Safety

[karenfromcali]

Hi Everyone,
I am planning to begin my first camino from SJPP in march 2014. I am a female who is almost 50. and will be travelling alone. I'm a bit (lot!) worried about safety as I understand there are fewer pilgrims at this time of year. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen

 

[angelafinnigan]

I've just completed 1600kms on The Camino Podiensis, Frances and Portugal, I'm 63yo and never travelled alone before. It was a marvelous experience, I felt safe at all times and was only alone when I wanted to be. I too felt apprehensive but not now. I'm confident you'll have a similar experience. There's lots of single people walking and you'll soon make friends. I walked Astorga to Santiago last year with four friends and as good as it was, it was better to do it alone. I hope you have a wonderful time. Angela

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Hi Karen!
You'll be fine - especially on the Frances where there will be many other pilgrims who will form part of your 'camino family'.
I LOVE the camino family!! But I only walk the quieter caminos, because I prefer solitude, time to myself, time to appreciate the wonders of nature, time to think and, yes, time to pray.
Check the diaries and photo links on my website.
Age on the camino is totally unimportant.
Relax and enjoy!
God bless you, Karen.

 

[dalston999]

I am a single female and having walked with others, I have walked alone on several caminos this past year, I have to say in many ways I prefer it. You are more open to engage with other people, both pilgrims and local inhabitants.

Also, sometimes walking companions like to tell you about their personal lives, or have conversations which take you 'away' from walking the camino. I didn't know if I would ever walk it again, so I wanted to be as fully present on the path and in the scenery as I could be, and this was often difficult with other people.

Of course, it is also good to have companionship, especially in the evenings or when it rains incessantly, otherwise one can start to ask oneself 'what is the point, why am I doing this?'

I never felt unsafe or threatened in any way. So, embrace the idea of solitude and you will enjoy the company of others even more.

 

[KinkyOne]

embrace the idea of solitude and you will enjoy the company of others even more.

Thank you so very much for this beautiful quote, dalston. I feel the same, but could not express myself so exact.

Ultreia!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Fewer pilgrims in March means 40-50 per day instead of 800-1200! You will not be alone. Have fun!

 

[nreyn12]

Karen, may I ask what your specific concerns are? Is it being alone on the trail, alone in the albergues, traveling to the Camino on your own?

As people as said, you will not be entirely alone on the Camino, but that doesn't mean a woman traveling on her own won't have any fears or concerns. And women do have a unique view of things on this topic.

Here is something specifically on Women's Safety on the Camino: http://thecaminoexperience.com/womensafety.php

I hope it helps!

Buen Camino and enjoy your first Camino pilgrimage!!!

 

[caminoforme86]

I've just booked my Camino for November 2013, I am 27 year old female. I too was worried about being lonely but I have been informed that in November there is still a fair few amount of pilgrims.

Good luck to you

 

[Olivares]

Karen-- your question about safety is very appropriate because you should be concerned about Safety...weather safety, that is. If next winter is anything like the past, it could get rough and you need to prepare for the conditions.

March is still considered harsh winter in that region and I would plan to go the alternate route from SJPDP- the Valcarlos Route. A Safety Yellow/Orange Jacket for traffic should be in your MUST-HAVE list. The daylight hours are less and you need to plan accordingly.

As far as safety as a female solo traveler I would be less concerned about that. I found the Camino to be very safe and welcoming for female solo travelers. That said, there is safety in numbers, specially under risky weather conditions. You do not HAVE to walk in a group to ensure you will be within a safe earshot if the situation arises.

You will not be the only one on the Camino in March, just be careful. Buen Camino!

 

[karenfromcali]

Thank you so much everyone! I appreciate your replies.
Angela..1600km! lol. Hopefully I can manage 800! Thanks for your encouragement.

Stephen..I like the idea of some time is solitude, meditating and praying but as much as I would like this alone time I also like the security of a few people around. Thank you for your reply and God bless you also.

nreyn12..thanks for the link. I was concerned not so much about the getting there as the
vulnerability of being alone, even though it's also what I seek. Thanks for your help.

falcon..thanks! that really helped to know. I thought there would maybe only be 2 or 3 a day.

Caminoforme86..Bien Camino!

Olivares..thanks for the sound advice. I will do some research on preparation for the cold weather.
Karen

 

[Deleted member 3000]

With pilgrims spread out among albergues each night, keep in mind that you may be alone with only one other occupant. In March, which is about as quiet as November, I spent three successive nights alone with a Swiss girl. I could tell she was pretty nervous early on, but we became good friends as the days wore on, walking in parallel, but not always together. You will need to evaluate your situation each day, and follow your instincts (but not your wild imagination). If a situation or person does not seem quite right, endure the physical discomfort of moving on a few kilometers. It will make your walk more serene.

 

[dmantony]

Just a couple of practical notes: if you are carrying a sleeping bag, put your money, passport, phone, etc. in the foot of it when you sleep. Also, carry those valuables into the shower with you in a zip lock bag. I tied the bag with a bit of string fashioned into a loop which I then hung from a suction cup with a hook.

 

[Say Simba]

Practice common sense and you will be fine. The route of the Camino de Santiago Frances is safer than any equivalent stretch of trail in the United States. There are plenty of people around along the trail, and inside the albergues and villages, there are plenty of other peregrinos around. Eventually, you might end up moving as a group off and on with different people you meet. Only a few will you have to worry about at times, and that is the type that like to steal.

I envy your going! I already wish I was back.

Buen Camino!