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]

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Rules of the Giveaway: 1. Enter the GIVEAWAY of the Pre Camino Support Calls: forms.gle/JkN2HUZZqWvickyGA 2. Subscribe to our channel or Instagram @caminotellers, like the last video, and comment with words of encouragement for fellow pilgrims preparing for their Camino in 2024. 3. Any entry that does not comply with KZbin's community guidelines (kzbin.infopolicies/community-guidelines/) will be invalid. 4. KZbin is not a sponsor of this contest. By participating, you must release KZbin from any and all liability related to this contest. 5. Personal information collected for this contest will be used for the sole purpose of selecting a winner and delivering the prize. 6. Official cutoff for entries is midnight, January 11th, 2024 7. Winners will be selected at random. You may enter the giveaway by filling out the form linked above. 8. Prize will be given to 1 winner: a. Pre-Camino support calls worth 150 euros 📞 b. Plus, a 10% discount awaits if you choose to join the retreat 🌄 Info on the pre-Camino support calls: caminotellers.com/product/pre-camino-support/ Info on the Journey Within Retreat: caminotellers.com/the-journey-within-retreat/ 9. Winners will be notified by email to the email address given when they fill the form.

[@michaelbird3887]

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!!

[@caminotellers]

Fantastic advice! Thanks for your time and knowledge

[@thisorthat7626]

@michaelbird3887, how heartwarming that so many people spent time walking and talking with you. I think that is what the Camino is all about. People connecting with others regardless of their age, income, nationality, etc. This is why I love to travel. You meet incredible people wherever you go. Blessings.

[@Kathysart]

Thank you!

[@Jezbeard]

Thank you for your sound advice . We head off to JPDP next Tuesday we are looking forward to surrendering to what ever Camino gives and maybe takes from us. xxx

[@lsbdabarkads2761]

Wow! Thanks!❤

[@enricosanchez2346]

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.

[@HoosierOldLady59]

Hey, whippersnappers! Great video. I’m on the Camino now, one day past León. I haven’t been watching any KZbin 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!

[@helenwallis5914]

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 .

[@thisorthat7626]

@helenwallis5914, you know how to enjoy life! How long did it take you to walk the Via Francigena? Curious as it is something I will do in a few years. I am a long distance cyclist but I can see the joy of long distance walking as well. Blessings and keep enjoying life!

[@brianclose5763]

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

[@estellagutierrez4615]

Thank you I'll listen to you now but I'll listen to my body 😉

[@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.

[@caminotellers]

You can do it!

[@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!

[@caminotellers]

hi Rob! Congrats, which Camino did you walk?

[@robscamino]

@@caminotellers A bit of a Hybrid this time. VDLP Seville to Astorga, Frances to Ponferrada, Invierno to Santiago, then on to Fisterra and Muxia. 60 days all up.

[@user-vq8pu9gk8z]

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

[@estellagutierrez4615]

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 😊

[@caminotellers]

Yeahhh! You are rockin! Less then 2 months left, keep us informed!

[@estellagutierrez4615]

yes I finished my Camino 81 years old... I carried my backpack at all times... yes I was blessed in abundance.. The Camino did provide for me.Angles were everywhere... It was a blessing well received...

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@estellagutierrez4615so glad to see your reply after you've done it. Congratulations! Take care. Buen camino.

[@klauswagner2528]

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 Camino!!!!!!!KEEP ON WALKING SENIORS !!!!!!

[@caminotellers]

Thanks to you for the inspiration! Buen Cami o

[@wheeliemum6253]

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

[@peeweeleynes]

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

[@Emy53]

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.

[@caminotellers]

❤️

[@mishainwonderland8970]

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.

[@estellagutierrez4615]

if she wants to go it's because the Camino is calling her .. I just finished my first Camino. I was blessed in abundance.. I'm 81, I didn't want to come. now I'm now home I was blessed in abu

[@karenleonard1365]

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!

[@caminotellers]

They are so inspiring, which paper do we sign to get at that age like them?

[@user-ov2kr3jc1x]

Hello from Iowa! Walking in 2024! Love your videos 🥰

[@carbonnieferrous2689]

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

[@caminotellers]

We love "Oki Poki" 🥰

[@wewalknow]

Lovely video peregrinos ❤. Hope lots of people will see it. So much wisdom. ☀️

[@dawns7980]

Great topic you guys!!!

[@priscilabee583]

Such delightful testimonials!

[@caminotellers]

it is indeed! and so encouraging!

[@caminotellers]

Get your CAMINO JOURNAL: caminotellers.com/camino-de-santiago-journal/

[@janey7115]

Thank you for making this video. It is inspiring.

[@caminotellers]

🤗

[@patrickmooney4135]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@caminotellers]

❤️

[@derbywinner6316]

The ladies from Tennessee and Basque Country very encouraging people. Hopefully, I will be like walking the Camino 🔜 . Thank you for sharing this video

[@caminotellers]

They are so inspiring 🤗 and you are too, it all starts with the first step!

[@NickLivingLife]

Great!!!! 😊😊😊

[@kerryjlynch1]

Thank you, I needed this. I'm planning a one-week supported walk from with two young friends next year from Hondarribia to Guernika, but really want to do the whole thing. Although I'm a daily runner/walker & hike most weekends, being 68 has made me nervous because somehow I thought one had to do the whole distance in 30 days. Though I haven't been to Spain for over 25 years, but it is one of my favorite countries on this planet.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and at the same time helping others who are still in doubt! Big hug… and see you soon on the Way.

[@TTraveller3]

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!

[@caminotellers]

when we did this video we were so inspired by the walkers that we finished it faster than usual just that everyone can see that "impossible" is only a state on mind. hugs

[@allenannett5534]

Very much enjoy your videos, informative and well presented . I just ordered your book and looking forward to read it as I prepare to walk the Camino from Porto in mid-September

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for connecting to the community, and thanks for getting the Journal! It will serve you as a good companion in preparation, walking and then digesting the Camino! Ask any question you might have, we are here for you!

[@sarahbodine7226]

Nice video! Very inspiring.

[@caminotellers]

🥰

[@anneokane7172]

Great video.

[@caminotellers]

❤️

[@veniceeastgolfclub8176]

Bravo!! 72!!

[@caminotellers]

😊

[@AdrianbCozad]

❤Bucket list❤

[@michaelbird3887]

I walked the Camino in 2015 when I was seventy, and the only thing you need to know is to TAKE IT EASY!

[@tombattisti8682]

great job CaminoTellers. Respect your decision to pay attention to more "experienced" walkers

[@caminotellers]

The most funny thing is that the „experienced” hikers are the best source of inspiration, as there is always some 70yd on the way with the great pace and big backpack that makes you feel ashamed of your little foot pain ;) more videos like this to come!!!

[@stefaniesteinberg3789]

Love ist so much….❤❤❤

[@caminotellers]

❤️

[@lisablanco9894]

In September I will walk over the Pyrenees on my 59th birthday and head for Santiago and beyond to Finisterre & Muxia. I also love the idea of a camino in Japan so I'm very much looking forward to your upcoming videos. Buen camino :)

[@caminotellers]

Stay tuned! We are going to do live streams from the Japan pilgrimage from 2nd of September 🤗

[@karlenemorris7627]

Sept 7, my daughter and I will start our Camino from SJPDP. It is my second Frances, I did the Portuguese last year. I am 74 yrs old. Maybe our paths will cross.

[@CK-rq2kk]

Oh, great, wonderful video! My twin and will celebrate our 60th birthday on the camino and we might meet you too, starting on the 8th sept. in SJPP. Buen Camino! 🙏🏻

[@fredpadz4730]

❤ gogo simian crease bro…

[@heather333]

Thank you for covering this subject. I plan to do camino in 2027, just before I turn 60.

[@caminotellers]

Excellent! It will be a great present 🎁 where are you from?

[@nancycompagnie6500]

love this...i'm turning 57 so if i'm lucky i have another 20 years of camino-ing 🙂

[@caminotellers]

...or even more!!! 🥰

[@nancycompagnie6500]

@@caminotellers if i'm very, veeeeery lucky...who knows 🙂♥

[@monarjcounselor9045]

Dear you guys inspire me... But in another country is too too much expensive... So I will try in India...still not done by myself...but yes in group I will try

[@calaf1816]

Hi, I am 70 years old. my first camino was 2019, second was 2022. this video instigate me go and do again. thank you.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for your encouraging story! keep us updated

[@seansixfive]

Travel light! A change of clothes and basic toiletry kit. 33l backpack should be fine. Listen to your body, not your ego!

[@caminotellers]

Wise words!

[@terryspeyer7430]

Ah, so now's the give away! I'm 69 been walking long distances since age 7, when I walked 13 miles to my Grandmothers. Since then, many, many walks. But the Camino will be the longest, hopefully not the loneliest‽

[@thisorthat7626]

@terryspeyer7430, if you smile and talk to people, you won't be lonely. Sharing a common goal with others brings people together. Blessings.

[@WoutervanTiel]

What if the hokey pokey IS what it's all about?

[@caminotellers]

You are truly right ❤️

[@alsever7732]

Walked 5 Caminos! At 69 I walked up to O' Cebrerio carrying 15 kilos without a break. Last year at 74, I walked the primitivo in 12 days. If you can walk across a WalMart parking lot you can walk the Camino. No TAXIS! AND no Pre-Booking!

[@hansigrossini3123]

Disagree! The 'Camino Primitivo' is NOT a walk across a 'Walmart parking lot' - it is doable, but very, very hard. I am back home 2 months now and my knees are still hurting. I am 60 years of age and a former professional footballer. Motivation is a good cause, BUT stop telling people, that it is a 'walk in the park'. The 'Ingles', 'Frances', 'Portugues' are 'walk in the parks' compared woth the 'Primitivo'!!!

[@alsever7732]

@@hansigrossini3123 It is not that difficult!

[@alsever7732]

Walked the Sanabres in September at age 76!@@hansigrossini3123

[@ericamighali6395]

🥰

[@caminotellers]

❤️

[@karllung2649]

I am 61 and walked 60km in one day and nothing unusual happened, expect more tired than a normal day that I walk just 30km. The reason I did this is on my second last day (60km from Santiago), weather is excellent (cloudy, drizzles), but the next day (the planned last day) will be strong wind, heavy rain, and thunderstorm expected. I thus decided to walk was much as possible on my second last day and, eventually, I managed to reach Santiago at 10pm and totally avoided the horrible weather on the next day. I completed the 780km French way in 28 days.

[@caminotellers]

That’s an impressive story and the testimony that everything is possible! It’s also true that is easier to walk 60 in the end of the pilgrimage as the body already walked 700km. I think once I did last 40 k on the last stage and… we still arrived early to the Cathedral- must be a power of the Camino! Thanks for sharing Karl

[@fv1291]

Hello from San Diego California!

[@caminotellers]

🤗

[@ricardoalcantara3159]

Any recommendation on Travel/Health Insurance? Thanks

[@caminotellers]

Check our live from the day 33, we talk about it!

[@miken7629]

Approaching 70 and section hike AT every spring as a test to see how I am aging, did 11 miles a day last year, going again next month. I am like an old car, got a lot of miles on me, occasionally something breaks, my "Check Engine" light is always on, figure the way I'll die is broken down and abandoned on the side of the road.

[@caminotellers]

What an inspiration, AT or PCT are above our possibilities, we are terrible campers!

[@erikponce389]

How many times have you guys walked El Camino?

[@caminotellers]

Few days ago we met the person who walked Camino so many times that he forgot where he was from… we still remember… ;)

[@calaf1816]

@@caminotellers 😂very funny.

[@robertmangosAkubraman]

Guess I'm too young and crazy for this video

[@rickmarshall1237]

3 timer…best advice, “start walking like an old timer and finish like a youngster.

[@caminotellers]

Nicely said! Thanks Rick

[@charlesrodriguez6455]

I turn 68 this month 2/25/24 and Im inspired to walk the Camino but I want to reach out to ANY Pilgrim who has walked the Camino but also if they have had a Stroke(s), are diabetic, and have had a kidney transplant. My feelings are that I want Me to tell me NO I cannot do this, Not my medical issues. I have had 2 strokes, one in 2007, and one in 2018, my kidney transplant in 2013. My diabetes was a result of the meds I take from my kidney transplant. oh in addition I have some degenerative lower back issues and scoliosis, curvature of my back. Ok, that enough, but my spirit to move forward to look into making this life journey on the Camino stays in my heart, soul, and mind. I search out for other who have similar health issues who have walked the Camino. I hope I can find such people. I will not be walking on my one and i know there are companies who can deliver my back pack to each stop i choose, so where there is a will, there is a way right? thank you and "Bien Camino" !

[@caminotellers]

Hello Charles, thanks for your comment! ❤️ please check our live stream, we have mentioned your message so we invite you to read people’s comment on it: kzbin.inforso3gBS36yg?si=a-BNJmP3YtwklO2i You’ll find your mention at the end of the video! Hope it helps ❤️

[@mymaria888]

You don't have a subscribe button?

[@caminotellers]

Strange… it must be there under the photo!

[@jmdinlove5454]

Another video about the Camino and no mention of God. What a shame.

[@caminotellers]

Are you sure you were listening carefully… every breath of the person and every step we do is a praise of Lord…

[@user-ov2kr3jc1x]

Hello from Iowa! Walking in 2024! Love your videos 🥰