First time, help please

[katarinka]

Hey guys, I have decided to do Via de la Plata this year and I would really use some help and tips from you, who have already been there. First, I am young female and am going to walk alone. I would like to "wild" camp along the road. What do you think, is it too dangerous? I would like to sleep in hammock or on the ground.
Do you guys have any bad experiences along Via de la Plata. I have read about thiefs and few attacks, what to be aware of on the route?
Thank you for all answers!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/recent-robbery-on-2nd-day-out-of-seville.32430/

 

[grayland]

I would not recommend wild camping for women alone on the VdlP.
There just is not enough infrastructure and fewer other Pilgrims. A lot of long lonely stretches.
I found it very different from the other routes in that way. I did not feel any danger (as a man) while walking but...rough sleeping for a girl???

The portion of the VdlP north of Sevilla to Salamanca has had more reports and rumors of bad actors than the other routes

 

[katarinka]

oh, thank you, that was really useful. Have you heard about something more dangerous then thiefs on the way from Sevilla to Salamanca? Any bad experiences from other women you ´ve probably met?

 

[LauraK]

oh, thank you, that was really useful. Have you heard about something more dangerous then thiefs on the way from Sevilla to Salamanca? Any bad experiences from other women you ´ve probably met?

I just returned from the VdlP (Salamanca to SdC) and did have one bad experience. I am a 62 year old female and traveled solo. I encountered a shepherd in Galicia in the middle of some woods that I spoke to very briefly. He grabbed me and kissed me and as I walked off he called to me and pointed to himself then me and then the bushes. I said "no" and walked away as quickly as possible. Freaked me out a bit since I never encountered anything like this on my last three caminos ( on the French Way). I decided he just saw a hopeful opportunity and really wasn't a danger. I started on March 5 and spent almost all my nights alone and never saw anyone on the trail during the day except in Zamora and the last three days into Santiago. I did manage to somehow get lost a lot but always got back on track. I never felt unsafe and locals were very friendly and helpful.