Tips for Older Hikers and Backpackers on Camino de Santiago

Embarking on the legendary Camino de Santiago is a dream for many hikers, regardless of age. In this insightful interviews, we are with experienced older hikers who have conquered the Camino and gather their invaluable tips and advice for fellow adventurers in their golden years. Join us as we explore the challenges and joys of hiking this iconic pilgrimage route, and discover practical insights to help older hikers make the most of their Camino journey. From training and preparation to managing physical demands and finding the perfect balance between pace and rest, our guests share their personal stories and offer guidance on how to navigate the Camino with grace and enjoyment.


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[caminotellers]

Enter the GIVEAWAY of the Pre Camino Support Calls:

[michaelbird]

I walked the Camino aged 70 with an artificial knee in 2015 and now tell everyone who will listen that it was the single greatest experience of my life. The Camino Frances is not a physical problem. It is a walk in the park, just a very big park. You do need mental strength. Don't get involved in detailed planning. The thing you need is time and common sense. (Remember if you have your bag carried you can no longer just call it a day when you want to!) My shortest day was 1Km, my longest about 26Km. Take it a day at a time. In the cities check in a cheap hotel and see the sights. I have never done a long walk before or since, you do not have to be a seasoned walker. It took me from 10th April to 4th June. I walked every foot and carried my pack. I had a stout wooden stick. I was encouraged by just about every walker I met and was humbled by the number of young Europeans who slowed in overtaking me (everyone did!) and walked with me for a few minutes, an hour, half a day, or who were happy to go out with me to eat and/or drink. If you feel unwell, if the weather is bad, if you like the look of a town or village, just take a day or two out. Remember the time Seniors have is a luxury for those with jobs and limited holiday time! The Camino is (or was) a very cheap experience and our income does not stop when doing it, as it often does for the kids! Those are the two big advantages - use them fully!!! Biggest advice: Don't start in France, go to Pamplona and out to Roncesvalles, skip stage 1 over the Pyrenees - it's the longest and hardest and not part of the "official" Camino anyway! You can use the stages from Roncesvalles to Pamplona as a trial, take a day or two out, revise your kit. You can buy anything you need in Pamplona, it is a Pilgrim town!! Second Biggest piece: Go in the Spring or early summer, before schools break. Failing that, mid September to early November. Avoid summer (hot) and winter(cold)!! Go alone. Enjoy!!

[jmest]

One of my greatest achievements in life was introducing The Camino to my parents. They are now avid hikers and walkers; I am forever grateful for our experience in El Camino.

[HoosierOldLady]

Hey, whippersnappers! Great video. I’m on the Camino now, one day past León. I haven’t been watching any YouTube videos but obviously had to watch this one. I really like the wisdom of the guest speakers. I’ve got nothing to add except that, for those who are retired, bask in the opportunity to take as long as you like. It’s not a race! Buen Camino!

[helenwallis]

Love this video. I am 71 and will be 72 when I walk my next Camino. Last year I walked the Via Francigena from Canterbury England to Aosta in Italy, and Lucca to Rome. I have also walked Caminos Inglese, Portuguese, Frances, Kumano Kodo x2 as well as walking across England, Scotland and long trails here in Australia. You are never to old to walk it’s just a matter of listening to your body. Carry very light weight in your pack and be open to changes that you may have to make along the way, all lessons for us in life. Buen Camino everyone and happy walking .

[enricosanchez]

Hello! I was 70 yrs old last year when I did the Camino Frances SJPdP to SDC. Thanks to your tips I completed it in 36 days including 3 days off.

[Kathysart]

Wow! I can do this! I was worried about my age, 75, but no fear! I’m going to start training… walking. Thank you so much for this encouragement.

[robscamino]

Great to see these 'older' Pilgrims. I just walked 1200 kms on Camino aged 66, and much of that was with a 74 year old!

[brianclose]

Hi everyone, walked Camino last year (May 29 days from St. I to Santiago, then on to Finistera), she 74, never booked a night in advance, only thought about a hostel lunch time (how I feel, weather\place worth stopping\ or carry on ). Usually started just before sunrise, fantastic time of day, then stop around 8.30/9 for coffee\chat\ another breakfast!! Started walking regularly 2020, 20 minutes a day target before breakfast 5\6 days a week. Steadily built this up to over an hour 2021.. Due to Covid went 2022, now walking up to 2 hours most days. Bag weight about 7kg/10% of my body weight. Tips, try out regularly cloths\shoes to see really comfortable, first few days walk steady as fitness improves more and more, equally listen to your body (before and during Camino). Good luck, Brian Close

[estellagutierrez]

This old lady (81 ) is on a roll getting ready for the great Camino.. August 7 is my Big day.. Buen Camino here I come. Thank you 😊

[Joe-nvh]

Hello CaminoTellers - Joe from Kansas here. I am enjoying and look forward your new videos! Thank you!

[teresamariajaster]

I'm 64 and walked solo to Camino from Leon mid Sept to Oct 2. My first but hopefully not last Camino. Great experience and the best decission to take time off from work, so I had the luxury of time. I walked from 8km to 23km per day. Took time to explore, stayed two nights in one town to recover and drink tea. The beauty of it is that you always meet people to have a meal with or just a nice chat, some people I called Angels since they show up when you are down or need a help. Amazing. Pack just the essentials 10% of your body weight it's a lot especially when walking uphill. Take less as you can buy things on your way. Think twice when packing. Just walk and enjoy the beauty of fresh morning smell and birds singing. I always started my day with praying rosary for my family, friends or people I met on the journey do Santiago. Buen camino. 😊

[mishainwonderland]

Thank you for the video, My mother is 73 years old and she wants to do Camino but she is scared because of her age. I will show this video to her.

[Emy]

These seniors are very motivating. I am considered a senior. I am healthy, not on any meds. I exercise regularly, and I want to do this journey, but not for religious reasons. I just want to do it fir my own personal fulfillment. I wouldn't mind doing a camino with a small group. Many blessings to all that do this especially the seniors.

[karenleonard]

Thank you for this delightful video! (Not a "spring chicken" but inspired by these folks.) In 2014, when we walked the Frances, there was a Korean gentleman who was 90 years old. So inspiring!

[peeweeleynes]

I did it last year when i was 73. I did not have any major problem

[wheeliemum]

Yes! if you can do it do not put it off! No one knows how much longer they will be able to walk so use the health you have today and do it

[carbonnieferrous]

The lady in her 70's was just lovely. So inspiring.

[TTraveller]

Wonderful wisdom! Inspirational! The oldest person to walk the Camino is a 93 woman with her 60 year old daughter.... Many 80 year olds walk the camino. More than 100 people in wheel chairs complete the Camino each year.... Blind people walk the Camino.... People with terminal illness walk the Camino.... As the famous quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption said.... "Get about living or get about dying!".... Physical age is a state of mind! Just take one step and the rest will be history!

[klauswagner]

Very informative video all answers are correct. Training is the key.I did my first Camino 2010 as a 68 year old, and my second in 2018 76years old. Training is the answer....Buen ON WALKING SENIORS