I want to be a pilgrim

[Angel132]

I am trying to find a way to do the pilgrimage when is safest to go i really only have may to september off of school unless i take a gap year and reapply am i best to take a gap year or is there any safe times that i can go on there in my time off of school?

 

[NovaSofi]

You've decided you want to be a pilgrim so you are on your way already!..I highly recommend mid May through mid June but I'm biased because its the only time I walked the Camino Frances. It was very busy with other pilgrims but the weather and scenery was great, little rain, mostly sunny, not too hot.. Buen Camino nuevo peregrino!!

 

[C clearly]

What safety concerns do you have? The Camino is likely as safe as a walk in your local park - which means it is almost always safe but very occasionally, things happen. You should take the same precautions as anywhere. From May to September, you will have no shortage of people to walk with.

 

[JillGat]

What are your safety concerns?
I have walked in May/June and in Sept./Oct. Both are beautiful, but I think I prefer the spring, not just because of all the flowers, but because the days are longer and you don't have to start out walking in the dark.
Go for it!

 

[HedaP]

My 21 year old niece walked the Camino Frances in 2016. At that time she was a university student a year from graduating. She started from St Jean Pied de Port alone and found lots of friends along the way. Her first friend she found on the walk to Roncesvalles. Life is about taking calculated and well researched risks. It’s also about listening to your heart. Have a very buen camino.

 

[yaying]

listening to your hear

hmmm...unlucky my heart was foolish once that i listened...
Hi Aunt @HedaP
& lucky enough to unleashed that foolishness...

 

[HedaP]

hmmm...unlucky my heart was foolish once that i listened...
Hi Aunt @HedaP
& lucky enough to unleashed that foolishness...

 

[Lirsy]

Hi!!

Don´t worry too much about safety, the Camino is really a VERY safe place!!! For sure you have to take the basic precautions .... don´t leave your luggage unattended in the bus station (which I think are the most dangerous places), etc.

If you plan to start your camino somewhere between May and September I would start as early on May as possible (in order to avoid the pick season) . Probably I would start in SJPdP or in Roncesvalles, going up to Leon following the Camino Frances. Once in Leon (I assume we are speaking about the end of May or the beginning of June, which means that you are already entering in the pick season) I would go to Oviedo through the Camino del Salvador and from Oviedo to Santiago following the Camino Primitivo or the Camino del Norte (which will be a lot less crowded than the Camino Frances). Probably this combination will allow you to take the very best of every camino and you will always find an acceptable number of pilgrims from different countries.

I know it might sounds very complicated, but believe me .... it is not. Every thing is very well marked, most pilgrims and all the hospitaleros in Leon and in Oviedo can show you how to proceed. BTW, if you decide to follow this camino, take the albergue of the CARBAJALAS in Leon. They will issue the credential for the Camino del Salvador (even if you don´t need this second credential, probably you will like to keep it).

Ultreia & Buen Camino!!!

 

[RJM]

I would suggest the Camino Frances and I would suggest you walk it May-June.
The Camino Frances because you are a first time pilgrim and it is so easy to walk. Well marked and many places to stay, and while at times there are many pilgrims on the path, that can be some of the most enjoyable aspects of it. You are a student, so I am assuming you are young. You will meet many other people your age from many backgrounds.
Also, even on the busiest of Caminos, there is always chances for walking alone if you want to.

 

[domigee]

I have only walked the Camino francés in the Summer months (July/August) and it's a wonderful time to do it (I think)
Full of students and ...teachers of course
No need to take a gap year.
I'd recommend the camino francés for a first camino (best infrastructure, more people if you are worried about walking alone) but there are many others of course, have a look here:
http://www.mundicamino.com/los-caminos/

Buen camino pilgrim!

 

[Juspassinthru]

I completely agree with JillGat on a spring Camino. I started this year on May19 in SJPP and hit Santiago on on June 22. For the most part the weather was good if a bit warm, with the solstice approaching the days were long and the flowers were awesome. We also finished before the summer crush got in to full swing. As for safety, be aware not fearful, help if needed is almost always nearby. Enjoy every step and Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

I am trying to find a way to do the pilgrimage when is safest to go i really only have may to september off of school unless i take a gap year and reapply am i best to take a gap year or is there any safe times that i can go on there in my time off of school?

As others have stated already, the Camino is a very safe to be/walk and May to September is its busiest time aka lots of company. Buen Camino, SY