDgp36cc-U/видео.htmlsi=JCbfm8Mh-k1SxH_f
I did the Camino Frances in April and May 2023. My tips for a healthy Camino: 1: Train with the gear you are going to walk with. Start your training as early as possible. 2: Spend a lot of time finding the right shoe/sock combination. I walked 603 miles with no blisters or foot problems. 3: Get a good headlamp with a green or red light to use in the albergue so you don't disturb people. 4: Walk your own pace. 5: Book ahead if the Camino is crowded. Knowing you have a bunk at the end of the day makes for a better day of walking. 6: There is no right way or wrong way to walk the Camino, enjoy the hard days and the easy days. Buen Camino
These are great tips! I agree with all of them. Thanks for sharing them!
Did you find you needed a sleeping bag in April / may or was a liner warm enough?
I had a light weight bag and a silk liner. I used the bag twice. Most Albergue's had blankets@@joshubrook324 or I just slept in my liner. I donated my sleeping bag, jacket, and extra clothes in Leon to further lighten my load. By the time I was done my pack weighed 13 lbs.
I was there August and September but I was glad to have a sleeping bag when it was cooler. I had a lightweight cheap summer weight bag. I used one made by stealth angel but there are other similar bags available.
I have the same question as joshubrook. I will starting mid-May and I was curious about the sleeping situation.
I walked Camino April,May/23 Number one- forget about bacteria’s, viruses and fungi for few weeks ( I am physician) and you will have less anxiety! Always have in your backpack- sardines, bread ( even from supper before, prosciutto, orange and of course water. Picnic middle of nowhere-alone , with someone - fantastic experience. One soap for face, body and hair. Only 35 liters backpack.Don’t overthink all details, gadgets, cosmetics! It takes away all beauty of being pilgrim and doesn’t distance you from what you left behind. Instead of worrying where, how, when I will sleep- I always thought “Camino magic works “, “world will provide “, “ God will take care of it “ if you are religious. Not even once!!! I took the pain pill ( home I do!). “Columbia “ shoes above the ankle, walking sticks ( going down hill- specially for me) and …..stop to listen to the birds, see poppies, make some photos. When you come back- spread your word about Camino, but only to those, who want to listen. Tell your mom, father, grandmother, grandpa - I had my most beautiful 72-birthday ever ( despite army of my friends far away). My next birthday and Camino- PRIMITIVO! Buen Camino!!! Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth
These are some really great tips! I particularly like what you say about not needing to take much! so true! also one of my treasured memories from the Camino was a picnic with a pilgrim from Switzerland, where we just sat down at a picnic table and shared the food we were carrying together! So exciting you have another Camino planned! Buen Camino!
For me the most important tip is: Eat enroute before arriving at destination, if arrival is after 2 pm or so…everything will be closed, and you’ll starve until early evening😂😂
😂😂 So true!
Hi Kate, this is a very helpful video for those who may be contemplating this most wonderful journey of the soul.
I walked my first camino in 2018, starting at the end of August in SJPP and finishing some 50 days later in Finisterre! Yes, I took my time, had several rest days and I live in Spain anyway, so I had no deadline to catch a return flight to somewhere.
My advice, for what it's worth, would be the following:
1. Don't set a cracking pace in the first few days, either to keep up with others or to reach somewhere by a set time. Even pushing your pace 10% more than normal can lead to various injuries early on.
2. There will be times when you are tired and a bit cranky, so try not to be stubborn with situations and people - let things ride and go with the flow. Be patient with yourself and others. You never know what the other person is going through.
3. Accept that lack of good sleep, tiredness and various aches and pains are part of the experience - unless you are incredibly lucky not to experience any of those things.
4. Enjoy the spectacular views, the countryside and all it entails - for many this might be their only opportunity to walk the route.
5. It helps to speak a bit of Spanish, that way you can communicate more with the people who live in the towns and villages that you'll be passing through or staying in.
6. Deal with any minor niggles and injuries early, BEFORE they become more problematic. If that means shorter distances, slower pace, some rest days, change of footwear etc., then so be it. It is better to respond proactively, rather than go through a self-imposed torture.
7. In the hotter weather, take hydration, shade, sun protection and rest very seriously - consider finishing walking before 1pm (even if that means setting off at 7am or earlier). Protect yourself from sunstroke and heatstroke, it can be very dangerous if you don't.
8. Find out a little about the history of each place on the route, as this may provide more meaning to the experience. It will also help you to be more in-tune with the culture and the locations.
9. There will no doubt be times of tears, laughter, grimace, euphoria and who knows what else - live it, feel it, embrace it in all its fulness. With a bit of grace, there's every chance that you may emerge like a butterfly from its cocoon by the end if your pilgrimage. It may be just one of many such awakenings and realisations along the way.
10. Consider listening more and talking less. Silent and listen - these two words share the same letters!
Hi Mark!
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! They are great! I especially like what you said about treating injuries early and taking the heat seriously. Stopping early if it’s really hot is so important. One day when it was 40 degrees we stopped at 11am and drank electrolytes in the shade while waiting for an albergue to open its doors.
In my life I made many long trail tracks,in snow in desert, but at age 67 i realised what is walking in paradise.It is Camino de Santiago. I found much more than you can imagine. I met firends. they helped me and I found much more. It is not important where you start your Camino. It is important that you a on the correct way!!!! Buen camino.
That’s lovely! It’s definitely a place for beauty and friendships! Buen Camino! 😊
If you walk a Camino in colder or wetter months or season the dormitory radiators and heaters are also on timers that turn off at night. This means anything you hang on a heater to dry overnight won’t dry. When you combine this with less sunlight during shorter days, drying wet boots and clothes is a real issue. Public washing machines and dryers are expensive for small loads. Summer is generally fine for drying if you get in to your alberge early enough. ✌️❤️🙏🇦🇺
Ah that’s good to know! I have only walked in summer/September.
isn't it funny all our friends know we can't stop talking about camino, but in your experiences we can vent out this joy bring a friend !! Yhank You Kate!!
Aw thank you! 😊
There is nothing to know or to prepare to walk this journey. It has already called you and will give you everything you need. It is a very personal journey and you will learn as you go.
Brilliant Kate! Absolutely spot on!
I found that when I set off part of my objective aside from moving through loss, I wanted to get a glimmer of how I wanted to live out the rest of my life. As I moved across the Camino and returned home…more importantly I know fundamentally how I don’t want to live. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the laughs, friendship and shared experiences! Buen Camino!
Thanks for sharing! Being on the Camino really does focus your thoughts on how you want things to be different moving forwards. Buen Camino! 💚
Perceptive advice. I'd emphasise the sheer practicality of a bar of soap. (Don't lose the container!) Also, keep your footwear on the loose side, and consider taping up vulnerable areas of feet.
Great tips! I kept my soap bars in a matador soap bag. This worked well. Taping your feet was also something I did - albeit too late to prevent the first blister! Thanks Robert! 😊
Thanks for the tips. Preparing for this for next year, and just getting my gear and such together now planning things. I appreciate the input
Glad it was helpful!
I like the tip of having a reason prepared 👍
Glad you liked it!
that was excellent Kate! and I've seen many vids. Bravo
Wow, thank you! 😊
These are so great and #10 happened to me at a restaurant bathroom. I am back in Porto now and would usually grab the metro or Uber to the bus station but instead I'm walking there. 😂
Glad they made total sense to you! 😂
Nice Job Kate. I can identify with all of these from my time on the Camino (all except for #3… this one seems to be more unique to Frances Camino). I had to laugh about #10. Hahaha. So true! You have added a lot of things to this list I had never even thought about. It was fun reflecting on your 10 items. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Number #10 seems unique to Spain! 😂
I am thinking about doing a camino route this summer so this was very helpful! Thanks :)
Glad it was helpful! Feel free to check out my other Camino videos! 😊
The thing I really wasn’t prepared for, was on the first day. Seeing so many Golden Eagles, quite close up, twixt Pic d Orrisson and Roncavelles.
There were many birds of prey! I didn’t know what kind they were. Beautiful! 🦅
@@harrykey2448 there were only two of them and quite far apart. Both of which had windows in their feathers, which only occurs in juveniles and sub adults, however, I’m not experienced enough to field spot the difference amongst the juveniles, so at that time could not be sure. As for vultures I didn’t see any till the far western reaches of Navarra. They were Egyptians and I’d never seen birds fly like that before, quite the thrill…..
You did say "so many"....if you'd said two I wouldn't have passed comment.
I have walked the Napoleon Route several times and have always seen Vultures.
@@harrykey2448 Harry, my apologies, I shouldn’t have jumped the gun. The variety of birds and butterflies out there is a wonder to behold. I can’t wait to go back.
Great video. Thanks for the tips. I will take all these into consideration.
Glad it was helpful! Buen Camino!
Hi Kate, firstly it was funny to see myself having dinner in Reliegos with you. ( I’m the man in the blue tea shirt). I enjoyed your brief shot of the pilgrim from Scotland- Jim was great company and a very wise man. We had a beer and chat in the garden at the Albergue ( La Parada). I want to compliment you on your advice about alcohol on the CF. I have never come across anyone else highlighting this potential problem or issue. Oddly enough being from Ireland, I am a very lite drinker. I find my two weeks on the Camino (I have been on it seven times) is the time where I drink far more than I would while at home. While it’s not a problem, I think it could be if I spent five weeks on it. Your comment about the fact that the Camino may not be the answer to life’s problems is very true. I can’t recall if I mentioned my Camino mantra to you-“there are no answers on the Camino, only questions. So what’s your question”. My advice for what it is worth: remember it’s your Camino, don’t judge yourself or others. If you want to/need to catch a bus, don’t worry the world won’t stop spinning if you do. The Camino is an internal journey, it’s what you bring home is the important issue. Well done and Buen Camino. Tony
Lovely to hear from you Tony! I remember the albergue in Reliegos! You have also provided some very good advice! Thank you! Buen Camino!
I loved my Camino, and many people have their uncomfortable things that happen. It’s different for each person. I was surprised at how little sleep I got. It was loud for me, a light sleeper, everywhere I stayed. Even with ear plugs and earbuds playing white noise. lol
Hi Brenda! The dorm rooms can be noisy which is definitely tricky for light sleepers! Thanks for sharing your experience 😊
I’m a light sleeper as well, I’m thinking about taking a lightweight hammock and a lightweight ground roll to camp outside a few nights. This will be my first Camino and I see this being very common issues brought up.
Great job 🚶♀️🥾
Thank you! 😃
Thank you very helpful reassuring & good common sense stuff ❤I’m hoping to go April 2025 starting to think about kit
Glad it was helpful! I am in the process of making a gear video! You will love the Camino! 😊
HeeHee, I love graveyards! as no one is snoring, getting up in the middle of the night to pee 5x and simply as quiet as a graveyard is suppose to be. I plan on pitching my bivy whenever I can in them.
😱
Loved your tips. very objective. Thanks. Greetings from Brazil
Thank you! Greetings! ☺️
Thanks for the tips!
Happy to help! 😍
I would like to do the Camino when there are less crowds. My brother did it in the winter and said there were not many people. I want the experience to be hard and challenging. I don't want it to be a hippy fest. If I wanted that I would hike the PCT or AT.
A winter camino sounds great. There are also other much less busy routes to choose that you could walk in the summer as they will have less people on them compared to the Frances.
Thank you for the tips Kate , some usefull information in there
Glad it was helpful!
Nice video Kate. Well thought out.
Thanks! 😊
Congratulations and thank you for a very informative video!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Kate thank you for the video it was inspiring im thinking of doing the camino de santiago next ye in feb just need to get my fitness right
You are welcome! Go for it! It’s an amazing experience!
love your content
Thank you! ☺️
Amazing !!
Thank you! 😀
Amazing journey 😀
Yes it was! 😀
Great tips thank you!!! especially the motion light sensors - a small detail yet could be a big problem! :)
Glad it was helpful! 😊
excellent tips!
Glad you like them!
Yep, Number 10 will enlighten you forever...
🤔
Alone in cemeteries and dark forests- nope and nope! But Heath just suggested that you should upload some of your pictures of the locations you have visited on Google Maps, so when people are googling the locations, your pictures will also be picked up and people will open them.
Ooh interesting! I will look into that! thanks!
Great vid
thank you! 😊
I’m not sure how this excellent video was recommended for me but i’m glad it was. I really fancy doing this but is it a religious thing as i’m not at all religious. Thank you.
Hi Philip - Thanks so much for commenting. People do the Camino for so many reasons including because they just want to hike across Spain. There is no expectation for anyone to take part in any religious ceremonies at all. If you fancy doing it - go for it! I’m sure you will love it!
Excelente tips, Kate. Is it really safe to walk alone? Books I read mentioned robberies and aggressive dogs in some areas. Any comment on this matter?
Thank you! I felt very safe on the Frances. There will usually be someone to walk with if you want to. I had no issue with aggressive dogs for all 550 miles!
I do know of someone who had some money stolen. I think that was the only crime incident I knew of. I believe there is a number for Camino police if there are any concerns. You may find that the worries you go with start to disappear as you start walking! It is an incredible experience!
@@Kate_Pilgrim thank for take time to reply to me. Truly appreciated
Trying to find advice on how you arrange accommodation or do you just this from village to village. Food / Payment how does this work. What is sensible to have in your backpack
Hi Crispin
please check out my packing video and my accommodation video for more info on these. As long as you have emergency snacks and water with you (I like to have a cereal bar and some nuts). I take some cash with me (maybe up to 100 euros and top up at cashpoints along the way) and use card payments when I can. Food is readily available in cafes and bars and in the evenings it is often at the accommodation you will be staying at. Buen Camino!
Thank you much appreciated
paracetamol and ibuprofeno are available in generic versions which are cheap
thank you! I will defined bear this in mind the next time I’m on Camino in Spain! 🇪🇸 Buen Camino!
soso true!!! :-)
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Amazing
Thank you!
Number three is a Francis problem but some of the smaller routes you can walk 20 km without seeing another pilgram.
Yes I can see how that is true! I’m walking another Camino in a few weeks and I look forward to finding out! 😊
@@Kate_Pilgrim which one are you walking this time?
Camino Ingles
For more camino content 👉 ruclips.net/channel/UCClqGvKQHJoGHxuvkADxPlQ
Hello!! One big question I have - are all of these tracks easy to keep to? If I’m on my own, can I just wander on and be confident I’m on track? Thank you so much!
Hello! on the Camino Frances you can literally follow the yellow arrows and scallop shells all the way across Spain without a map! In cities it can become slightly more confusing when leaving. But the arrows are still there and locals are always willing to help. I also used the map in the wise pilgrim app to work out where I was in relation to the trail a few times. But yes - it’s easy to keep to the trail! Buen Camino!
@@Kate_Pilgrim Wow what a nice reply to receive! And as for the albuerges, I’ve been thinking and reading about them - is it true you just turn up at the “checkpoints” and stay where you can find? Heard that most aren’t advertised online so was a bit worried that I’d not have anywhere to sleep!
You cannot prebook at municipal albergues. Most albergues are detailed in the wise pilgrim app. Some albergues you can book ahead via phone/email/whatsapp. I have an accommodation video which explains more!
Do you need to book accommodation or is it fairly safe to just turn up .. can you camp .. if you need to book where is the best place to do this.. I have just made the decision to go today..
You can just turn up. At municipal and donativo (donation) albergues you cannot prebook. At busy times it may be more difficult to get a bed at some bottleneck locations such as St Jean pied de port and roncesvalles. If for example the albergue at roncesvalles is full, you can walk to the next place (Burgette). At busy times you should still be able to get accommodation if you stay off the guidebook suggested stops. Camping is not permitted but there are people who do camp.
Buen Camino! ☺️😄
Thank you ... Much appreciated
🙏 women bring a zip log bag for your tissue, I would bet $$$
more woman walk in recent years because of the mass of on the trail tissue it's gross!
the camino is not a.litter ground I pick up bags full of trash but this is more then I can handle!.😢
yes ziplock bag to pack out tissues and other trash!
One thing I have seen other women use is called a pee rag,, they have them in most hiking stores and dry fast. I think that would definitely help cut down on the amount of tissue used
it's not Camino but in Iceland I was getting attack by Arctic tern Bird. there were so many wild animal I was by myself. I have never hitch hike before it was first time I was brave enough to ask help to save me. luckily I met sweet couple who saved my ass from middle of nowhere. I am very shy person. I cannot believe I over calm that shyness to save my stupid ass walking into wild.
I have experienced the attack of the arctic terns in Iceland! At one time I was driving and my dad got out of the car to take photos of them and then they just dived bombed his head!! I was with my sons in the car and we were laughing so much as he turned and ran for cover back to the car!! 😂
I can totally understand why you would overcome shyness in that situation to be rescued!
light is best....
Thanks 😊 I agree!
Valcarlos route is hard & lonely your completely on your own be warned ⚠️ 😅
Good to know! Actually on the alternate route to Samos I was also alone. So some of the alternate routes will be much quieter.
I am pretty positive that the bug you found is NOT a bedbug. Sadly, I know.... :(
I’m so sorry you have encountered them 😢
Also, a tip about the pronunciation: it’s not Camino FRANces (a woman’s name)but the Camino FranCÉS with the accented syllable on the CES. It’s the French way :)
Thanks
Is this a hiking adventure? I thought it was a walking experience? Did you go through inhospitable terrain or forests? Is it safe?
it’s an ancient pilgrimage route. The terrain varies but all of it is on paths of some description. The trail regularly passes through towns and villages with services along the route including albergues (pilgrim hostels) or even hotels. It’s very popular and many people who have never done anything like this before embark on this journey.
I am sorry to say for me the biggest surprise was how rude many pilgrims were. Two nationalities specially. I am aware I can't tell which, but really the worst part of the experience were rude and inconsiderate people. This was a huge surprise.
Spill the beans 😂
🌺👍
😊
Fairly easy walk from Villa Franca to Satiago apart from snow on first two days.
Don’t overthink it.
you are right! it’s best just to go! Buen Camino!
Quick tip...learn how to ask in Portuguese "where can I buy some laxatives" before you get there !!
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Those were her issues. Not all people feel the same way. Adventures should not be so picky about small concerns.
Never talk to strangers while traveling and do not share your private information with anyone. Trust no one .
On the Camino - some people who were initially strangers to me became good friends!
@@Kate_Pilgrim I I apologize for my remark, but I have had very bad experiences with people in Brazil when I went to visit a few years ago .