Buen Camino! 11 things you need to know if you’re doing the Camino
Ah, the Camino de Santiago; most of you will have either done it, heard of it, or aspire to complete it, right?
Traditionally beginning in France and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia northwestern Spain, this 800km walk is undertaken by hundreds of thousands of walkers and cyclists each year.
And while it's easily one of the most awe-inspiring trips you could embark on, it's also one which requires a whole lot of preparation.
As someone who has completed the first 300km of it (and has every intention of finishing it… some day), I lost count of the amount of things I learned along the way, and wished I had known sooner.
With that in mind, here are just 11 things you need to know if you plan to pilgrim it up.
1. You will become obsessed with the quality of your socks.
People bang on about hiking boots before they head off, but only true pilgrims will know that it all comes down to the socks you wear.
Investing in socks made for hiking is ESSENTIAL if you don't want to spend your entire trip limping in agony while your fellow pilgrims, who splashed the extra cash on purpose-built socks, stride ahead without a care.
Purchasing two or three pairs of walking socks is the first thing you need to do if you're even THINKING of getting your Camino on.
2. You will rub Vaseline on your feet in front of strangers.
Completing the Camino with relative ease means you need to know ALL the tips and tricks to protect your feet from blisters and cuts.
And that's where Vaseline comes in.
Coating your feet in Vaseline before slipping into your socks each morning will protect them, and give you a serious sense of satisfaction when you know you're setting off on that day's hike.
3. You will lust after people with plastic cutlery
Keeping your rucksack light is the name of the game from the get-go, but that should never mean sacrificing useful items in order to facilitate lighter, less important items.
With that in mind, it's important to carry items which may not be readily available when you're snacking on the go during your walk, and that means carrying a handy cutlery set.
While there are pit stops along the way, they may not provide you with cutlery, and hacking at a block of cheese with a set of keys is not how you want to spend your break-time.
4. You will not care what you look like.
I'll be honest, the thought of going a fortnight without a hairdryer, straightener or makeup bag left me feeling a little cold, but within 12 hours of walking, I completely stopped caring what I looked like.
When you're walking, all you care about are the views and the destination. And when you arrive all you care about is a hot shower, good food and clean bed.
Anything else is completely and utterly inconsequential – believe me.
5. You will be more than happy with just two sets of clothes
The idea of alternating between just two sets of clothes for a fortnight (or longer) sounds rank, but it's the only way to go if you want to ensure a light pack.
The vast majority of hostels you stay at will have laundry facilities, so lugging anything more with you will seem pretty foolhardy when you have the option to rinse and dry your clothes most evenings.
You will get into a routine with your clothes pretty quickly, and won't think twice about your supposed 'lack' of outfits.
6. You will want to start early…
You may not be an early riser by nature, but on the Camino, you'll find yourself setting off between 6am and 8am most mornings.
Pilgrims tend to make the most of the mornings, so they can make the most of the evenings in their new destination.
And trying to sleep through a dorm of hikers getting ready for eight hours of walking isn't the easiest, so follow suit and get started around sun-up.
7. …but not too early…
Don't make the mistake of starting so early, you're walking in the dark for a prolonged period of time.
While it might seem tempting to get a jumpstart on the day, there is nothing relaxing about hiking an isolated stretch of the route in the pitch dark with only the sound of your heartbeat to keep you company.
Safety is your absolute priority at all points on the route, so always walk in pairs or with a group, and never, ever diverge from the track.
8. You will realise you can send your rucksack ahead each day
You may intend to walk the entire route with bag on back, but sometimes life intervenes, and you decide that you're going to send your bag ahead each day.
When I realised my rucksack was considerably larger than others, and didn't fit my frame thereby causing considerable discomfort, I decided to make use of the transport service, and instantly felt better.
Do anything you can to make the hike easy on yourself, and don't feel obliged to do anything that causes pain or anxiety just because other people have done it.
9. You will surprise yourself
Whether it's your determination, motivation, or ability to overlook the little things, the Camino will test you, and ultimately remind you that you're made of pretty stern stuff.
It's a trip like no other, and in turn, will provide you with a sense of accomplishment few other trips can do.
10. It will be hard
Chances are you will have at least one day which you will remember with a pang of horror.
Mine was the first day when we made our way across the Pyrenees; I had no concept of distance, my rucksack hurt like hell and I questioned why I ever got myself involved in the first place.
But that period of anguish gave way to the kindness and advice of other pilgrims, and ultimately provided me with the tips and tricks needed to navigate the rest of the journey with ease.
11. But it will also be unforgettable
There's a reason millions of people have taken time out of their lives to walk miles across France and Spain, and you only truly get it when you do it yourself.
Whether its about taking stock, finding yourself, testing your limits or taking time out of the rat race, the Camino can be whatever you want it to be.
And forgettable, it is not.
Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!
