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I haven't walked the Camino yet so hope you don't mind me putting in my 2 cents. From what I have read the guy placed a yellow arrow to misdirect pilgrims off the Camino and perhaps she just didn't notice she may have been going the wrong way. I am in NO WAY implying that it was her fault; I am simply suggesting that it is always a good idea to pay attention to your surroundings. This is true anywhere in the world, not just on the Camino. If you are by yourself and are unsure of which way to go you could wait for someone to come along? From what I understand that shouldn't be too long. AND...the Spanish are really wonderful people so you have no worries there.Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
I walk alone off-camino and on alternative routes and I still feel rural Spain is one of the safest places in the world.the guy placed a yellow arrow to misdirect pilgrims off the Camino
No doubt. I wasn't suggesting that alt routes aren't safe. This was just one guy acting with malicious intent.I walk alone off-camino and on alternative routes and I still feel rural Spain is one of the safest places in the world.
You will be just fine. There are many people walking the Camino and seldom will you be out of sight of others unless you want to (and sometimes that doesn't work). Like every day anywhere, just always be aware of your surroundings. It's easy for the mind to wander and worry about the unknown. Once you get there and see it for yourself, you'll wonder why you ever worried to begin with. I'm starting the last leg on May 2nd this year so maybe our paths will cross. Buen Camino to you always!Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
I plan on travelling in Sept. And going alone....Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi Lucy, I understand your worry - I am currently walking the via de la plata alone and it is a VERY lonely route; in the last 3 weeks I have only met 6 other pilgrims but it is a quiet route and a quiet time of year. Important is to know what you would do if certain situations arise - almost everyone I have come across has been friendly and kind BUT I had a guy drive up to me while I was sat eating lunch on a very quiet stretch of road the other day, block me in with his car and then try and expose himself to me. I was prepared though - I had noticed him slow down and stare at me and then turn around so I super fast collapsed my hiking poles together (to shorten them to batons) and took the rubber tips off to expose the sharp metal spikes. I was standing up by the time he drove back and went on the attack, which totally shocked him. As he got out of the car I asked him immediately in Spanish what he wanted and why he was trying to block me in with his car, he mumbled something and I said (still in Spanish) that my husband and friends were just a couple of minutes behind me (not true but NEVER admit you're alone) and he still started fumbling with his zipper, clearly about to expose himself so I went towards him with my poles, shouting in English and he leapt in his car and drove off fast. There are several incidences of men exposing themselves to lone women but I firmly believe they are absolutely the exception and most likely opportunists. I also had a day when I saw that murder story in the news (as the trial is now) a couple of days ago and felt very nervous indeed walking that day but thankfully, on one of the many times I looked over my shoulder, I saw 2 figures on the horizon with rucksacks and waited til they caught up and asked to walk with them - 2 dutch men in their 70s who were marvelous company for the rest of the walk. In a nutshell - be realistic, there are pervs everywhere, plan how you'd react to being flashed at, grabbed, know that such incidents are the absolute exception, hook up with others to walk if you feel nervous (you're on a busy route so you won't be short of options)- and above all.... enjoy!! Buen camino
Thank you Sabine, yes, now I am in Salmanca i shall indeed report him to the Police as I took down his registration number, vehicle description and a description of him at the time. I was in tiny villages since then with no Police at all but now I have a couple of rest days here then I shall absolutely do so.I'm so terribly sorry for what happened to you!!! It is completely up to you but are you sure you won't report this to the police? Please they will take it very seriously.
Even if the guy is " just an opportunist " I firmly believe in reporting the incident.
Whatever you decide....buen Camino and hope you will find marvellous company like those two Dutch men.
Take very good care!!!
Hi Lucy, I understand your worry - I am currently walking the via de la plata alone and it is a VERY lonely route; in the last 3 weeks I have only met 6 other pilgrims but it is a quiet route and a quiet time of year. Important is to know what you would do if certain situations arise - almost everyone I have come across has been friendly and kind BUT I had a guy drive up to me while I was sat eating lunch on a very quiet stretch of road the other day, block me in with his car and then try and expose himself to me. I was prepared though - I had noticed him slow down and stare at me and then turn around so I super fast collapsed my hiking poles together (to shorten them to batons) and took the rubber tips off to expose the sharp metal spikes. I was standing up by the time he drove back and went on the attack, which totally shocked him. As he got out of the car I asked him immediately in Spanish what he wanted and why he was trying to block me in with his car, he mumbled something and I said (still in Spanish) that my husband and friends were just a couple of minutes behind me (not true but NEVER admit you're alone) and he still started fumbling with his zipper, clearly about to expose himself so I went towards him with my poles, shouting in English and he leapt in his car and drove off fast. There are several incidences of men exposing themselves to lone women but I firmly believe they are absolutely the exception and most likely opportunists. I also had a day when I saw that murder story in the news (as the trial is now) a couple of days ago and felt very nervous indeed walking that day but thankfully, on one of the many times I looked over my shoulder, I saw 2 figures on the horizon with rucksacks and waited til they caught up and asked to walk with them - 2 dutch men in their 70s who were marvelous company for the rest of the walk. In a nutshell - be realistic, there are pervs everywhere, plan how you'd react to being flashed at, grabbed, know that such incidents are the absolute exception, hook up with others to walk if you feel nervous (you're on a busy route so you won't be short of options)- and above all.... enjoy!! Buen camino
Thank you Sabine, yes, now I am in Salmanca i shall indeed report him to the Police as I took down his registration number, vehicle description and a description of him at the time. I was in tiny villages since then with no Police at all but now I have a couple of rest days here then I shall absolutely do so.
And yes, I hope I find more company too. I am staying alone in Casa Rurales as I am such a light sleeper I am not keen to share in Albergue but I will try it for a couple of nights once I leave Salamanca as I realise that will be the best way to meet others and after 3 weeks and 500km alone then I would love some walking company
Thank you Sabine, yes, now I am in Salmanca i shall indeed report him to the Police as I took down his registration number, vehicle description and a description of him at the time. I was in tiny villages since then with no Police at all but now I have a couple of rest days here then I shall absolutely do so.
I thought better to wave my poles at him than him...ahem...wave his at meGo girl, you rock! Good you got to practice your skills. That will keep you sharp.
I am sure he did not see that one coming, the stuff that nightmares (his!) are made of.
Hi Lucy, I understand your worry - I am currently walking the via de la plata alone and it is a VERY lonely route; in the last 3 weeks I have only met 6 other pilgrims but it is a quiet route and a quiet time of year. Important is to know what you would do if certain situations arise - almost everyone I have come across has been friendly and kind BUT I had a guy drive up to me while I was sat eating lunch on a very quiet stretch of road the other day, block me in with his car and then try and expose himself to me. I was prepared though - I had noticed him slow down and stare at me and then turn around so I super fast collapsed my hiking poles together (to shorten them to batons) and took the rubber tips off to expose the sharp metal spikes. I was standing up by the time he drove back and went on the attack, which totally shocked him. As he got out of the car I asked him immediately in Spanish what he wanted and why he was trying to block me in with his car, he mumbled something and I said (still in Spanish) that my husband and friends were just a couple of minutes behind me (not true but NEVER admit you're alone) and he still started fumbling with his zipper, clearly about to expose himself so I went towards him with my poles, shouting in English and he leapt in his car and drove off fast. There are several incidences of men exposing themselves to lone women but I firmly believe they are absolutely the exception and most likely opportunists. I also had a day when I saw that murder story in the news (as the trial is now) a couple of days ago and felt very nervous indeed walking that day but thankfully, on one of the many times I looked over my shoulder, I saw 2 figures on the horizon with rucksacks and waited til they caught up and asked to walk with them - 2 dutch men in their 70s who were marvelous company for the rest of the walk. In a nutshell - be realistic, there are pervs everywhere, plan how you'd react to being flashed at, grabbed, know that such incidents are the absolute exception, hook up with others to walk if you feel nervous (you're on a busy route so you won't be short of options)- and above all.... enjoy!! Buen camino
Let's not forget about the solo male walker,i'm forever getting hassled by woman on the way,i could of course put this down to my devilish good looks and Irish charm but i prefer to think it's the low cost of alcohol))
Far out, this is a semi-regular occurrence? I'm heading out on the Madrid route next week without poles... maybe I should have a quick squiz for basic self defense moves... don't know what I'd do if that happened to me! Luckily (or unluckily?) there are not many roads on the Madrid route...
Far out, this is a semi-regular occurrence? I'm heading out on the Madrid route next week without poles... maybe I should have a quick squiz for basic self defense moves... don't know what I'd do if that happened to me! Luckily (or unluckily?) there are not many roads on the Madrid route...
You did good. Sorry you had to experience that, but you handled it bravely.Hi Lucy, I understand your worry - I am currently walking the via de la plata alone and it is a VERY lonely route; in the last 3 weeks I have only met 6 other pilgrims but it is a quiet route and a quiet time of year. Important is to know what you would do if certain situations arise - almost everyone I have come across has been friendly and kind BUT I had a guy drive up to me while I was sat eating lunch on a very quiet stretch of road the other day, block me in with his car and then try and expose himself to me. I was prepared though - I had noticed him slow down and stare at me and then turn around so I super fast collapsed my hiking poles together (to shorten them to batons) and took the rubber tips off to expose the sharp metal spikes. I was standing up by the time he drove back and went on the attack, which totally shocked him. As he got out of the car I asked him immediately in Spanish what he wanted and why he was trying to block me in with his car, he mumbled something and I said (still in Spanish) that my husband and friends were just a couple of minutes behind me (not true but NEVER admit you're alone) and he still started fumbling with his zipper, clearly about to expose himself so I went towards him with my poles, shouting in English and he leapt in his car and drove off fast. There are several incidences of men exposing themselves to lone women but I firmly believe they are absolutely the exception and most likely opportunists. I also had a day when I saw that murder story in the news (as the trial is now) a couple of days ago and felt very nervous indeed walking that day but thankfully, on one of the many times I looked over my shoulder, I saw 2 figures on the horizon with rucksacks and waited til they caught up and asked to walk with them - 2 dutch men in their 70s who were marvelous company for the rest of the walk. In a nutshell - be realistic, there are pervs everywhere, plan how you'd react to being flashed at, grabbed, know that such incidents are the absolute exception, hook up with others to walk if you feel nervous (you're on a busy route so you won't be short of options)- and above all.... enjoy!! Buen camino
Personally, I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill. These occurrences are rare, and they can happen anywhere. Both of mine occurred in my home town and in a good neighbourhood.All this talk of flashers cornering women on lonely paths has made me change my plans from walking the Madrid route to taking the bus to Burgos and just going for the Frances. Not my first preference but will probably save me a lot of unnecessary worry.
Please take the time to think about why you chose the Madrid route in the first place. Anything can happen, anywhere. I don't know that this thread should be a reason to not walk where you want to walk. It might be scary to be in a country without the language skills to deal with a flasher, but I have walked the Frances twice over 2 months and never had to deal with a flasher, and never met anyone who saw a flasher.All this talk of flashers cornering women on lonely paths has made me change my plans from walking the Madrid route to taking the bus to Burgos and just going for the Frances. Not my first preference but will probably save me a lot of unnecessary worry.
Please take the time to think about why you chose the Madrid route in the first place. Anything can happen, anywhere. I don't know that this thread should be a reason to not walk where you want to walk. It might be scary to be in a country without the language skills to deal with a flasher, but I have walked the Frances twice over 2 months and never had to deal with a flasher, and never met anyone who saw a flasher.
I like the idea of leaving from my arrival point, but I think I will be worried about the isolation on the way from Madrid regarding safety. It's probably easier to follow the Frances where I will be in the company of others, but I am not too social when I am walking.
I'm going to "like" this, but it's a very sad statement....I will worry less about my grand daughter walking alone in Spain than I do about her on a college campus at home in the US.
SitaClaire, I am taking the Portuguese central route and will be in SdC May 19. Let me know if you end up there at that time! =)All this talk of flashers cornering women on lonely paths has made me change my plans from walking the Madrid route to taking the bus to Burgos and just going for the Frances. Not my first preference but will probably save me a lot of unnecessary worry.
Hi Lucy:Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
The trail is always easy to find and plenty of folks in front or back or beside you. I walked alone and found my friend Dave on day 2. We walked with all sorts of females on and off and felt we gave them a little comfort just being in proximity but the trail is so nice as well as all the pilgrims from around the worldHi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
When I walk, my cell phone is always handy. There have been smash-and-grabs at the park where I take my dogs a lot. If a car or person sets off my internal alarm, I pretend to be messing with my phone but what I'm really doing is taking pictures of the person/car...just in case. That would be very easy to do very quickly if someone is approaching you and you are worried, you could even get a quick video!@jagoca I am really sorry this happened to you, but you have handled it well - I'm very impressed you got his registration number and a description. That is exactly the kind of hard information the police will be able to use. I agree with your idea of staying in albergues from now on - it really is the best way of meeting other pilgrims, and amongst them you will find chivalrous men, as well as female companions.
SitaClaire, I am taking the Portuguese central route and will be in SdC May 19. Let me know if you end up there at that time! =)
I walked alone last fall. Never felt any danger whatsoever. I even accepted rides from strangers a couple of times, something I would NEVER even consider doing in the States. Like others have said, you're only as along as you want to be, and quite often, you may be a lot less alone than you'd like - especially if you're doing the CF, it can be pretty crowded. There's some property crime along the way, so take care of your money, passport, and electronics, but as far as your physical safety, you should try to rest easy.Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
All this talk of flashers cornering women on lonely paths has made me change my plans from walking the Madrid route to taking the bus to Burgos and just going for the Frances. Not my first preference but will probably save me a lot of unnecessary worry.
You did the right thing. As noted above, many of these guys are cowards and run when confronted. Puff yourself up stare them down and scream also a whistle is good. I recommend yelling a guys name sometimes that also makes them flee thinking someone's around the corner. I think having your phone set to emergency police number in Spain is also a good idea.I thought better to wave my poles at him than him...ahem...wave his at me
An Irish pilgrim I met as walking told me the story of two monks approaching her ...I forgot where but on the camino.... they were in town for a day getting provisions..... invited her for a drink ... she thought coffee ... they drank wine... I won't go into the conversation that followed but it was interesting ..... but it was typical....
Jay.. did you happen to attend Nichols.. class of '79?You will be fine, just take ordinary precautions. Most young women I met who were your age generally found a pretty tight group to walk with fairly early on. If you are looking for some solitude on your walk, that's available as well . I am starting out of SJPdP on April 19, maybe I will see you along the way! Buen Camino
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Jay.. did you happen to attend Nichols.. class of '79?
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
Hi everyone!
I'm a 22 year old female walking the Camino Frances by myself in 3 weeks.
I've been so excited to do it. But I've just seen a news article regarding a woman who was murdered on the Camino. I've tried to ignore it. But of course my brain is incapable of that and so ive spent the last hour googling all types of catastrophe's that have happened to girls travelling alone.
I refuse to let this stop me. But I can't pretend that it hasn't terrified me reading about girls travelling alone being targeted, so I'm hoping that someone could just help reassure me that this route isn't as terrifying as my brain is making it out to be? Anyone (women in particular) that has walked it alone, would be so grateful to hear how safe you felt and any tips for keeping safe!
Thank you so much (and sorry for being dramatic!)
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