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Welcome Lynne, your first post!I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk.
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
"[ Hi Lynn, I am planning to walk solo starting next week. i too am a bit apprehensive, however have decided if I do not like it I can join up with others and I have given myself permission to stop if I a. Not enjoying it.]I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input![/
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input
Hola Lynne, I have walked the Camino 5 times, always with my husband. I leave May 8th to walk alone. Yes I am afraid but not of getting lost or harm. I walk alone to replace the hurts from a abused lonely childhood with new memories. In my heart I fear I will again be friendless and unwanted but my brain knows that the Camino provides and I will meet the best friends ever. I will be in Burgos May 22 and would love to meet you. Buy your tickets and trust in yourself.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I am a solo walker too but i’m Ok with the solitude.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hola Lynne, I have walked the Camino 5 times, always with my husband. I leave May 8th to walk alone. Yes I am afraid but not of getting lost or harm. I walk alone to replace the hurts from a abused lonely childhood with new memories. In my heart I fear I will again be friendless and unwanted but my brain knows that the Camino provides and I will meet the best friends ever. I will be in Burgos May 22 and would love to meet you. Buy your tickets and trust in yourself.
Hi Lynne - I am doing a solo walk from Porto to Santiago beginning April 5 - and I can certainly relate to anxiety. I am treating it as part of the journey. Also, reading too much, or over-planning can add to it - and stressing over my packing list is not helping... I hope you go forward with your plans, I am treating this as my Great Adventure. Lois from Canada.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Very well said!Thank you! Yes- it is in adventure and I’ve realized I need to change my attitude and look st this from another angle. Posivity, adventure, and spiritual experience rather than fear and loneliness!
Thanks for your thoughts!
Have a wonderful journey!
I met and befriended wonderful people last fall walking from Porto. I started alone but not for long. If you do want to meet others, you will be able to.Hi Lynne - I am doing a solo walk from Porto to Santiago beginning April 5 - and I can certainly relate to anxiety. I am treating it as part of the journey. Also, reading too much, or over-planning can add to it - and stressing over my packing list is not helping... I hope you go forward with your plans, I am treating this as my Great Adventure. Lois from Canada.
If you are walking Frances in June, doesn't sound like you will be alone for long as other pilgrims aroundI need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hi Lynne;I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hello Lynne,I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hi Lyn,I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
You wrote that you have been to Europe on your own before. I presume that you visited cities. My experience is that I felt much more alone/lonely in cities. (Only contact being conversations like "one more coffee, please" and so on) On the Camino contacts are much more spontaneous and easy. If you prefer walking alone that's no problem either,in the evening there are enough opportunities to talk with all kinds of people.
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
AMEN to that, I tried traveling with others many times, but it just doesn't work for me. Traveling for me is about freedom, doing whatever you want whenever you want. It's very hard to be free while waiting for a friend who wants to go in yet another tourist store with the same stuff you've seen so many times. I just like to 'go with the flow'. Like a hippie!Do it. You'll be on the Camino and won't be on your own for too long. I do all my travelling solo and sure, sometimes I get lonely but I wouldn't travel any other way.
Hi there. For me there was no other way than to walk it alone. My husband accepted this (despite his tears when accompanying a "little old fragile looking lady" to the airport, Melbourne, Australia) and those who didn't understand, never have understood me. The departure day was my 65th birthday present to myself. I did have other concerns. To combat these I wrote a list then took time to examine each. What was the underlying fear? What could I do to minimize the fear/anxiety? That helped enormously. The journey was amazing: exhilarating, challenging, joyful, tiring, uplifting. You name it (the emotion); I probably felt it. But regret? Never. Not even when the going got really tough and the loneliness momentarily threatened to 'undo' me. It's not for everyone, this going it alone. And of course the times that you are truly alone are not frequent, or long in duration, unless you choose them to be so. Being solo, without being conscious of sending out any 'signals', folk, or an individual, seemed to gravitate to me at just the right time, for a chat, for company, for solace and/or support. Other times, for similiar reasons, I found myself more open to others; a group, a pair, an individual. The first time, 2014: 3 months in total from my home base including 65 walking days from St Jean to Muxia. And...next time? I'll go solo again. Best wishes.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hi Carol This will be my first Camino and I will be walking solo. Apprehensive but also excited and going with faith and trust. Hope we meet up and can walk some stretches together! Just been reading about the scams and pickpockets and thankful for the posts. @Maiz"[ Hi Lynn, I am planning to walk solo starting next week. i too am a bit apprehensive, however have decided if I do not like it I can join up with others and I have given myself permission to stop if I a. Not enjoying it.]
When people ask if I was alone when I walked in 2015 I tell them that I traveled alone but I didn’t walk alone. Nobody need walk alone. I forged lifelong friendships on my first Camino. I will again travel alone on my 2019 Camino, but I don’t expect to be alone or lonely.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Lots of people have the same feelings as you - so don't feel alone in that way! You walk alone but you are never "on your own" don't feel you are isolated you are never more than a few minutes from other Pilgrims who are always open to company. buen caminoI need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Thanks for understanding. I also feel alone but you give me hope I will meet a kindred spirit on the Camino. The Spanish call them twin souls.I wish you well! I am up against similar fears for similar reasons, so to read that made me feel not so alone. so thank you.
Hello. Thank you so much. After reading several responses I booked my flight and will leave on June 4. There are several factors that make me feel anxious. Some of it is being alone and some of the issues are the emotions and struggles I bring with me. How will I process everything without a friend? My decision came at a time of peace, so I figure there will be something on my journey to help me. I'm thankful for the support of this forum. Thank you again!Hello Lynne,
Just checking in to see how you are doing? If there is anything thatI can help with, please let me know, either here or private PM.
Absolutely. I felt that way on my 2016 camino. But, in four weeks I am returning to where I left off. Will the fear of being alone be gone? Probably not at first, but it is not fear of harm and so I will overcome it. You will too.
Welcome Lynne, your first post!
Yeah, walking solo is definitely a different experience. There are many advantages, though - especially in the way it allows connection with others. We do that when walking with friends too, of course, but I've found that being a party of one allows deeper connections with a broader variety of fellow peregrinos. If you find you have to stretch out of your comfort zone to connect with others, this is not a bad thing, either.
And emotional support? This will be different too. But you will find it in surprising places - you'll have to. Which may not always be easy, but it's a great gift.
The meseta solo is my idea of heaven. Buen camino, peregrina - may you have a wonderful time!
When people ask if I was alone when I walked in 2015 I tell them that I traveled alone but I didn’t walk alone. Nobody need walk alone. I forged lifelong friendships on my first Camino. I will again travel alone on my 2019 Camino, but I don’t expect to be alone or lonely.
You can do this. I’m flying from Australia alone and setting out from SJPDP june 2 nd. Just assume you can do it and that there will be plenty of people around and after the first few days you will find your feet and courage. You’ve got this!
Hi there. For me there was no other way than to walk it alone. My husband accepted this (despite his tears when accompanying a "little old fragile looking lady" to the airport, Melbourne, Australia) and those who didn't understand, never have understood me. The departure day was my 65th birthday present to myself. I did have other concerns. To combat these I wrote a list then took time to examine each. What was the underlying fear? What could I do to minimize the fear/anxiety? That helped enormously. The journey was amazing: exhilarating, challenging, joyful, tiring, uplifting. You name it (the emotion); I probably felt it. But regret? Never. Not even when the going got really tough and the loneliness momentarily threatened to 'undo' me. It's not for everyone, this going it alone. And of course the times that you are truly alone are not frequent, or long in duration, unless you choose them to be so. Being solo, without being conscious of sending out any 'signals', folk, or an individual, seemed to gravitate to me at just the right time, for a chat, for company, for solace and/or support. Other times, for similiar reasons, I found myself more open to others; a group, a pair, an individual. The first time, 2014: 3 months in total from my home base including 65 walking days from St Jean to Muxia. And...next time? I'll go solo again. Best wishes.
Hi Lyn,
As I pack, re-pack, pack my back pack and my suitcase for my later trip to the UK and Eastern Europe, leaving from Australia this Saturday, to walk the Norte solo, I definitely share your concerns especially in light of the Norte being more isolated etc. Also, according to a former post re statistics of how many people walk the Norte ( 12 per day only in April !), I am rethinking whether to do the Norte at all. However, having said that I am determined to start and continue my plan to divert at a certain point across to the Camino Frances, despite former pilgrims advising not to. I want the best of both Camino worlds so to speak- Basque country then a more social walk with more pilgrims on the French way. After a week in Paris & all going well I will head to Irun on Friday April 14th, stay the night then begin walking the next day. Living in Australia I most likely will never return to the Camino so I want to do what I want but who knows things change along the way and that's fine. So, I share your concern re loneliness & safety but it's not going to stop me. If anyone else is beginning the Norte around the time I am starting please let me know or others who have walked solo I'd love to hear from you.
Hello. Thank you so much. After reading several responses I booked my flight and will leave on June 4. There are several factors that make me feel anxious. Some of it is being alone and some of the issues are the emotions and struggles I bring with me. How will I process everything without a friend? My decision came at a time of peace, so I figure there will be something on my journey to help me. I'm thankful for the support of this forum. Thank you again![
Hello, my fears are similar. I leave May 8 from Seattle but I hope we connect along the way. I am the woman with a big smile and a sunflower on my cap.
Hello Lynne,
When fear is forefront, it has not been replaced by something else yet, that likely has a greater need to exist over fear. Fear is the ultimate procrastinator. Do you not just hate that word? Procrastinate!!! Planning and going on the Camino is not what a procrastinator does. There is always a purpose, whatever the individual need may be. The way to remove fear is to replace it with that purpose. It has to become stronger than the fear. And you know what the word "fear," stands for? False Evidence Appearing Real.
You have courage. Dig it up and move forward. If you want a partner, I expect to arrive in SJPdP May 6 and leave for Valcarlos May 7. Does that work?
Hope this helps.
This makes me think of two Hebrew words for fear. One is pachad, that is the imagined reptilian brain irrational fear when we are out of our comfort zone. The other, Yirah is the kind of exhilaration/fear when we are standing on sacred ground, awe that is scary in the good way, that asks us to step into something bigger! Walking the Camino alone is (and was for me last Sept.) the latter. It was the richest journey I’ve ever taken and it’s true at that time of year you’ll be alone for 5 minutes only if you want to be. I met so many incredible people I would never have met if I was with someone else. It’s brilliant- I’d totally step into the fear and take the leap!!!I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hi Lynne R.I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Don't be afraid of the fear, accept it and it has no power over you. Walk with freedom and the knowledge you have control because you have no control of who you will meet next, when you will eat again, where you will sleep and what pain will you endure. You will meet people, eat, sleep and certainly have pain. Just go and the fewer the expectations and thoughts the greater the rewards of the Camino. It will always give you what you need not what you want.
I am super paranoid, but love traveling alone. I feel like the Camino is one of the safest places to be solo. You’ve got a ton of comments here, but a little advice that made me feel much safer:
1. I never started out from the Albergue before the sun rose unless I could walk in a group
2. I always tried to be able to see one person in front of me and behind me at all times, the Camino is so crowded this wasn’t really hard for the majority of my Camino
3. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t be afraid to latch onto another pilgrim. It isn’t a weakness to ask for help. Have some basic Spanish phrases written in your guidebook in case you need help from a local (ie “I feel unsafe,” “I’m hurt,” or “can you call the police”)
I LOVED walking alone and only felt unsafe once when a drunk guy kept hitting on me. Other pilgrims walked with me until he left. I think everyone should try to walk the Camino alone so good for you! You will also likely join “Camino families” along the way, maybe one the entire trip or several. I still suggest trying to walk alone during the day because that’s how you rest your brain and do all the thinking. Then meet up with your Camino family at night at the Albergue.
Also I get severe homesickness every time I travel alone ( a combination of jet lag and not eating enough usually). I actually ended up bursting into tears in front of a stranger who ended up telling me exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. We’re still in contact today. The Camino provides so if you’re lonely, it will bring you people. If you need emotional support, someone will give t to you.
Have an amazing time! Buen Camino!
So true, the joy of being able to make spontaneous decisions without affecting someone else's day (or running afoul of each other's preferences).No walking companion would have stood for it.
I'm travelling alone now too Lynne. My friend has had to cancel. I'll be starting from SJPdP in a few weeks so might see you on the track in JuneI'm looking forward to a balance of solitude and connection with other pilgrims.
Bib, I am a 59 yo female of average fitness. I followed the Brierley guide and divided some of the longer stages into two days. I did not want to do myself an injury.I was having panic attacks a few months ago every time I started a long walk but they seem to have gone now (cross fingers!) I'm at peace now and have come to accept my solo journey. You may be right, maybe I was meant to do this alone?
I leave Melbourne, Australia on the 17th May. Plan to start walking from SJPdP on 20th May (another fingers crossed I can get there with the current French train strikes going on!) I just had a quick look at the Brierley guide and will probably arrive in Burgos the first few days of June...but I know I'll be a s l o w... walker. Keep in touch
I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hi,I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
Hey it will be my first time doing anything alone in the last 17 yrs and nervous is not the wordgot as far as Burgos last year with my husband,this year I'm flying to Santander and bussing it to Burgos for the secound leg.ive never been any where on my own befor so this will be a first for me.nots in my stomach.. .I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
You’ll be fine, just go for it ! What’s the worst that can happen ? In my experience as a female independent solo ( most times ) traveller over many decades, the strength I have gained, lessons learned etc has helped me throughout my life in so many ways. I too,at times, get scared but there is always a way out, meaning that things work out in the end. Give it a go and remember we learn by our mistakes so don’t worry everyone makes mistakes. Good luck and just do it !Hey it will be my first time doing anything alone in the last 17 yrs and nervous is not the wordgot as far as Burgos last year with my husband,this year I'm flying to Santander and bussing it to Burgos for the secound leg.ive never been any where on my own befor so this will be a first for me.nots in my stomach.. .
Hey it will be my first time doing anything alone in the last 17 yrs and nervous is not the wordgot as far as Burgos last year with my husband,this year I'm flying to Santander and bussing it to Burgos for the secound leg.ive never been any where on my own befor so this will be a first for me.nots in my stomach.. .
I too am traveling alone. This is my first Camino. I land in Madrid on the 19th of June and plan on arriving in to St. Jean on the 20th. When do you leave?I need a little inspiration from fellow solitary pilgrims. I am afraid to walk alone. I'm planning my second trip, but it is my first time alone. I haven't booked my flight because my fear is getting control of me. I plan to begin in Burgos in June. I have been to Europe alone a few times and have never been afraid or lonely. But I know this is an emotional journey and I loved the support of a friend on my last walk. Have any of you lone pilgrims felt this way? Thanks for your input!
I too am traveling alone. This is my first Camino. I land in Madrid on the 19th of June and plan on arriving in to St. Jean on the 20th. When do you leave?
When do you start your Camino?
I start from Burgos on June 6th. Where will you start walking?
I start my journey on the 13th of July.When do you start your Camino?
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