Safety for single female pilgrim?

[Sue lang]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

 

[petro]

Hi Sue, I (sixties) walked the Le Puy route solo May 2017 and never felt unsafe. There were stretches where I did not see many other walkers and sometimes there were more. In the evenings there were always other people at the gites. I loved this route and cannot wait to get back.

 

[Lydia Gillen]

I have walked from the Pyrenees to Santiago three times and from Tui to Santiago twice. the only thing I am afraid of is is young men thundering past on bicycles, in fact they have me terrified at times.

 

[Isa R]

Felt safe walking alone from most of the times when my friend and I split up from Sarria to St. James, but you see some stragglers along the way and some big and small groups. Met a Spanish lady along the way and ended up walking together until the final journey. And i was 63 then.

 

[gypsy9]

I've never had any issues...also, one's personal safety radar is wonderfully amplified when on the "Way"...There is an abundance of kindness and goodwill --trust your instincts Sue -five decades worth. I enjoy walking alone, but if you feel there are times you would prefer company then set it up for yourself during the day or the night before. Alternatively, wait or catch up to other pilgrims. The magic is being mistress of your own journey. Buen Camino! I am walking (again) August and September!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Camino Frances is trending toward a 50/50 split of men/women. I perceived that the Le Puy route had more women than men, but I don't have statistics to prove that. Honestly, I think women are treated better in France than Spain. Spain still has a lot of male dominance, though I have not perceived that it is rampant among pilgrims. I think the problem is more the locals and historic culture. I think both routes, actually all routes, are safe for women; probably safer than one's home town.

On the Forum, I don't think I have heard a sexual harassment complaint about the Le Puy route, but there are regular complaints about routes in Spain. Even those complaints are in proportion to over 150,000 women a year walking into Santiago!

 

[Gilmore Girl]

Hello, I felt safe walking on my own last year (am in my sixties). However, I did have about 5 days walking without seeing other people. If you want company, you can try the websites: afriendonthecamino or Camigas. Buen camino

 

[Gilmore Girl]

Hello, I felt safe walking on my own last year (am in my sixties). However, I did have about 5 days walking without seeing other people. If you want company, you can try the websites: afriendonthecamino or Camigas. Buen camino

Sorry, I was referring to the Camino Frances, however, they still may be able to help.

 

[Kitsambler]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

I walked the Le Puy route in my late fifties; no issues at all. September is quite a popular month for retirees walking, so you will find the lodgings well-filled and many pilgrims at each evening's dinner table. You may think you are walking alone, until you stop for lunch and watch the pilgrims passing by.

 

[Felice]

Sue, I too am usually a solo female walker. I've just finished walking the San Salvador, and before I set off, I did seriously wonder what would happen if I had an accident somewhere on the way, when there was no-one around and no phone signal. I reasoned that if I had organised accommodation for the night, then hopefully someone would be aware that I was not where I should be. And I planned to text my family every evening too - though I had also told them not to get worried if there was no text one evening as it might be that there was no phone signal. Reviewing my trip, I'm still not sure what would have happened if I had suffered an accident, as it was not possible to reserve ahead at either of the two albergues in the more mountainous area.

On the Le Puy route, you will be reserving accommodation in advance every night, so hopefully that will alert people if an accident happens.

 

[MikeC]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

 

[MikeC]

I use app LocaToWeb which is a gps app that does not require a constant signal.

It posts your track when it can, so your approximate lady location is always visible.
It will also send an email with your track reference to your chosen contact.
Just create a new track each day and you will also have a record of your Camino

 

[kelleymac]

I walked from Le Puy to Conques last Sept/Oct. I never felt unsafe. I joined up with a group for a few days-- though they walked at a different pace than I did, and we often separated during the day, to meet up (perhaps) in the evening. I also took a variant to Bonneval, and was alone for a few days. It was beautiful, if a bit lonely. I had a happy and unplanned reunion with the first group I met in Le Puy in Conques.

 

[Deleted member 32363]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

 

[Deleted member 32363]

I have no concerns, with awareness and metal hiking poles. My 3rd camino, alone, yet, we're never really alone. If feeling uncomfortable, just slow down/speed up or wait till others come and walk near or with them! Pay Attention to your gut feelings, and call on your Divine (unseen) team.
I just remembered that I purchased a small, pink,"anti-attack spray" that clips on the belt/waistband for this camino! There if I need it! But not in the way. for Dogs,2/4 legged : )

 

[nycwalking]

Sue lang,

I walked alone and was ok. In September, there will be lots of pilgrims. Quite often as you walk you'll appear to be alone yet pilgrims will often be right around the corner.

Buen camino, all will be well

 

[spagirl]

I will be there looking out for you....

 

[Aishlyn]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

You could keep an eye out for two Aussies and a Canadian walking the route September 3 till October 12 . We were supposed to be a group of 12but only 3so far. So would be glad of extra company. If you want extra contact details contact me again

 

[Aishlyn]

See above

 

[Dannyhiker]

Any concerns for a single female (fifties) traveling on the route in September?

Yes, loose dogs!!

 

[dreamwalker]

Is pepper spray legal to put in a check on bag?

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @Sue lang;
Until the event of April 2015 I would have said that the Camino Frances was possibly the safest place in the world. So what advice do I offer? Follow your basic instinct (female intuition?). If you look back through these pages you will see reports of my fellow males behaving badly, but please do not let these reports put you off. If you are walking in an area covered by those (recent) reports, I feel certain that if you ask another woman to walk with you, she would be happy for the company. Wishing you a true Buen Camino.