Solo female from ireland

[Kildare]

Hi all, last year I done the camino portuguese with my two daughters last year but this year I'm doing the camino frances solo. I fly into Bizarrtz on 26th July and plan to start the following day. I'm a bit nervous about walking it solo as my sense of direction isn't great. Any tips appreciated. Steph

 

[Kirkie]

Hi all, last year I done the camino portuguese with my two daughters last year but this year I'm doing the camino frances solo. I fly into Bizarrtz on 26th July and plan to start the following day. I'm a bit nervous about walking it solo as my sense of direction isn't great. Any tips appreciated. Steph

Well done, Steph! Find a time to pop in to the Camino Information Centre in James' Street, any Thursday, Friday or Saturday. 10.30 to 3.30, staffed by volunteers who have a range of Camino experiences to offer. You'll maybe get a cup of tea, but you will certainly get lots of encouragement and support, and if it is the first Saturday of the month, at 12 noon, a Camino blessing to set you on your way. Buen camino.

 

[André Walker]

I'm sure you'll be fine. If a man (not being accompanied by a woman) can make it, so can you! There will be plenty of yellow arrows, signs, shells, fellow pilgrims and locals to help you in the right direction.

And, because you'll be walking from east to west: if the sun is on your right hand for a prolonged period of time, you should be alarmed.

 

[roving_rufus]

Another Irish solo female walker - the CF has plenty of arrows and other pilgrims.
Definitely if you get a chance like Kirkie said call into the Camino Info Centre in Dublin. There are some useful map apps with GPS and the camino route so if you do feel lost

 

[Flog]

Finding your way across the Camino Frances won't be any trouble at all, it's so well trodden, but it's likely to be hot in July/August, so be prepared for the heat! There will also be a much higher percentage of Spanish pilgrims than at other times of the year. If you have time, brush up on the bit of spanish. Not at all essential, but it's always useful and always appreciated!

Buen Camino

 

[CaminoDeChristiano]

Hi all, last year I done the camino portuguese with my two daughters last year but this year I'm doing the camino frances solo. I fly into Bizarrtz on 26th July and plan to start the following day. I'm a bit nervous about walking it solo as my sense of direction isn't great. Any tips appreciated. Steph

Hi Steph,

I'm only down the road in Leixlip. I walked the Frances solo in 2022 - flew into Biarritz and train from Bayonne to SJPDP. I'll be walking the Norte this year and will be in Biarritz only a week after you.

In terms of directions etc, the entire distance is actually really well marked. Additionally, there are loads of apps that use GPS as a backup - I used the CaminoNinja App as it also includes accommodation/services info for each town.

Advice wise;

Don't worry too much about accomodation until Sarria, or going through big cities although even then I was always able to book on the day or find something.

You will meet friends very quickly. The first few weeks of the Frances are magic - the people are incredible and the vibe is so welcoming.

Trail runners and hiking sandal w/socks are what worked best for me to avoid blisters. Bring Compeed and Ibuprofen.

Everywhere claims to have the best pizza/ice-cream/food on the Camino, try them all. The food is incredible.

Buen Camino

Chris