Walking 1st week of Camino Frances 9-14 July from St Jean Pied de Port...advice welcome☺️

[IrishMel2018]

Hi everyone, new to this...I’m Irish & arrive in Biarritz Monday 9th july to walk the first week of Camino, having already completed the final week of Camino a few years back, although I was with a group back then, this time I am travelling alone! So any advice would be great or get in touch if you’re on the same boat as me! Also how safe is it for ladies on the Camino alone? Excited but nervous!

 

[Frances Bat]

Enjoy the walk! I walked last summer from SJPdP alone and I found it to be a beautiful section of the camino. I broke the first stage by staying in Orisson which was good for getting to know people. I'm rather introverted, but I found it easy to find company when I needed it and to enjoy the solitude at other times. One time when I needed company on a dark morning, I asked a couple if I could tag along with them for a bit which was fine - so don't be afraid to reach out if you need a bit of support. Basically, I think the CF is a great place for a woman to walk alone. Buen camino!

 

[Devon Mike]

Hi everyone, new to this...I’m Irish & arrive in Biarritz Monday 9th july to walk the first week of Camino, having already completed the final week of Camino a few years back, although I was with a group back then, this time I am travelling alone! So any advice would be great or get in touch if you’re on the same boat as me! Also how safe is it for ladies on the Camino alone? Excited but nervous!

I will be in St Jean Pied de Port on Tuesday 10th July to start with my son the next day. There will be plenty of people around so you won't be walking on your own. You can walk and chat with people you are OK with, or just walk on your own with others in front and behind, so you will be safe indeed.

Buen Camino

Mike

 

[Deleted member 32363]

Hi everyone, new to this...I’m Irish & arrive in Biarritz Monday 9th july to walk the first week of Camino, having already completed the final week of Camino a few years back, although I was with a group back then, this time I am travelling alone! So any advice would be great or get in touch if you’re on the same boat as me! Also how safe is it for ladies on the Camino alone? Excited but nervous!

Hi Irish Mel, I always walk alone! I pay attention to how I feel, perceive what's going on around me. If it doesn't feel good, stop for a coffee, or wait for a group of people, and tag along. Call in your "Divine Team" to keep you safe and aware!! Buen Camino!!

 

[AlwynWellington]

@IrishMel2018 , sounds great

I'm a bloke, so can't respond to all of your questions.

On the other hand I have walked alone from south central France to north west Spain, in south east England and, with my adult son, on a more limited stroll in Scotland.

I like walking alone best. I'm in control of what I do, or don't do, each day. And of who I chat to at stops during the day. And where and when and what I eat. But it's only for a season (week, month, whatever). Then normal transmission resumes at home.

Your preparation, your stamina etc will guide you as to the distances you will do each day. Some people on trip like this like every day buttoned down. Others take each hour, each day, each encounter as they come. You will be able to find out which you are for yourself.

Five or six days walking would get you to, or approaching, Estella / Lizarra. There is a hop on bus service between Pamplona, Estella and Logrono. The timetable is here.

Being a bit of a rebel I often chose to walk on nearby roads, on the usually generous shoulder on the left, facing the on coming traffic. Most of my training is on roads, so I was comfortable with that.

So, kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

San Fermines is from July 6-13 in Pamplona, so you are likely to be there at that time. Be prepared; it is not everyone's cup of tea!!

 

[Pink Girl]

Hi buen Camino! It’s very safe. I’m young and female and walked alone. Just be smart. I’d suggest not starting out before dawn solo and I always tried to have someone in front and behind me (even if they were pretty far away) just in case. I loved walking alone. You meet so many more people than you would in a group.

You probably already know this since you’ve done it before, but TRAIN before you leave. Take hikes with the weight of your backpack on you. Also really wear in your shoes while doing this. I’m a runner and really I’m shape, but I didn’t train and completely hated my life the first week or so.

Have fun!!!

 

[Walking Lover]

Hi everyone, new to this...I’m Irish & arrive in Biarritz Monday 9th july to walk the first week of Camino, having already completed the final week of Camino a few years back, although I was with a group back then, this time I am travelling alone! So any advice would be great or get in touch if you’re on the same boat as me! Also how safe is it for ladies on the Camino alone? Excited but nervous!

There are so many pilgrims now that you will rarely be alone. I am walking now and see many women who are alone.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi everyone, new to this...I’m Irish & arrive in Biarritz Monday 9th july to walk the first week of Camino, having already completed the final week of Camino a few years back, although I was with a group back then, this time I am travelling alone! So any advice would be great or get in touch if you’re on the same boat as me! Also how safe is it for ladies on the Camino alone? Excited but nervous!

As falcon269 said, beware San Fermin. Pamplona is not where I would choose to stop at that time. If you can gauge your days, and stop either in Zabaldika or Trinidad de Arre (you cannot book in either of those donativo albergues, although there is more than one albergue in Arre) that would let you go on through Pamplona to Cizur Menor, or even up to Zariquiegui or over to Uterga - which you might be able to book- that will take you out of the hullabaloo that is Pamplona those days. On the other hand... maybe hullabaloo is to your taste! Having said that, albergues are closed, to the best of my knowledge, during San Fermin. May the road rise before you, buen camino!

 

[Frances Bat]

My camino friend was just showing me pictures of Pamplona during San Fermin which she walked through last year. There is a great shot of her being hugged by two carnival figures. She looked like she was having a lot of fun! She didn't stay in Pamplona though, but walked on through as has been suggested.

 

[IrishMel2018]

Thanks guys for all your kind words and friendly advice! Excited now although still a bit nervous

 

[Former member 49149]

Thanks guys for all your kind words and friendly advice! Excited now although still a bit nervous

By the way, it will be interesting to hear afterwards HOW alone the experience was!!! Be ready for a surprise!

 

[IrishMel2018]

I hope you’re right!!