First time walker - woman - Camino del Baztan

[Bsimonuk]

After reading an article in the Sunday times about el Camino del Baztan , I decided to do it. Just taking some time off teaching. It is now getting closer : I will be flying to Biarritz next Tuesday 10/09 and return 19/09. I have the guide book. No poles yet?
I am very excited still to the Baztan but need a bit of re-assurance : I will be walking on my own, I am a 52 year old woman, and first time on the Camino.
Should I adapt or change my route ?
Thank you in advance

 

[Mark McCarthy]

It is physically demanding and poles are definitely recommended. It is a really beautiful walk and highly recommended but it is definitely the road less travelled.

 

[Bsimonuk]

Thank you. I will order poles today. I don’t mind it being physically demanding but am a little worried not meeting any other walkers ?

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi, welcome! If you have time to look under forums: then you will find some threads relating to the Baztan route. That will give you more information, unless you have already devoured it!
My understanding is that it is a safe route for solo pilgrims. It is on my list...
Re the poles, try to get advice on how to use them. It took me years to get the penny to drop. The people in the sports shop - if that is how you will get them - will be glad to show you but if not, youtube has lots of videos on how to use them. for example, you could look for "how to use trekking poles". Make sure they have adjustable wrist straps.
Buen camino.

 

[timr]

@Bsimonuk Welcome! You definitely should read through some of the accounts in this forum https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/camino-baztan.103/
You say

I don’t mind it being physically demanding but am a little worried not meeting any other walkers ?

How important is it that you meet other walkers? I would imagine there is a significant possibility you may meet no other walkers on this (very beautiful and rewarding) path.

 

[easygoing]

Hola, I walked the camino Baztan May 2018 with a young Spanish girlfriend from Pamplona I met on a previous Camino. Yes, very beautiful and nice places to stay. We didn't stay in albergues but I assume there are some.
We didn't meet any other walkers and missed a marker one day and ended up far off the trail. Luckily my Spanish friend got us a ride back to the trail when we met a couple hiking a different trail.
I personally wouldn't recommend it for a first Camino unless you speak good Spanish and are an experienced route finder with lots of hiking experience.

 

[basquelady]

After reading an article in the Sunday times about el Camino del Baztan , I decided to do it. Just taking some time off teaching. It is now getting closer : I will be flying to Biarritz next Tuesday 10/09 and return 19/09. I have the guide book. No poles yet?
I am very excited still to the Baztan but need a bit of re-assurance : I will be walking on my own, I am a 52 year old woman, and first time on the Camino.
Should I adapt or change my route ?
Thank you in advance

I have responded in a personal message which I trust will be helpful.

 

[Mark McCarthy]

I stayed in one albergue as the only guest. However, it is probably the most beautiful Camino I have walked.

 

[Bsimonuk]

Thank you so much Kirkie.

 

[geraldkelly]

Hi

I don't think the Camino del Baztan is suitable for someone on their first Camino. It's too physically demanding, too remote and in all likelihood there'll be no other pilgrims. If something goes wrong you're on your own. I would encourage you to walk part of the Camino Frances for your first time, it's the perfect place to learn how everything works and how you're going to organise yourself on a day-to-day basis.

Gerald

 

[Bsimonuk]

Hi

I don't think the Camino del Baztan is suitable for someone on their first Camino. It's too physically demanding, too remote and in all likelihood there'll be no other pilgrims. If something goes wrong you're on your own. I would encourage you to walk part of the Camino Frances for your first time, it's the perfect place to learn how everything works and how you're going to organise yourself on a day-to-day basis.

Gerald

Thank you so much Gerald - I wish I had known this useful information before planning . It must seem silly for an experienced pilgrim. I will follow your advice