Walking the Camino in Your 60s: My Honest Experience

If you're wondering what it's like to walk the Camino de Santiago in your 60s, this personal story from Grahame, one of our UTracks Travellers, may offer just the insight you need. Whether you're planning your first pilgrimage or seeking a meaningful travel experience at your own pace, this honest reflection covers what to expect, how to prepare, and the unique joys of the journey.

Learn more about our Camino de Santiago tours here.

Fitness and Preparation

This tour suited my age (67) and fitness/health as it was not at a heavy pace but you had to be an active person to complete it. By that I mean prepare by regular walks everyday for a few months beforehand; a gym is not necessary. Of course regular hikers or younger persons can do this all in half the time and twice the distance and are able to either camp out or go to sleep in Albergues, but that is not me!

Logistics and Luggage Transfers

It was all well coordinated with pickups came without fault and my luggage was delivered correctly to each new hotel. The Sarria to Santiago Rambler tour is certainly ideal for those over 60.

Accommodation and Meals

All hotels were of top standard and the staff at those hotels were all high quality as were their breakfasts and dinners. I hope all these venues are retained. I did rest and eat well to prepare me for the next days travels.

Navigation and the GPX App

Each day was well planned on their guide for each day. What was of great help was the GPX App which guided me over the trail to Santiago. Even though there is signage, some of it can be obscure and this coupled with the small number of pilgrims in early March to help guide the way, you are prone to errors in navigation. Whenever I was unsure, it showed me where I was and where I should be. On two occasions it helped me big time. The GPX also showed you how far you had to go and where you were in reference to the next towns.

Challenges of Travelling in March

One disadvantage of travel along the Camino during this period, was that many Albergues, cafes and churches were locked shut. Whilst I did not need any of them for accommodation, it meant stamps for your Credential were hard to come by and toilets were at a premium. I did carry fruit juice and chocolate bars just in case I could not grab a snack or refreshment along the way. In the end I bought a coffee at any place that would stamp my Credential. At one place a church had a sign for stamps but was locked shut!

The Solitude Advantage

However, an upside to this lack of fellow pilgrims, cafes, stamps and toilets was the chance to contemplate for long periods in the wonderful Gallaecian countryside and take in its special ambiance. It did give me confidence in being self-reliant and resourceful. When there was a café or toilet there was no line up and when entering the Pilgrims Office in Santiago there was no queue. I had my Compostela Certificate as quick as it took me to enter my details in the computer and wait for my number which was almost immediate as only 216 pilgrims completed their walk on that day. Yes there were still pilgrims to have a yarn now and then.

Weather and Trail Conditions

Weather wise it was cool and on a couple of days it was wet, but due to one's energy expended in walking it was not at all uncomfortable. I would not have tolerated the exhausting high temperatures or sunburn of summer at all.

Gear and Footwear Tips

The topography varied from flat one day to steep the next. Some of the trail was wet, slushy and slippery (a bit of a slog sometimes), but good footwear solves this. My Merrells were my most valued asset, not a slip and not one blister! Don't let someone con you into sandals, bare feet or some cheap brand footwear. Walk in new footwear everyday for 2 weeks before your Camino. A poncho is your best friend when it rains. Really that was as bad as it got.

Final Thoughts

Bottom line: value for money self-guided tour and although done during the off season it became an advantage. You get to see Spain at such a close level not possible with a regular tour in a bus. A worthwhile experience and achievement! Buen Camino.

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