Personal safety and travelling alone How to stay safe on the Camino. Expand The Camino is statistically very safe. Hundreds of thousands of people walk and cycle the routes every year, most of whom experience no problems at all. However you should always be sensible and take care of yourself and your possessions as you would anywhere in the world. Your kit - rucksack, boots, stick - identify you immediately as a pilgrim, and the local people still respect the pilgrims' motivation and are generally happy to assist you whether it be in an emergency or if you just want directions. The incident in 2015 of the disappearance of a female pilgrim along the Camino francés, and the subsequent discovery of a body and arrest of a suspect, were highly unusual and led to greater vigilance and monitoring of the Camino by the Guardia Civil, particularly in the summer months. You are encouraged to take note of any safety warnings being made on particular stretches and to act accordingly. If you have concerns about safety, or about walking alone, here are some tips to help you stay safe: Walk with other pilgrims or within sight of others: If you are nervous about walking solo, or you are an inexperienced walker, choose a busier route like the le Puy route or the Camino francés, where you will rarely be completely alone. There is a great sense of community among pilgrims, and there are usually others close by to help you if you need it, and to walk with if you choose. Stay alert: Be aware of where you are and who you are with. If any strangers, including other pilgrims, do or say things that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and seek assistance from other pilgrims, hospitaleros, or local people - or from the police if matters are serious. Use your phone: There are apps you can download to keep your peace of mind. Alertcops is the citizen security alert service that the Spanish law enforcement authorities provide to assist people at risk. You can send alerts to the nearest nearest emergency centre, chat directly with a support agent (in English), or receive security news and notifications sent by public security services. You can also share your location with the people you want or with the public security centre. App Camino, for those doing the Camino Francés, allows you to report any incidents or impositions along your way. The universal European emergency number is 112 which will work in all EU countries even if your phone is out of credit (further numbers are listed below). We also suggest that you take important contact numbers of your own, such as: your government's nearest embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting bank or credit card companies for reporting lost or stolen cards mobile phone company travel insurers airlines and other travel providers/agents. Always be careful with valuables: Keep them safe in large cities and don’t leave money, cameras, phones, passports etc unattended at any time. Use a securely-waterproof bag to protect such items when you shower. Choose safe accommodation: There's generally safety in numbers since, in the albergues, everyone shares a large common dormitory, and there are usually hospitaleros on duty who often sleep in the building overnight. If, however, you find yourself as sole occupant of an albergue with no hospitalero in attendance, seeking more secure overnight accommodation, such as a small hotel, would be advisable. Wear a reflective vest: Not just a sensible thing to do, but a legal requirement in Spain to wear one if walking on a road or close to traffic before first light, or after sunset. They are lightweight and cheap to buy, either before you leave, or from garages or supermarkets in Spain. Insurance: Always buy appropriate travel insurance which covers health care, emergency repatriation and rescue. Keep copies: copies of your passport, travel insurance and any other important documents should be carried carry away from your purse or wallet. Consider leaving an additional set of copies with relatives or friends at home. If something happens: Do not hesitate to call the authorities for assistance in an emergency, or to report crimes such as theft or flashing, both of which occur very occasionally. You will be helping other pilgrims by reporting all such incidents to the nearest hospitalero and the Guardia Civil. The main emergency number in Europe is a universal 112, but please see below a list of additional emergency numbers. If you need consular assistance please contact your Embassy. Spain Additional Numbers: 062 – The Guardia Civil 091 – National Police 092 – Local Police Each of these services has their own areas of responsibility. However they advise that when in doubt simply phone them and they will decide which force should best respond. 061 – Health Emergencies 080 - Fire Service Victims of Crime: There is a dedicated an English-language telephone number for victims of crimes who wish to make a police report but do not speak Spanish. The number is (34)-902-102-112. It operates from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. France Additional Numbers: 15 – Health Emergencies 17 - Police 18 - Fire Service Finally, the Pilgrim forum run by Ivar Rekve has discussion threads on any up-to-date Camino safety issues.
What do I do for money? How much to budget for whilst on Camino, where you can draw money from etc. Expand You should plan to spend about €30 per day on the Camino frances if you stay in pilgrim accommodation, assemble your own picnic lunches and self-cater, or you can spend rather more if you eat out all the time, treat yourself to regular nights in a hotel or casa rural and pay to have your luggage carried. Recently returned pilgrims report that some other routes such as the Camino del Norte are more expensive, and France is more expensive than Spain. Albergues usually vary between €5 - €15 per person per night, hostals, pensiones, casa rurales, hotels €20 plus per person per night, depending on the quality of the establishment and whether you have a single or shared room. But what about this free accommodation people talk about? Well, there are indeed some free municipal albergues on the Vía de la Plata. There are many other albergues, usually those run by pilgrim assocations or religious groups, which do not charge a fixed price but are run on a voluntary contribution basis (donativo). This does not mean they should be regarded as free, as is sometimes stated in various online forum comments, rather that they rely on voluntary donations to keep open and that it is up to you to ensure you pay a fair contribution for your stay. Make sure you have cash to place in the collection box. The pilgrim menu is anything between €9 and €20, breakfast might be €3 - €5, and lunch another €5 - €10. Don’t forget to budget for extra purchases such as drinks, various toiletries and pharmacy products, and to have access to an emergency fund to cover unexpected events such as extra rest days in a hotel, or replacing lost or damaged kit. Many albergues and small shops request payment in cash and you may find 50% of your purchases are in the form of cash. There are banks and cashpoints in all of the cities and towns, also some of the larger villages. Consider getting a currency card which can be preloaded with a set amount of cash for a fixed exchange rate and then topped up by text, phone or internet as often as you need. One example is the Prepago card from Correos. Finally - use ATMs when the bank is open, if possible. If your card is "eaten" by the machine you should be able to get it back quickly....
What is the food like on Camino? The Camino cuisine! Expand If you stay in albergues, you will usually eat in bars or restaurants, although a few albergues offer a communal breakfast or dinner. Use a guidebook to plan ahead for places to eat or shop for food. Don’t forget bars often don’t open until 8 or 9 am and shops will be closed from lunchtime until late afternoon. It is best to carry a small quantity of food that doesn’t need refrigeration - choose from fresh or dried fruit, nuts, cereal bars, bread, cheese, tinned sardines - to eat as snacks or as a makeshift breakfast or picnic lunch in case bars or shops are closed when you walk past. Some albergues have kitchens open to pilgrims but can be poorly equipped with utensils; it is best to check the facilities before planning what to cook and shopping for ingredients. Also you may discover items left by other pilgrims which you can use, like open packets of rice or pasta. There are supermarkets in the larger towns, but the shops in small villages will have a more limited choice of foodstuffs. You are likely to find variants on the following in the bars and restaurants along the Camino Francés: Breakfast - Bread/toast with jam, pastries, churros (long fried doughnuts), coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit juice. Lunch/snacks - Tortilla (egg and potato flan), salad, bocadillos (baguette-style rolls with various fillings, usually cheese or ham), soup, empanada (a square piece of a large pie, usually filled with tuna or cod in tomato sauce). Or if you are very hungry, have the 3 course menú del día available from 2 pm onwards. Dinner - Menú del Peregrino - 3 course set meal, very similar to menú del día. Here is an idea of what choices you may be offered, sometimes there is a choice of dishes, sometimes not. Starters: Soup (lentil, garlic, bean), mixed salad, pasta with tomato sauce, vegetables which can include menestra de verduras (a sort of stew or thick soup), green beans or peas with garlic and ham or chorizo, vegetables in season, such as asparagus.. Mains: Meat (Chicken, beef - usually stew, pork, meatballs, sausage, chorizo, lamb, rabbit), eggs, fish (trout, hake, salmon, tuna), usually served with chips or sometimes boiled potatoes. Desserts: Yoghurt, various custard-style desserts (cuajada, natillas, flan), ice cream, fresh or tinned fruit, rice pudding, cakes, cheesecake, The menú del peregrino usually includes bread and either wine or water, and is served from around 7pm to ensure tired pilgrims can be back in their bunks for 10pm lights out. If you are having a rest day and are staying somewhere other than a refugio, you can treat yourself to dinner or tapas at the more conventional 9pm onwards and enjoy a wider selection of food. There are a lot of traditional local dishes to try if you get the opportunity: Pamplona & Navarra - pimientos de piquillo (long red peppers), white beans, chistorra sausage, trout, cuajada (sweetened creamy cheese traditionally made from ewe’s milk), pacharán (fruit/anise liqueur). Basque Country - pintxos small tapa-like plates of local meat, seafood and vegetable delicacies; txakoli the Basque wine. Logroňo - famous for tapas bars, Rioja wine. Burgos - morcilla blood sausage Astorga and La Maragatería region - cocido maragato (a stew of many different pork cuts, traditionally separated after cooking and served meat first, followed by vegetable and chickpeas and finally noodle soup made from the broth). Astorga is famous for its chocolate. Galicia - caldo gallego (a filling stew/soup of greens, potato and meat), tarta santiago almond cake, pulpo a la gallega (octopus served on potatoes with paprika), creamy white cheeses, pimientos de padrón (small green peppers served fried),some sweet and some fiery, bacalao (salt cod), steaks, cider.
I have limited time, how can that work? Suggestions of where to start if you're strapped for time. Expand A good question! The short answer is: it depends on you. How long have you got? Bear in mind travel days either side and rest days that you might need. How far do you think you can walk per day? 20km is moderate, 25km more average, 30km for fit pilgrims, 35km for very fit pilgrims. Now multiply your answers together. And then think in terms of the main places you can reach by public transport. Remember: if you want a compostela or certificado, you’ll need to have either walked the last 100 km into Santiago or cycled the last 200 km. Don’t forget you can walk the camino in stages over a period of years if you wish, making sure that you cover at least the minimum distance in your last stage. To help you calculate daily distances and overall route lengths: http://www.godesalco.com/plan Interactive maps leading to route guides with stages can be found on https://www.gronze.com/todos-los-caminos and http://www.mundicamino.com/los-caminos/ The following tables gives an idea of distances from the most popular start points on the major camino routes and a rough idea of the walking time (without including rest days) needed to reach Santiago. Please bear in mind some routes are less well-developed than the Camino Francés in terms of accommodation and therefore daily stages may vary considerably in length. See individual route descriptions for more details. Camino Francés – Do you start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles? Whilst many pilgrims regard Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as the main "start line," Roncesvalles, is a also traditional starting point, especially for Spaniards and avoids the steep (1,200m) climb over the Pyrenees. This climb can be broken up over 2 days by staying at Huntto or Orisson. If intending to stay at Orisson and, indeed the Abbey at Roncesvalles, ensure to book as far in advance as possible, as these are in high demand for most of the season. Generally, it takes 4 – 5 weeks to walk from St Jean, depending on fitness, and about 2 weeks to cycle. Camino Francés Distance From Santiago St Jean Pied-de-Port 780 km Roncesvalles 750 km Pamplona 700 km Burgos 490 km León 310 km Ponferrada 200 km Sarria 110 km On some stretches of the Camino del Norte, there are still considerable distances between accommodation, sometimes up to 40 km and very few 20 km stages. Camino del Norte Distance From Santiago Irún 825 kms San Sebastián (Donostia) 805 kms Bilbao 710 kms Santander 560 kms Gijón /Avilés 355 / 330km Ribadeo 195 km Usually walked over 5 days, the stages of the Camino Inglés vary (depending on where you stay) from 20 km or less to 30 km. Camino Inglés Distance From Santiago Ferrol 110 km A Coruña 75km (with option of adding on pilgrimage in home country) There are stages on the Camino Primitivo that are 30 km or more, in mountainous country. A reasonable level of fitness would be required. Camino Primitivo Distance From Santiago Oviedo 315 km Lugo 101km The Camino Portugués would take about 4 weeks to walk, 2 weeks from Lisbon to Porto and 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. There are some long stages, but the route has very little elevation. Camino Portugués Distance From Santiago Lisbon - 610km Coimbra - 370km Porto - 230km Tui - 115km Accommodation on Vía de la Plata has increased and can generally be found at roughly 25 km intervals. It takes about 6 weeks to walk from Seville to Santiago. Via de la Plata Distance from Santiago Málaga - 1,270km Granada - 1,185km Córdoba - 1,050km Sevilla - 1,000km Cáceres - 700km Salamanca - 520km Zamora - 410km Ourense - 110km France – Route starting points Distance from Santiago Le Puy en Velay - 1,600km Arles - 1,580km Vézelay - 1,700km Paris - 2,000km Mont St Michel - 1,755km Pointe de Grave - 1,200km
Common ailments on the Camino Tips for how to deal with blisters, sprains, tendonitis, sunburn, dehydration and insect bites. Expand Pilgrims unfortunately suffer the same coughs, colds and stomach upsets as anyone else. There are pharmacies in all the towns and in most of the larger villages for advice and medicines for minor ailments. If you feel very unwell please ask the hospitalero or pharmacist to direct you to the local clinic or hospital. In case of emergency call 112. Please note the advice here is very general; if you have specific medical conditions that need special management or are allergic to or cannot take any of the over-the-counter medicines mentioned or have any concerns at all about your health, this advice may not be suitable for you and you should take professional advice from your doctor before starting your Camino. The main pilgrim-specific ailments are: Blisters: Your feet need proper care and attention every day to keep you walking comfortably. You should prepare your footcare regime before you set out on pilgrimage. Choose well-fitting boots or walking shoes and break them in. Decide what type of socks or combination of sock layers you will wear and try them out before your Camino. Also decide whether you want to coat your feet with silicon-based preparations, vaseline or sports products like Bodyglide to prevent friction. Don’t have a pedicure just before a Camino as soft feet may be more prone to blisters. Wash your feet well every day, dry thoroughly and try to leave them exposed to the air as much as possible in the evening. Keep your nails trimmed and treat any fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Wearing flip flops or crocs in the showers will limit your exposure to such infections. Avoid walking with wet feet. If your feet get wet, dry out your boots as best you can and change into dry socks before continuing. Some people air their feet and change socks when they stop for a rest. Do what works for you. If you do develop hotspots, gel dressings like Compeed, lambswool or zinc oxide tape work very well at protecting the sore areas. The general medical consensus seems to be that blisters should be left alone (since the unbroken skin acts as a barrier to infection) and simply covered with a protective dressing before you start walking again. Larger blisters may have to be padded with a cushioned dressing of some sort that is taped in place. Very painful blisters that prevent you from walking may have to be drained with a sterile needle, cleaned and treated with antiseptic and dressed. This may be best left to a medical professional to avoid risk of infection. Dressings for broken blisters should be changed daily. If you have diabetes you should always seek medical advice for foot injuries of any sort. If you do develop very painful blisters, a rest day can work wonders. There are as many different opinions on types of boots, socks, anti-friction methods and dressings as there are reasons for going on Camino. Good outdoor shops should be able to advise you or visit the CSJ office to talk to experienced pilgrims. You can also check out Ivar Rekve’s Pilgrim Forum for footcare discussions. Dehydration and Sunburn: Use sunscreen, wear a sunhat and cover the back of your neck with a scarf or shirt collar. Sunglasses and UVA resistant clothing also help. Try to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day. Drink water before you leave in the morning, keep drinking regularly throughout the day, don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol. If you start to feel tired and headache-y and begin to pass smaller amounts of more concentrated urine, stop walking, rest somewhere cool and shady and rehydrate with water and if possible an electrolyte drink or oral rehydration salts. If you start to feel very unwell, urgent medical advice should be sought. Sprains: Wearing boots with suitable ankle support should help prevent the most common sprains i.e. twisted ankles. If you do suffer anything other than a very minor injury it is wise to seek medical attention. Tendonitis: Correctly fitted boots, proper hydration and stretching before and after exercise help to prevent muscle and tendon strains. Also, try not to push yourself too hard in the first few days, as most pilgrims with tendonitis develop this after their first week of walking because they are going too far, too fast. If you develop aches and pains that you cannot easily shake off you should get this checked out by a medical professional. Please note there are various physiotherapists and other practitioners offering sports massage along the Camino francés. Insect bites: Hydrocortisone cream should soothe itchy bites, if you have an allergic reaction to bites antihistamine tablets may help, a pharmacist will be able to advise you on suitable treatment. If you suspect you have been bitten by bedbugs, please see our section on Bed bugs on the Camino for advice about what to do. If you feel very unwell seek medical advice. For more information on the above topics, or any topic not covered in our FAQ, further information and discussion can be found on the Pilgrim Forum.
Phones and internet Advice about taking your mobiles, SIM cards and accessing the internet while on Camino. Expand Spain has good mobile coverage, so it is easy to stay in touch via phone. Don’t forget to make sure your phone will work overseas. If in any doubt, check with your provider. You can either use the phone via roaming on your current network (you will need to activate roaming on your phone at least a week before you go or via a prepaid Global SIM card or via a Spanish SIM card to save on costs. The most cost-effective option will depend on whether you make a lot of local calls (local SIM is probably better) or international calls (Global SIM or roaming will probably be cheaper). WiFi is readily available most of the way along the Camino, from bars, restaurants and albergues. Keeping in touch via email, or Skype or WhatsApp may be cheaper than texting or calling.
How do I train for my Camino? Suggestions for improving fitness in preparation for the Camino. Expand The suggestions here are very generalised; if you have any medical conditions or have any concerns at all about your health or fitness, please speak to your doctor or to a physiotherapist or a qualified personal trainer, as appropriate, to obtain professional individual advice. If you are not an experienced walker we would suggest: Start with short distances (just a few km) on the flat. Add longer distances, hills and, if possible, different types of path, as your fitness improves. The aim is to be able to walk a daily distance of 20km or more on the Camino over varied terrain. Walk regularly, but do not try to do too much too soon or forget to have rest days. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself training. Don't forget to drink enough water while you are training. Learn to stretch your leg, hip, back and shoulder muscles safely, both before and after walking. Break in new boots or walking shoes and socks before you go. Practice doing at least a few walks while carrying your loaded rucksack too, since carrying a pack affects gait and the way our feet strike the ground. If you are planning to use walking poles make sure you have practiced with these too. If you are training in a gym, don't just train on a treadmill or hill climber, but remember to train for stepping downhill too. Ask a qualified trainer to help you with exercises to strengthen and train your body for all elements of hiking. Remember, you will get fitter by doing the Camino itself! After several days of walking, you may even notice your own cardiovascular fitness improving.
What should I take on the Camino? A suggested packing list for things our members have taken on their Caminos and found useful. Expand This is a very subjective and much debated area, though the basic rules of thumb are always: if in doubt, leave it out! aim to carry not much more than 10-15% of your body weight Below we give a suggested list of the sort of kit that our members have taken in the past and have found useful. But do also visit the Pilgrim forum run by Ivar Rekve for the current conversation about equipment. And don’t forget, CSJ members are offered 10% discount by Cotswold Outdoor (please contact the Office for the discount code if you don’t have this included in your welcome pack). Main equipment Rucksack: 35–60 litres, depending on how much kit you need to carry. Make sure all straps are adjustable and well-fitted to your own hips and shoulders: there are different designs for men and women. Go to a specialist shop where they will give you good advice and load it with the appropriate weight to test it properly. Note that it’s not the capacity that matters so much as the weight you put into it. A waterproof cover is sometimes included, this is a useful item to have if you don’t have a poncho – see waterproof gear below. Water-Resistant liner bag for your rucksack. You can buy these very cheaply but the more you pay the sturdier/waterproof/sealable they are likely to be. Alternatively, you could buy a selection of folding dry bags which are guaranteed waterproof even in immersion. It is much easier to keep your kit organised using a variety of these smaller bags, and smelly dirty or damp washing can be sealed up away from clean clothes. Another possibility is a rucksack protector bag (to secure and protect your rucksack during air travel), some of these can be used as a water-resistant liner and some as rain covers. Lightweight sturdy boots or walking shoes. What you choose is up to personal preference, but we would definitely suggest boots if going in winter, late autumn or early spring, or over very rough terrain, or if you have ankle problems. Some people don’t like wearing Goretex boots in hot, dusty conditions. Again, go to a specialist shop for advice and fitting. A good shop will allow you to take boots home for a few days to wear around the house, though not outdoors, and take them back if you’re not happy with them. Don’t be tempted to buy boots that don’t quite fit because they are cheap! Socks: One pair, two pairs, liner socks under walking socks, lined socks, toe socks… there is an endless choice of combinations and types, take advice when you buy your boots. One point to remember, lined socks can take longer to dry than 2 separate pairs. Sleeping bag and/or liner: (at many times of the year a sleeping bag liner is enough – all hostels will have blankets at least). 1 season sleeping bags are fine for summer months, but 2, 3 or even 4 season bags will be needed for cooler months, check with the retailer if you need advice. Choose the lightest weight sleeping bag you can afford. Sleeping bag liners are usually cotton or silk. Good waterproof gear: light poncho or rain jacket for the summer, a more windproof jacket if walking in winter. Waterproof trousers optional, particularly in summer months. Stick or walking poles: Buy fully adjustable poles or from a specialist shop so these can be fitted to you. Remember some people use neither, or buy a stick in the first few days of their pilgrimage (most airlines will not let you take these in the cabin). Reflective vest: If you are cycling or walking on roads in darkness or poor visibility, wearing a reflective vest compliant with standard EN471 is a legal requirement in Spain. Reflective clothing or backpack covers are also a good idea in hunting season. Lightweight reflective vests are very cheap – they can be purchased in the UK very cheaply, and are readily available in garages and supermarkets in Spain. The following lists are suggestions only and should be adapted to the seasons and to your own needs and preferences. Some people advise carrying no more than 10-15% of your own body weight. Remember to take account of your day’s supplies, especially water (1 litre of water weighs 1kg). You should be able to get your base weight (i.e. without the day’s food and water but including the rucksack itself) down to 7-10 kg. If you are planning to camp or wish to carry an emergency tent on some of the less developed routes, you will need to factor in the weight of a lightweight tent, sleeping mat, camping gaz stove (go for the standard #C206 190g cylinder type, since the fancier styles aren’t available in Spain), and cooking/eating utensils. Clothing There are many types of high-tech shirts and underwear available, most very quick drying. Newer to the outdoor market are those made from merino wool or that have silver threads woven into them, which are claimed to absorb body odours for up to three weeks. You ought to have no trouble in washing clothes daily although wet weather can cause problems in getting things dry. Summer Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above: 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 2 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks 3 sets underwear 2 pairs walking trousers or shorts (lightweight zip-off trousers give you plenty of options) 3 shirts or t-shirts (lightweight long-sleeved shirts protect against the sun). Maybe something to sleep in – t-shirt and underwear do for most people, but you could take very light weight cotton or silk pyjamas. 1 or 2 thicker layers such as long-sleeve fleece jersey or jacket Some kind of UV protection like a hat or buff 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and/or crocs/sandals for evenings Winter Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above: 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 3 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks 3 sets underwear. Consider taking some long base layer pants or runners’ tights 2 pairs walking trousers 3 long sleeved base layer t-shirts Maybe something to sleep in – but the base layer long underwear and t-shirts would be ideal A selection of long-sleeved fleece jerseys or jackets or technical over shirts to make a selection of warm layers Lightweight down jacket for keeping warm when not walking Fleece or wool cap Scarf or buff Waterproof gloves Bedsocks Gaiters for walking in deep mud or snow 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and lightweight shoes or sandals for evenings Emergency bivvy bag Miscellaneous Passport, EHIC card or its equivalent, travel insurance documents, travel tickets, pilgrim record/credencial, credit cards, money, etc in a waterproof pouch and/or secure money belt. Make sure that emergency contact details are recorded in your passport and/or pilgrim record Whistle (if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter) Basic toiletries to suit your own needs (remember soap can double up as detergent!) Be sure to check airline rules on liquids, aerosols and sharp objects if carried as hand luggage. Even if not travelling by air, hand luggage size toiletry containers save weight Medicines, prescription or over-the-counter, to suit your own needs (This could include Compeed for blisters, a length of Elastoplast that you can cut to the required size for small injuries, Vaseline or similar for anti-blister lubrication, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, sun cream, painkillers and antihistamines). Every village in Spain has a well-stocked Farmacia but note it might be more expensive. Towel (preferably a small microfibre towel) Water bottle, min 1litre (consider the value of an aluminium one, which can double as a hot-water bottle, if walking in cooler seasons). Some safety pins (useful if you need to dry your socks etc. on your rucksack as you walk along) Needle and thread for sock repairs etc Mobile phone (essential if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter) and useful as an alarm clock/camera/compass/map etc Sunglasses are useful to have Guide book (essential on less-frequented routes) Small plastic bottle of detergent for washing your clothes – top it up as and when you get the chance – or use your soap instead Very small torch or headtorch as a light source first thing in the morning – many pilgrims choose to set off before sunrise Notebook/diary & pen – personal choice Camera – if not using phone Chargers for electronic devices and plug adapter Pocket dictionary/phrasebook if needed Plastic spoon or spork for picnic lunches or albergue cold suppers Thin pillowcase (some albergues may provide pillows which aren’t always as clean as you would like, some don’t provide any pillows, just stuff the case with your clothes) Earplugs if you are sensitive to snorers It’s a good idea to keep a small stash of dried fruit or nuts – some kind of high-energy snack.
I have difficulty with hills Advice for pilgrims who struggle with elevation. Expand There is no route which completely avoids hills. If you really are unable to manage any kind of elevation then the Camino might not be for you. Careful planning would be required using a good guidebook, website or app, to arrange alternative transport for the hilly sections. Remember, you can skip sections if you need to. The only rule (if you wanted the Certificado or Compostela is that you walk the last 100km and prove it by collecting two stamps a day in your pilgrim passport). The flattest final stretch would probably be the Camino Portugués. If starting at Tui or Valença or Baiona, where you'd encounter fewer hills than any of the other 100km start points. For basic profile maps on all routes:http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/ Please note that the CSJ has the St Christopher Fund to help with expenses for a companion to travel with elderly or frail pilgrims who need this kind of support. Contact us for more details if you think that this may help you.
What do I do for water on the Camino? How much to carry with you, where is and is not safe to drink from. Expand On most sections of the Camino Francés you are unlikely to need carry more than 1 litre of water at any time because there are many places along the route to refill your bottle or buy drinks. However, on remoter routes, or in very warm weather, or on stretches of the Francés where there are longer gaps between water supplies, such as crossing the Pyrenees or the meseta, it is advisable to carry 2 litres. Always check in your guidebook prior to setting out each day to see what water refill points are available. Tap water in France is generally safe to drink, however a few smaller communities are not connected to the mains. You will find public taps, drinking fountains and bars/cafes on the way where you can refill your water bottles. Many pilgrim guides also state that all French cemeteries have a tap which is safe to drink from but recent reports suggest that such water has caused illness. If in any doubt you should ask: L'eau (du robinet) est-elle potable? Is the (tap) water drinkable? Tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink in the major cities, indeed some places, such as Madrid and Granada, pride themselves on the exceptional quality of their water supply. Elsewhere the quality of water may vary. Some coastal areas rely on desalinated water which can taste quite unpleasant. Other areas rely on underground tanks for water if the mains supply gets interrupted. In more remote areas it is best to stick to bottled water unless you are sure the tap water is safe. Ask: ¿Es potable el agua (del grifo)? Is the (tap) water drinkable? As in France, you will find drinking fountains and bars where you can refill your water bottle. If a fountain is for human consumption it should have a sign saying Agua Potable, if not drinkable No Potable or Sin Purificación. ¿Es potable el agua (de la fuente)? Is the (fountain) water drinkable? Please don’t drink out of rivers or streams, however temptingly cool and clear they look, since many harbour bacteria or parasites that can cause stomach upsets.
Bedbugs on the Camino Advice about what to do to avoid them, and what do to if you've been bitten. Expand All albergues are well aware of the problem of potential bedbug infestation and most have procedures in place to deal with outbreaks and to assist pilgrims who have come into contact with bedbugs. Please do not be deterred from embarking on pilgrimage by the thought of bedbugs, most pilgrims report having no contact with them at all during their journey. Bedbugs are not a unique feature of the Camino, but are found the world over, from the lowliest hostel to the most luxurious hotels. They are not a sign of poor cleanliness but are simply an unwelcome consequence of the enormous rise in global travel in recent years. Here are some bedbug facts to arm yourself with before you go. Bedbugs are small, flat, apple-pip shaped insects that feed on human or animal blood. They tend to hide away in dark areas such as bed frames during daytime but come out at night to feed, attracted by the carbon dioxide emitted by sleeping humans. They are not restricted to beds but can infest furniture and fixtures too. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases in temperate climates, but for some people their bites leave painful and itchy welts. Occasionally people have more severe allergic reactions to bites and need medical attention. Bites are often in a distinctive line or zig zag pattern and because the insects are attracted to carbon dioxide in the breath, are often mostly visible around the neck and upper chest. Bedbugs can crawl into bags, luggage, sleeping bags or clothing while you sleep, thereby hitching a lift to the next hostel. Once bedbugs are established in a dormitory, the authorities have to be notified and the albergue shut down for fumigation. So, what can you do to minimise your risks? Before you go: You can buy undersheets or sleeping bags that have been chemically treated to repel bedbugs. Some people recommend silk liners as insects find it hard to penetrate silk, others spray their sleeping bags and rucksacks with insecticide. In most cases the chemical treatments are permethrin-based. Please take advice from the retailer and always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions if you decide to spray any kit, since permethrin is very toxic to cats and aquatic creatures, and can be toxic in liquid form to humans by skin contact or inhalation. Pack a small torch and consider bringing anti-histamine pills if you normally use these at home for insect bites. On Camino: When you arrive at an albergue, examine the bunk frame, mattress and any pillows, paying particular attention to cracks, joints and seams. Use a torch if necessary. You are looking for spots of blood, clusters of black specks, cast-off skins and live bedbugs. Also check any cracks in nearby walls or other furniture for tell-tale signs. If you find anything untoward, please inform the hospitalero discreetly. If you cannot be moved into another room then you should go to another albergue. Don't spray chemicals in the albergue to try to deal with it yourself. Don't put your rucksack on or under or against the bed. Keep your rucksack tightly closed when you are not unpacking or packing. Consider sealing it in a plastic bag overnight. Try to keep covered up in bed since bedbugs usually feed on exposed skin. Shake out your sleeping bag thoroughly in the morning before packing it. If you have been bitten: Tell the hospitalero immediately and discreetly. If you do not notice the bites until you have walked on, tell the hospitalero at the next albergue that you stay at. They should be able to assist you with washing and treating your pack and possessions and may put you in a segregated room to avoid further spread of bugs. Try not to scratch itchy bites. Get advice and treatment from the local pharmacy, or if you feel unwell, seek medical attention. If you don't have hospitalero assistance, wash all your clothes in hot water and if available, use a dryer on a hot setting. Outdoors, take everything out of your rucksack, turn it inside out and open all pockets and leave in the sun for a few hours. You can spray your pack with insecticide (only use according to instructions and keep away from food stuffs and eating utensils, water sources and animals) before leaving in the sun. When you get home, do not bring your rucksack indoors, but keep sealed in a plastic bag in a shed or garage. Wash and tumble dry all your clothes at high temperature, carefully check other items, spray with insecticide if necessary. Alternatively, wrap whole bag in plastic and leave in a freezer at -17.8C (0F) for 4 days. You can see pictures and information on bedbugs and signs of infestation here and bites here. Please remember, this is likely to be the closest you will ever get to them!