I encourage you to go alone. It will be a challenge but you can do it. There may be lonely, confusing, depressing times. But you will meet a community of kind and supportive pilgrims. You will come to know yourself and what the Lord intends for you.
I’ve done many Caminos but I envy you planning your first Camino. How I wish I could return to that state of ignorance where every day on the Way was magical even if I was tired, hurting, cold, and had no idea what I was doing.
I went alone on 7 trips to Spain to walk various Camino paths. Then, last year I walked with my wife. I showed her the albergue I stayed in Hornillos where I was the only pilgrim during a cold, dark early March night. I was so depressed that night and resolved to try to make the experience better. I told her, “ this is where my life changed.” I showed her the albergue I stayed in Castrojeriz where I met two pilgrims who gave me advice and helped me make changes, and I told her, “ this is also where my life changed.” I showed her the bar in Calzadilla where I met a group of pilgrims sitting outside during one of the few sunny days. They welcomed me for a beer and we became close over the next few weeks. I told my wife again, “this is where my life changed.”
Before every trip to the Camino I am nervous. I wonder if it’s really a good idea to go back again. I wonder whether I should just stay home. Then I realize I am putting too much pressure on myself and on the Camino to have an amazing, transformative experience. So then I simplify my thinking and formulate a basic plan and purpose. I try to minimize expectations and then I think that I am just going to go again and see what happens. Something always happens. Always something good. Always something that I would not experience anywhere else in the world.
