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Apparently to this group 60 is the new 40!

K

Kitch

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Sept/2025
Ok, so this group is young at heart! Love it. I am thinking it actually is a little more exciting to just wing it a little more on my hike. I guess one question I have is did you just have your flight drop you off at the airport and get a taxi to wherever you are starting and then just see how far you could walk each day or did you have a certain amount of miles you wanted to cover in a day and I never thought of a rest day. Wow. My mind is a little blown with all the info here.
 
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I think you were originally thinking about booking a tour. That's really unnecessary. It all sounds a little daunting but after a couple days on the trail, you'll be an old camino hand and be able to easily deal with everything.

And you'll start off with a group of people who feel a little nervous and unsure just like you. And that's the beginning of your Camino "family", or companions.

Logistics:
Most people take a train or bus from their arriving airport to their starting point. There's a whole subforum about getting to various places on the Camino:


How far I would walk each day depended on if I thought I needed to book accommodation or not. If I felt the situation warranted booking, I would have a plan. If I didn’t think I need to book I would just look for a bed wherever I ended up.

Everybody has a different system and it depends how busy your Camino is. if you’re going to walk a busy route like the Frances in Spring or September book the first few days and then decide how you want to handle the rest of it.

Plan a little, but not too much. Because the plan will probably go out the window at some point.

As you said, the amount of information on this forum is mind-boggling.
 
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Since 2008 I have walked many and different Caminos, but I have to say the Camino Frances is closest to my heart, bc of nature, grandness, infrastructure, people (I like people), and ease in many forms, (communications etc.).

The way I do it, is to decide where to start in Spain (I like Pamplona; easy, and The Pyrrenes are overrated IMHO, and SJPDP is just one of many places to start from), and then plan the traveling there (which will include flight(s), bus/train, etc.), with accomodation booked at my starting point. Next day I start out walking. I plan (not much) my distances, and maybe book ahead for 1-2 nights, depending on pilgrim traffic etc. Most often I do not book ahead. Easy life, winging it, flexible, etc.

I stop when I find it's been enough for one day. I check in at an available albergue, relax wth a lunch and a cold beer, watching pilgrims stressing by. I participate in communal dinnesr where possible; it's a great way to socialize and get to know other people along the way.

If I find I've had enough Camino walking (I no longer have the need for more Compostelas; Santiago is not my goal anymore, though a terrific place; the Way is my goal), I start planning my return home, ordering plane ticket(s) first (I never book return tickets; Life is what's happening to you while you are making other plans, and sh*t most often happens to your plans...), and then the travel to the nearest place to the airport for a relaxed evening. Everything laidback and relaxed; no stress.

Every fear you may have will be blown away after a few days; to do a Camino is one of the easiest things you can do: learn more here on the Forum, then just follow the flow when on the ground, and learn from your fellow pilgrims while walking. Easy. After one week you will be a cunning Camino expert,

I am now 70 years young. Spring chicken on this forum

Edit: I just saw a post by a 90-year old guy busy planning his next walk: I am truly a spring chicken in here...
 
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When I started out nearly 20 years ago as a young 60 year old I flew to the nearest airport, bused to my albergue not caring a jot about time or planning. After a good snore I would start off the next morning with my world on my back. I did that for a good few years. However, as the years began to snap at my heels I still fly to the nearest starting point but now I jump on the handiest transport, train or bus but preferably a nice comfy taxi that will deposit me and my bag at the door of my hotel, yes hotel. I have time to enjoy two days looking around my starting point. On my first walking day a nice man or woman in a van collects my bag and takes it to my next hotel. I carry a light day bag with water and snacks stopping half way for lunch in a proper restaurant. After lunch I set off again for my hotel where my bag and a dinner will be waiting for me. Next day the whole lovely process starts over again. O, yes I usually have two weeks or so and about 200k to play with so I can take a rest day during the first week and maybe even the second week. This leaves me two or three days to loaf around my finishing point, whereever that may be. I finish with a taxi bus or train to the airport and homewardbound. Bliss not blisters. I am a member of a very special group of pilgrims,. "Los sin Mochilas" or "Pilglams" Can I finish by thanking Olivia Pittet author of "The Camino Made Easy: Reflections of a Parador Pilgrim (Archway Publishing) 2018. Happy Trails and Buen Camino...
 
Well deserved, oldtimer.
 
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alexwalker said:
I am now 70 years young. Spring chicken on this forum

Edit: I just saw a post by a 90-year old guy busy planning his next walk: I am truly a spring chicken in here..
Click to expand...
Snap i am of the same vintage as you Alex and i was so impressed by Methuselah's posts when i first joined
 
Generally I think the answer is ‘yes’; other than that it’s generally possible to get to the common start points on the more popular caminos by public transport.

Most of us here are sufficiently well funded, but tighter than two coats of paint. (In British English ‘tight’ is ‘careful with money’). Trains and buses in Spain are reliable, clean and inexpensive - all three of which could be a surprise.
 
Lots of experience here, my first Camino in 2017, I used the Brierley guide to help me understand the “stages” so I at least had an idea of what I needed to be prepared for and I booked beds to Pamplona which allowed me to figure out the flow. I would suggest you consider something like that. What you do, day to day and how you do it will evolve.

Regards travel and arrivals, I started in St Jean (SJPP). I flew to Bordeaux from Lisbon and caught a train to SJPP from there. Within 2 hours of arrival, I’d met my first walking partner at the Pilgrims Office. I never looked back.

I’m a “go for it” kind of person, not everyone is. For most it’s an easy start, for some it’s very easy and I realize for others it can be intimidating. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, with some confidence and a little help from your unknown Camino friends, you’ll do fine.

Buen Camino.
 
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Old age and experience beats youth and enthusiasm once again. Long may you continue.

To the OP: the big secret is, it’s really very straightforward. The hospitaleros are well used to managing an influx of first-timers with whom they don’t necessarily even share a common language.

Set aside your micro-planned, concierge-facilitated European tour preconceptions and throw yourself on the Camino Frances (excluding April and September). You’ll bore the pants off your friends for years to come with your stories.
 
If you are fine with dorm type accommodations there are several great places to give you a good start.
Beilari in St Jean Pied de Port. Then either Orisson or Borda to break up the stage over the Pyrenees.

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Beilari, your albergue in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port At the foot of the Pyrenees a charming 17th century Basque house in the center o Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port awaits you. This is Beilari. Welcome, pilgrims of Santiago and walkers from all over the world! We will do everything in our power to...
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henrythedog said:
Old age and experience beats youth and enthusiasm once again. Long may you continue.
Click to expand...
To the OP: Suck up the community knowledge of this Forum of highly experienced pilgrims and turn it into your advance. Remember:

Good decisions come from experience.
Experience comes from bad decisions.

Use the experience of this highly qualified forum to your advantage.

By using the common knowledgebank of this forum, you will be well prepared before you even set your foot on Spanish ground.

But try to learn some basic Spanish phrases: Like politeness (important), asking for directions, booking a bed, food terms etc.

On the CF you can get mostly away with English, on lesser travelled Caminos not. But trying to be polite and speaking a little Spanish is never out of fashion: The Spanish are very polite people (normally).
 
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So much great info from so many others with a wealth of experience, so my 20c worth is to have a rough overall outline, your first night's (or even the second) accomm booked just to feel comfortable, and after that make like the 'Velvet Fog' and cast your fate to the wind. I've always found that's when the magic happens. Buen Camino!
 
you have just inspired a 62-year-old spring chicken to enjoy himself... (me). I am doing something similar, one-way ticket to Paris then down to SJPPD and begin, and no rush, I will be done when I am done. I love the idea of taking it as it comes... So, thanks!
 
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I’m 75 and just completed the Frances-each Camino offers something different. My husband and I walk together. We plan the whole journey. Round trip, trains, places to stay. If I do it again, the only plan will be the flight over. Since we walked the Frances and Portuguese, it’s time for another route or do the Meseta which we skipped. Who knows. I’m getting the hang of it.
 
Hello Kitch
I have now walked 6 times. On my 2 Caminos from SJPDP I flew once to Paris and once to Biarritz and then by tarin to SJPDP. for my Costal Camino I flew to Porto and started from there. On the two short walks from Sarria I flew to Madrid and then took a direct train to Sarria. For Finisterre I flew to SDC and walked from there.

As for walking each day I developed a system quite early on which suited me which I will share with you in the hope it helps. I got on the road each day for 07.00and walked for 2 hours then stopped for breakfast and a look around the village or town for about and hour. Then another 3 hours walking and a stop for lunch with another hour to wander around. I would then consult my guidebook and pick an albergue about a 1 hour walk from where was with a reserve in case it was full. With my pack i usually cover about 4k an hour and would normally be checking into and alberque 14.00 to 14,30 with time to shower and relax before dinner. I would usually cover 20k to a maximum of 25K a day quite comfortably.

I hope this information will be of use to you.
Buen Camino

Vince
 
70 is the new 40.
 
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Single Pilgrims will create Camino Families more easily. Traveling with a group, your given a family (like inlaws ) Scheduling in advance could limit serendipity.
My wife, Pam, and I have hosted at what is often described as the nicest, most tranquil public albergue on the French Camino at Ribadiso da Baixo. Pilgrims stop, soak their tired feet in the river, have lunch at the restaurant patio next door, relax, and realize they have a reservation in Arzua 3km. more up the hill. They wish the could relax a bit more. Wash and dry their clothes in the fresh air.
This is a pilgrimage without planning, not a booked vacation.
 
williamlittig said:
This is a pilgrimage without planning, not a booked vacation.
Click to expand...
IMHO: The best plan is to not have a plan. Plans get busted. We often read examples here on this very Forum (and see it while walking).

My advice is to accept reality (life) and adjust accordingly. Feel the freedom from safety nets.
 
Last 4 CFs I found other pilgrims in the airport. Upon landing in Pamplona, we shared a taxi to SJPP. By then it’s after 1500, so I just start walking up the hill, once to Orrison, the other times to Valcarlos. There is always lots of space in the Valcarlos albergue
 
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And, being there, I can testify that 70 is also the new 50, or perhaps the new 40 as Yingst states above.

Either works for me. I can only say that, at nearly 71, I am in far better condition and health that my parents and family members were at 50.

Where there is a will, there is always a way.
 
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Yeah, you! I'm planning my next Camino after my 60th birthday, too. I've walked the Frances in 2016 and the Ingles in 2022. My itineraries were loose on both trips--no pre-booked accommodations, no set amount of km/day. I allowed time for rest days, but only used 1 in 2016. On my 1st trip, I traveled by train and bus from Paris to St. Jean to start. In 2022, I flew to Madrid and took an overnight bus to Ferrol. Both times, I traveled alone but found company along the way. The benefit of going solo is that you can decide where you want to stay, how far you'll walk each day and how long you'll rest without negotiating. It's hard to get lost (for long) and there are Camino angels to guide you.

My 2016 guidebook (via Kindle) was Leslie Gilmour's which I enjoyed for its maps of stages, local history, and amenities. I often found myself reading aloud and sharing tidbits with my Camino family after a long day's walk. Most guidebooks have a section describing the various ways to get to your chosen starting point. Many CF pilgrims choose cities like Leon, Pamplona or Logrono as easy starting points.

Buen Camino!
 
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henrythedog said:
Trains and buses in Spain are reliable, clean and inexpensive - all three of which could be a surprise.
Click to expand...
I had to take a bus from Logroño to Barcelona when I aborted my walk, and can confirm. Booked online using my smartphone and the bus company's own app. 6-hour ride, but quite comfortable and with one 30-min comfort stop along the way for food, toilets etc. (The bus also had an onboard toilet, but that's not guaranteed.)

The only caveat was that the bus company combined two buses into one without warning anyone; if several of us hadn't gotten snoopy at the terminal when 'our' bus didn't arrive, we would've missed our ride.
 
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I'm 65 and just walked the Camino Francis for the second time this fall. The travel website Rome to Rio is very helpful for helping you figure out how to get to the place you want to walk, especially if airtravel or trains are involved. Also, if you ever need to take a local bus, google maps is a great source. I found some people did book accomodation ahead primarily through apps such as Buen Camino or Wise Pilgrim. These apps give you contact info-email and phone, and some alberques connect you to booking.com. I used it a few times. The best feature of an app is a map of the entire camino; even if you are offline, your phone's GPS will show where you are on the route (and if you've taken a wrong turn). Good luck and have a great camino!
 
Vince, that is great advice for a daily routine. Get up around dawn, shortly after the bag rustling mob leaves and walk your own pace. Find a cafe con leche somewhere that's opens before the normal 9am starting time for cafes, take a leisurely breakfast break around 10, explore the village or local church, dry your socks, walk until noon or so, find a bed or queue up at your chosen albergue, have a cold one, take a shower, wash your clothes and hang them on the line and find a place popular with the locals for menu del dia. Take a siesta, take in the evening activities in town, have a salad, share a pizza with new friends. Get to bed early and repeat every day.
 
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Only once did I fly directly to the town or city I started from. In that case, I caught the metro to where I started. Generally, getting to the starting point involves, in addition to the plane, a train and/or bus and then some walking.

Usually I have a reasonable idea of how far I can walk in a day and budget how long until the return flight based on that. For my 2016 Camino, with my son, we really didn't know what daily distance was right for us. All we had to go by was the guidebooks and their suggested stages. I booked two months in Spain for our Camino Frances and sightseeing afterwards. We ended up spending 41 days walking from Roncesvalles to Finisterre, which included rest days in Burgos and Astorga.

Since then, I have a better idea of how far I like to walk in a day, but I always give myself a cushion in case of the unplanned. On my current Camino, I'm starting to wish I had given myself a bit bigger cushion. Also, instead of rest days I am more frequently doing very short days.
 
I walked my first Camino in early 2009 at age 71. We had very little information about the adventure...we just walked to Santiago from St. Jean. We learned along the way as ]@alexwalker describes. We stayed in albergues and the odd pension when convenient.
No taxis..."luggage" transport was not even a thing yet.

We still follow the same routine except we feel the need to avoid the active routes with the unfortunate loss of the "old" attitudes of pilgrims and commercialization of the routes.

Stay Brave
 
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