Would it safe to camp around?

[hahni1274]

Hi the interest of camino de norte has increased alot inside of me.
However i was very discouraged by its expensive hostels.
Do you think it will be safe to camp around? I will be there in may and am a female.

 

[mikevasey]

Hi,

Have a look at this link http://www.caminodesantiago.consumer.es/los-caminos-de-santiago/del-norte/ it takes you to the Eroski consumer website, if you go down the page it gives you individual stages for the route, you can click on them and look at the albergues and the known details for them, it usually includes the price. Some are donativo, a lot are around 5-8 euros, and some are over 15 euros(private).It is possible to walk it and avoid the more expensive hostels but there will be one or 2 quite long sections, you might need to look at it and think 'is +30km too far for me' or if I do stay in more expensive hostels will it only be once or twice.

I walked on the Norte in 2010 with a tent from Santander, I used it 3 times, twice on campsites and once in the grounds of a municipal albergue. I enjoyed it but I always had facilities at hand for having showers, washing clothes and eating, I decided in the end to stay in hostels, there was space, it was cheaper and good company as well. You can camp wild, it is mostly prohibited but I have seen people do it, but you as solo female pilgrim might need advice of another peregrina who has done this and can give you the pros and cons.

Good luck to you I hope that it goes well in the planning.

Mike