Old Camino Walkers

[Waka]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

 

[Ekelund]

Very inspiring, thank you for your post

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @Waka you both give me a little extra confidence to my plans that start in Salamanca on May 12, 2025 to set out for Santiago. Buen Camino

 

[Dani7]

Well @Waka, this is inspiring me and dimming some of my fears for my next long walk. Thank you for sharing. Go Waka…go Waka…go Waka

 

[sillydoll]

In 2013 an 2014 I led Slow Camino groups from Sarria and from Ferrol respectively. The oldest in our groups was a man of 89 and then 90. He was amazing. We sent packs ahead and stayed in private rooms.

 

[MamaBear]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

So glad to hear this I’m 65 first Camino but a comfortable long distance backpacker experiences glad I’m going to see people retirement age

 

[Juspassinthru]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

I realize that there are physical limitations which prevent us from doing…whatever. There are also limitations we impose upon ourselves or society imposes or tries to impose upon us. While Henry Ford had many flaws, he at least got this right:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right,”

Keep doing, keep believing, keep dreaming.

 

[sillydoll]

The stats from the Pilgrim Office for 2023 shows the majority of pilgrims are between 46 and 65

 

[anaritasimoes]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

That's the spirit! Nobody is to old and everybody can do it! Thank you for your words!

 

[AK2112]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

Probably the best post I have ever read on this forum. I am in my late 50´s this means that I have many years left on the Camino!

 

[sillydoll]

The stats from the Pilgrim Office for 2023 shows the majority of pilgrims are between 46 and 65View attachment 182407

The stats from the Pilgrim Office for 2023 shows the majority of pilgrims are between 46 and 65

 

[TravellingMan22]

Agree with all this. I think the Caminos main selling point it that it is open to folks of all ages and abilities, which can’t be said of too many hikes I can think of.

 

[cindyjo]

I am in full agreement with Waka, “give it a try” regardless of age. My first Camino was at an unsure 64. Caminos are for everyone. There’s many to choose from and many ways to make accommodations based on preferences or needs. I’ve always carried my pack and now facing age 77 in a month, I feel confident I can make adjustments so there will be a Camino for me for many years to come.

 

[bullingtonce]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

I apologize but I do not see what you see; rather, I see Wise Camino walkers . . . a huge difference one might say. Knowledge is cool; wisdom is treasured. Chuck

 

[Bumpa]

The stats from the Pilgrim Office for 2023 shows the majority of pilgrims are between 46 and 65View attachment 182407

Thanks. Nice to see over 48,000 past the age of 65

 

[WisTom]

Age is just a number. My latest camino was the Levante last Feb/Mar from Valencia to Zamora. No other peregrinos (or any walkers of any sort). Longest day was 46km and the average was over 31km with a 10kg pack (I weigh 70.) However, I am still in my early 70s - 73. The trick is to just start walking.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

To quote Indiana Jones: “It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage”

The heart says "Yeah!" but the knees say "Nooo!"

Buen Camino to those who still can

 

[TravellingMan22]

Age is just a number. My latest camino was the Levante last Feb/Mar from Valencia to Zamora. No other peregrinos (or any walkers of any sort). Longest day was 46km and the average was over 31km with a 10kg pack (I weigh 70.) However, I am still in my early 70s - 73. The trick is to just start walking.

Great effort esp the 10kg pack!

I do think that age can matter obv. in relationship to fitness. Plenty of hikes I wouldn’t recommend to say an unfit person of say 75+ but I think even most folks even of that category could do a Camino. The first few days might be tough! The accessibility of the Camino shouldn’t be overlooked. That’s the great thing to me!

 

[Madamjoy]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

Well done you and Granny Pat. ‘Old’ is not how I would have titled your post. But that’s just me, a young 70ish, refusing to accept reality. . In 2017 I had the good fortune to meet Dorothea, a 91 year old pilgrim, walking to SdDC. I often think of her and am inspired to keep following my dreams. May I be walking at 91.

 

[mattythedog]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

I love to hear experiences like this! Keep up the good walk.

 

[Waka]

Thank you all for the positive comments. I did my first camino in 2015 and I have to say 10 years later it was a bit harder on the body and the brain. I'm hoping to go again next year, but will be doing a shorter on, maybe the Portuguese. I'd like to think I've still got it in me to plod along.

 

[slee92630]

So glad to hear this I’m 65 first Camino but a comfortable long distance backpacker experiences glad I’m going to see people retirement age

Right behind you MB, I'm 62 and doing my first starting in March 2025....

 

[Doctor]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

Thank you for this information as I was worried about doing my first Camino at 66 …targeting to start in May 2025 on my own. I read so many positive comments about this adventure I had no choice but to place it on my bucket list.

 

[Bradypus]

The stats from the Pilgrim Office for 2023 shows the majority of pilgrims are between 46 and 65

The shifting demographics of those walking Caminos over the years are quite remarkable. In the early days of the Camino revival it was very much a younger person's activity. There are some detailed statistics from Roncesvalles from 1987. Those under 45 outnumbered their elders by about 4:1. The number of pilgrims recorded there that year was about 50% of the entire Compostela total for the year. Those over 65 were a very small fraction of the total. A very different picture from today.

 

[60LifeChange]

Will walk my first Camino at 62. You are all good inspiration.... thank you!

 

[Juspassinthru]

Thank you for this information as I was worried about doing my first Camino at 66 …targeting to start in May 2025 on my own. I read so many positive comments about this adventure I had no choice but to place it on my bucket list.

Go for it @Doctor! I did my first Camino in 2017, the CF to celebrate turning 60. 2 years later, the Inglés. This year, a friend I met on my first Camino and I celebrated our friendship and retirements by walking from Oloron to Santiago on part of the Arles Way, the Aragonés and CF, 43 walking days. At the time, he was 69 and I was 67. Yes, for our ages I would say we’re in good shape. More importantly though, we were realistic and flexible. We had nothing to prove and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. So, get yourself prepared, be realistic and adaptable, if you can, plan some extra time and take that first step. It’s easy after that. And BTW, you won’t be “on your own” long…unless that’s your choice. Buen Camino and let us know how it goes.

 

[Judy's Way]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

That’s the great thing about walking the Camino…

 

[Judy's Way]

One of the best things about walking the Camino is that there’s no one way to do it. Each day’s distance can be adjusted to suit our needs, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. My husband and I celebrated birthdays along the way this fall. At 86 and 79, we’re proof that the Camino is for everyone, and we’re not planning to stop anytime soon!

 

[Circle56]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

Just have to say thanks for encouraging people to walk a Camino. We have done one and look forwarding to another.

 

[WGroleau]

I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.

From age 60 to 65, I've biked and walked thousand of kilometers each. As hospitalero, I've checked in many up in age, including a blind woman older than me, several deaf people, and one person over ninety.

 

[Old Kiwi]

I have done five caminos. I walked my first at 73 years old. I walked the last one this year in June and July at 81 years old and like all pilgrims I am planning my next one for 2026 when I will be 86. I have had no problems with any of them. I average about 25 yo 30 kilometres a day. Anyone can do it if you just travel at your own pace.

 

[Paul-CH]

I walked the last one this year in June and July at 81 years old and like all pilgrims I am planning my next one for 2026 when I will be 86.

Am I the only one who is a bit confused by the numbers?
There is only a 2-year difference from 2024 to 2026

 

[Old Kiwi]

Sorry Paul, I hit the wrong key, it should have been 84. This is what happens when you get old.

 

[Doctor]

Go for it @Doctor! I did my first Camino in 2017, the CF to celebrate turning 60. 2 years later, the Inglés. This year, a friend I met on my first Camino and I celebrated our friendship and retirements by walking from Oloron to Santiago on part of the Arles Way, the Aragonés and CF, 43 walking days. At the time, he was 69 and I was 67. Yes, for our ages I would say we’re in good shape. More importantly though, we were realistic and flexible. We had nothing to prove and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. So, get yourself prepared, be realistic and adaptable, if you can, plan some extra time and take that first step. It’s easy after that. And BTW, you won’t be “on your own” long…unless that’s your choice. Buen Camino and let us know how it goes.

Thank you for the feedback…I am excited to start my first Camino as this will be my first adventure on my retirement …again appreciate the the constructive comments.

 

[MamaBear]

Thank you for this information as I was worried about doing my first Camino at 66 …targeting to start in May 2025 on my own. I read so many positive comments about this adventure I had no choice but to place it on my bucket list.

There will be people probably in site in front or behind you including me

 

[drgalvin]

It's now seven weeks since I returned from doing he Frances and what a wonderful 40 days it was. I'm sure there are possible pilgrims out there that worry that they may be too old to walk the camino, but I can assure you there is no age barrier.
Myself I am 76 yrs old and my walking friend is 83 yrs old (known as Granny Pat), we both carried our own packs, didn't book accommodation and never went without a bed at the stop of our choosing. We didn't take any days off and walked around 20-23 km a day.
So if you're wanting to go and are worried about age, give it a try.

My first Camino was Paris - Pamplona 1991 at age 49, on to Santiago the next year. Seven others since including my longest, Arles - Santiago at age 77.
All by bicycle. My wife has done the Camino on bike and walking. She says bicycle is harder overall.