I'm a Senior, Which Camino is Right for Me?

Sandy French, a seasoned, senior walker of the Camino and other trails, shares his tips and insights to walking long distances successfully.
This video covers 4 popular Caminos: Francis, Del Norte, Le Puy and the Portuguese covering length, difficulty, support and beauty. It is targeted at Seniors and First timers
If you're thinking of hiking the Camino or other long distance trails and you have practical questions, then these videos will give you great insights and answers to help you have a fun and successful walk.

[@wowzieee]

I m 60, my sister 67, we did Le Puy to Santiago, 78 days walking mid August to early Nov 2022. It was hard, exhausting daily and challenging. But worth every step. The first ten days were heavenly. The days following were beautiful too. From sjpdp we took the winter route as there was rain and wind storms going through the Pyrenees and we were advised to stay off the main route, we are glad we listened to the Pilgrams office advice. Take your time, train before going, 10 to 15 km on the big hill days, 7 hour walks are just fine. I m proud of what we did together and can t stop thinking of it every day since we 've been back. Keep inspiring.

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

That's very,very impressive! We did Le Puy in 2022 and loved it, it was tough a lot of climbs and a heat wave but like you loved every step! In a couple of months (mid April) my wife and i are off to walk Del Norte to Muxia should be as they say "an adventure" Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@marymerrill1612]

I walked the Camino Primativo as my first camino. It was difficult at 67 years old.

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Well done Mary, I have not done the Primativo (yet!) but my (sun) hat is off to you!

[@snooze1950]

En septembre j’ai fait le camino frances. J’ai 72 ans. 820 kilomètres en 33 jours.

[@Yo19724]

😮😮😮👍Increíble

[@CelticSeer]

Félicitations. Bon Chemin

[@carmellejolin2866]

oui, moi aussi je te félicite …..Bravo

[@1Adventures2]

HELLO! Thanks for this quick and entry-level explanation of your experiences as I get ready to undertake this prolong ‘hike’ of a lifetime. I really encourage you to follow your heart and if that means doing more in-depth videos I will along with plenty of others be indebted to your kindness and ability to execute quality presentations as I have just witness here! Thanks again and I look forward to following your excellent videos! David, Salinas, CA.

[@Kathysart]

Thank you.

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you

[@sandyfrench4185]

Hope it helps Paula Buen Camino

[@ladytrader688]

Thank you for this. I am 66, no major health problems that I know of (a lil lower back pain when standing in one spot, but walking seems to help) but I am expecting the weaknesses of my body will present themselves embarking on this journey. I have no idea where to start. Nor which time of year. I don't even have gear, but have started an Amazon list as I find suggestions and will add gradually this year. I'm thinking the Portuguese one might be a good start, and then maybe continue if I feel ok? I have subscribed and am looking forward to discovering more through your channel for Seniors. Appreciate you and say hello to your wife. Cheers! Robi from Nevada

[@sandyfrench4185]

Thx Robi for your kind feedback We do like spring and fall as we do not do well in the heat or the crowds, but you being from Nevada that may not be an issue! There is the Camino Inglés, which I did not talk about which is shorter, and there are other walks that are not the Camino - in England, Scotland in Europe, if you want to ease into it Anyway, if you have any questions, let me know and I hope you have a great walk wherever it may be. Sandy

[@lorrainecrosse6788]

Hi Sandy, I've just found your videos & think they are great! Thank you for giving so much advice & support for all of us muture walkers who want to challenge ourselves at this time of life. I was looking to do the Camino Frances next spring from Sarria to Santiagio, but after watching your videos I am really tempted to do the Camino Portuguese. It looks stunning and feel it would give me a good start on my Camino walks. Thank you 🙂

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Lorraine, thx for your very kind feedback. I'm so glad you found the videos and they are helpful. Personally I would not do Sarria to Santiago as my first...now more than ever is is so busy, almost a road train of people and it really isn't the Camino experience. I loved the Portuguese - longer but oh so beautiful. I also heard (have not walked it) but the Camino Inglese is less busy and lovely. If you have any questions let me know i will do my best! Buen Camino!

[@lorrainecrosse6788]

Hi Sandy, I've been researching the coastal & the central Camino Portuguese & would love to know which one you did or if you did both? Also would you recommend staying in albergues or did you stay in different accommodation? Any information would be gratefully recieved. I will be travelling solo. @@seniorswalkingthecamino

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

I did the Coastal Route which was lovely. I may go back and do the inland route (after I tackle a few others (just finished the Norte) but I think when you get the rare chance to walk a Camino along the Atlantic Ocean you have to grab it. Almost all the Caminos and other walks are inland so take that unique opportunity. I stayed in a mix but mostly 2 star hotels, my Albergues days are done - i need my own space and bathroom! after a long day on the trail. I would do the Portuguese Camino way, way over Sarria to Santiago. Hope this helps

[@lorrainecrosse6788]

@@seniorswalkingthecamino many thanks 🙏 lots to think about

[@kitty_s23456]

​​@@lorrainecrosse6788hi Lorraine. Have you done your camino already? If you're still undecided (whether Sarria, Portugues or Ingles), I suggest that you watch the vid of "Ellie & Senci' -" vid is "last 60 km" where the Norte route met the Frances. You'll see how busy it was & their impressions. For the Portugues Coastal & Ingles, I suggest to watch the vids of "Walk with Efren". For the Portugues route, you can start at Tui if you have only a week or so (do 100+ km). The Ingles route is ~100 km too and can be done in a week or so.

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. You didn't mention the Camino Ingles, which is ~100 km and can be done in 5 to 7 days. The route is fairly easy too. It's also well supported. I think it's a good option for 1st timers who have limited time and/ or budget. Cheers!

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

True good feedback. I find even for first timers it's pretty short walk less than a week and yet has a couple of big days 28km (2 of them) so not an ideal first time Camino experience. In fact if one only wants to walk a week I would pick somewhere in England, maybe the last 100km from Sarria or some other section of the Portuguese from Porto. Anyway thx for the feedback

[@liztrollope9762]

Hi Thanks as a senior looking to do my first Cammino in the future this was a great and helpful summary I definitely think I would start on the Portugese out of Porto

[@sandyfrench4185]

Hi Liz, I’m so glad that you found it helpful. We loved the Portuguese Camino we did the route along the ocean, but there is an in land route as well. If you have any questions just let me know and have a fabulous walk.

[@Kitiwake]

Get the bus from Porto to Vigo, then back to Tuy. Start at Tuy. It's an official starting point. Get your credential before you leave at the cathedral they. €2. It's a week's Camino and we'll worth it.

[@sherikennedy4117]

@@Kitiwake i'd like more info on this way....any suggestions? and this is a week or so? i think as a first camino, this is what i would like to try.

[@Kitiwake]

​@@sherikennedy4117hi Sheri I left an extensive reply an hour ago bur it seems to have disappeared. Main points I went December 22. Puy is part of the Portuguese way (not le Puy, that's somewhere else) It a week long. The stages are between towns. 20-25 kms each. 4 to 5 hours walking. It's 120kms in length overall. It's not very difficult, there are some short hills. Just take it easy, they don't last long. It's along a Roman road, some of which still exists. Which is amazing. You can see the tracks left by ox drawn carts made over a thousand years, still there in the limestone rocks of the road. You don't need to bring the kitchen sink. Spain is a first world country. If you really need something, Buy It There (the BIT principle) I just wore a pair of running shoes (padded heels). A small back pack. Next time just pockets and no back pack. Point: no specialist equipment required* but see addendum. Local government provides cheap alberges (guesthouses) €8 a night. (Find the local city hall and ask directions in English) but it's a race. So you might have to use booking.com. etc. Get at least 2 stamps in your credential each day. The auberge will do it as will any church. The sanctuary in the cathedral is amazing. Try to go to mass on Sunday. Maybe you'll see the giant sensor in use. (Mass is about Jesus btw, as I'm sure you know) Try to pray along the route at any church or cross. The Camino is a 1,000 + year old prayer route. Try to visit the tomb of saint James the Apostle (Santiago) inside the cathedral and under the alter when things get quiet. If you wish, the deacon in the parish office will talk to you (seriously), ask you questions in his genial way and if satisfied issue you a penitents certificate in Latin recording your pilgrimage. You can then buy a cylindrical cardboard holder (€2) or bring your own, in which to protect you certificate. Addendum: I recommend you learn to use a pair of walking poles. I bought some but I was using them incorrectly for 3 days and gave them away. If you learn before you go they will add to your comfort and security on the route by about 20-30% Then just BIT them there. Next time I'll certainly use them... Even though I'm 66 I'm very active.

[@marykwart9331]

I just finished walking the Camino de Invierno. I am 71. I used a company to pre-book rooms and a taxi to haul gear. I stayed in private rooms with my own bathroom. So I got good sleep. My days were 5 to 17 miles. Walking on the Camino is easier/faster miles than day hiking on US trails. We easily did a 2 mph pace. I used Altra Lone Peak shoes and got no blisters. Great experience. Would suggest learning more than rudimentary Spanish to get maximum enjoyment. The main stress of the trip was from being unable to express myself and understand others. Google Translate on the phone was a must.

[@sandyfrench4185]

Thx Mary Great feedback! I’m on the Camino Norte right now

[@barbarapuczko9332]

Hi Sandy, I really enjoy watching your videos for seniors and first timers. I’m in this category turning 66 this year and planning my first ever Camino around October. I live in Toronto and I hope you will give me a few tips where to start to collect the necessary gear. I have to buy almost everything for that trip. Any info will be greatly appreciated ! Cheers, Barbara

[@sandyfrench4185]

Hi Barbara, my wife and I are on the Camino right now, the Camino, Del Norte and it’s tough but beautiful. I would be happy to give you any advice as would my wife, we are back around June 7 so if you want to reach out mid June, I can give you my specific contact info and that would make it easier to share whatever info you need October is going to be a great time to walk, right now the Camino Francis is extremely busy, so I think you’ll have beautiful fall weather and take advantage of all the food that comes from Spain in the fall! Thanks for the kind feedback. Glad you’re enjoying the videos. I’m

[@barbarapuczko9332]

@@sandyfrench4185 That would be so amazing! I was thinking about Portuguese Camino, the ocean route per your suggestion 😀for a first timer. Bun Camino!

[@sandyfrench4185]

@@barbarapuczko9332 you will love it and a great first Camino! If you have any burning questions, I will do my best to answer them. Otherwise happy to answer any you have when I’m home.

[@barbarapuczko9332]

@@sandyfrench4185 Definitely I can wait to your return. Please concentrate now on your Camino and tell us about it in your videos. I can’t wait to hear your stories. Best regards to you and your wife! Enjoy your walk!

[@sandyfrench4185]

@@barbarapuczko9332 thx Barbara…it’s very beautiful but very demanding, big, frequent hills and lots of pavement. We will be in shape by the time we are home that is for sure!

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Bien pour vous, amusez - vous

[@Jagueyes1]

FRANCÉS!

[@musicarroll]

Planning Camino Portuguese coastal for my first camino. Im 72. Is there any appreciable amount of sand walking required? Or mostly boardwalk, cobblestone, and other hardened paths?

[@sandyfrench4185]

Hi - there is no beach walking at all. Once or twice sand had blown up on the Boardwalk for short distance but that’s it It’s a nice walk I hope you love it!

[@Kitiwake]

No.

[@village142]

5:15 portugal camino

[@laritaclark5110]

How long is the meseto. If I spelled it right. So many people say that is a bad walk and most people take a bus during that time

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Hi Larita - the "Mesta" it is approximately 180 - 200 km, it takes most people, depending on how fast they walk 9-12 - days. Some people love the open fields others hate it...they find it desolate. It's hard to walk in the summer, very hot and no cover it. If you walk in the spring or fall it can be quite lovely. I would not miss it and i think the vast majority of pilgrims walk it...hope this helps

[@naturelover7347]

The meseta is several days long, I just completed it in May 2023, as a fit 69 year old woman (traveling alone). I loved the meseta! They say a pilgrim either has an epiphany or a nervous breakdown walking the meseta, fortunately it was the former for me, hahaha! The meseta is exquisitely beautiful and meditative, although I listened to books on Audible at times. I was a bit leery of it at the beginning, based on other pilgrims' stories, but so happy I walked it. Now I consider it one of the best sections of the Camino Frances, highly recommended!!!

[@Maryann110]

Very informative video. Please note correct spelling and pronunciation of the Camino Francés. It’s French, not a persons name. Thanks and Buen Camino

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

Thx Mary Ann - appreciate the feedback and I should know better with my last name!

[@lindaclinton3637]

Thanks for your informative video. My mantra going forward-“dont put off what you want to do” cause I should’ve done this at least 5 years ago. Planning to start in Sarria, and very nervous as Ive started to have painful knees

[@seniorswalkingthecamino]

@@lindaclinton3637 Hi Linda a very good Matra...I have one that is similar..."you don't have as much time as you think." And time is funny - can't save it only spend it, costs nothing but it's priceless and once gone it can never come back. The walk from Sarria is good, keep the pack light, have walking poles and rest - you will love it I'm sure!

[@michaelbird3887]

First timers should always start on the French Camino or a part of it, there are most facilities and a better marked route than the others. Start in Pamplona and miss out the notorious first day. The one hostel on that day is always booked out weeks before and you can find yourself stuck on the mountains. Take my word for it,, this is a no-brainer.

[@sandyfrench4185]

Hi Michael You make some good points However there are IMO some equal opinions particularly now that the Francis is sooooo busy Like the Portugues, the Inglese the last 100 km of the Francis it’s pretty flat or other walks doesn’t have to be a Camino