Forum Introduction

[Trishkerry]

Hi everyone!
Im planning to do the Santiago de compostela route next year(2013). Cant decide whether to walk or go on horseback. If i go as part of an organised ride its going to cost about £4000 to do the whole route. If I walk it will obviously be A LOT cheaper but it will mean going on my own. I am perfectly happy to go solo but my partner thinks it wont be safe for a lone female. Have there been any/many instances of walkers being robbed/attacked en route? :?
Trish

 

[David]

Hi Trish, I understand your boyfriend's fears but it is safe and you won't be alone. There will be pilgrims everywhere.

It is said that the Camino Frances is the safest road in the world for single women, and the crime rate in Spain is one eight of the rate in the UK, it is a very safe country.

There have been rare occasions - the odd flasher and so on - but these really are very rare indeed.

By horse sounds pretty fine - but an organised one .. personally I am not too sure ... the thing is, an important aspect of the pilgrimage is the hurting feet and aching legs ... that getting to a refugio and washing clothes, making food, meeting pilgrims that one hasn't seen for a few days, going for a drink with them, the close-packed bunk beds - it is all part of the pilgrim experience, to take oneself out of that can make it just a pretty hack in the countryside.

But it is you who must decide ..... why not walk it then think about horseback sometime in the future?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

I'd endorse David's comments. Horseback caminos whether organised in a group or not are always going to be expensive because of the back up which is needed - horsebox, feed, stables etc. If you decide to walk you will definitely meet loads of other lovely people and you may make life long friendships. Because of the volume of pilgrims on the Camino Frances it tends to be very safe indeed. Fear not.

John

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Trish

I agree with the advice above. I'm sure horseback would be a great experience, but don't do it because of any fears about personal safety.

I got the impression that it would almost be considered bad luck to 'attack' a pilgrim in any way. You're much more likely to have locals wish you 'Buen Camino' or pip their car horns at you to wish you well and get some reflected glory in the eyes of the Almighty!

That said, there is deprivation, drug abuse etc. in Spain, so don't tempt people by leaving an expensive mobile phone on a cafe table etc. Basic precautions should be more than enough.

Buen Camino!

Keith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Have there been any/many instances of walkers being robbed/attacked en route?

No.

The horseback idea sounds fantastic. The most difficult part will be accommodations for the horses, and a group outing would arrange all that. Most of the pilgrims I met on horseback were from Spain.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[Lydia Gillen]

Hi Trish,

As a woman who has walked on her own, I can tell you that I would consider the Camino the safest place on earth for a woman to walk on her own.

I am looking forward to going again in May.

God bless you and Buen Camino,

Lydia

 

[tyrrek]

Hi again!

Alarmingly, I've just had a thought! :? Given that there are thousands of pounds at stake (not to mention your enjoyment of the whole experience) maybe you could just take a long weekend sometime this year and walk a couple of days to get a taste of the Camino. If your partner could go too that would be even better. You will very quickly get a sense of how safe it is and both feel more comfortable, and overall it would be cheaper than involving horses, tour guides etc.

Wouldn't it be awful after a day or two on a horse to regret the money you'd spent and really want to be with the pilgrims 'on the ground'?

I'd suggest avoiding Santiago for a trial run, though. There's something very special about arriving there, so save it for the real thing!

Buen Camino!

 

[Trishkerry]

Thanks,

Wouldn't it be awful after a day or two on a horse to regret the money you'd spent and really want to be with the pilgrims 'on the ground'?

My way of thinking EXACTLY. I think i have pretty much made up my mind about walking it. Just got to convince my boyfriend now :wink:

 

[Deleted member 3000]

On my brother's first camino, his walking partner, a retired reporter and writer, blew out his knee before Roncesvalles. He continued on buses, trains, and taxis, meeting every few days at designated points. Both had a great time for the next month. Your boyfriend could go, but not walk. He might miss a few small villages that you visit, but he could have a lot of fun anyway.

 

[tyrrek]

Just got to convince my boyfriend now :wink:

Nah! If you come back home weeping after a few days he has the right to say 'I told you so'. If you come back after 6 weeks with a big smile, healthy tan, lots of new friends, Compostela, etc you have the right to say 'I told you so'. :lol:

I know which one I'd put my money on.

Buen Camino!

 

[lindamuchmore]

Hi Trish,

As a woman who has walked on her own, I can tell you that I would consider the Camino the safest place on earth for a woman to walk on her own.

I am looking forward to going again in May.

God bless you and Buen Camino,

Lydia

Hi Lydia
I am looking to go in May as well and not keen on going on my own - at least I would appreciate starting out with someone till I get the hang of it. Would you be willing for me to tag along at the beginning?
Buen Camino
Linda