There’s something magical about walking the Camino de Santiago. Maybe it’s the rhythm of walking on ancient trails, the quiet conversations shared over coffee in tiny villages, or the feeling that every step is carrying you toward something bigger than yourself.
When I joined the Camino de Santiago hiking adventure with Wild Women Expeditions, I expected beautiful scenery, meaningful connections, and a physical challenge. What I didn’t expect was how deeply personal the journey would become.
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before I started walking. If you’re preparing for your own Camino, here’s what I’d tell you.
Train for the Long Distances and Hills
Before I left, I knew the Camino would involve a lot of walking, but I didn’t fully appreciate just how many hours we’d spend on our feet each day. While there are definitely some hills along the route, the bigger adjustment is often simply getting comfortable walking longer distances day after day.
Doing proper training beforehand can make the experience enjoyable and help your body feel ready for the journey. Try to:
- Go on regular walks or hikes before your trip
- Build up your distance gradually – aim to walk 20 km distances comfortably in a day
- Practice walking on a few hills or uneven trails when possible
- Wear the shoes and backpack you plan to use on the Camino
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the Camino — just prepared enough to feel confident and comfortable on the trail.
Set an Intention and Ask for Signs
At the beginning of the journey, many pilgrims choose to set an intention for their Camino. It doesn’t have to be profound or perfectly clear. It can be as simple as:
- “I want clarity.”
- “I want to reconnect with myself.”
- “I want to slow down.”
Once you set that intention, stay open to signs along the way. Sometimes they appear through conversations, symbols, unexpected moments, or feelings you can’t quite explain.
The Camino has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need — often when you least expect it.
Pack For All Seasons—Sometimes In One Day 😉
The weather on the Camino can change quickly and dramatically. You might experience chilly mornings, intense afternoon heat, wind, and rain all in the same day.
Pack layers and be prepared for everything:
- A lightweight rain jacket
- Warm layers for cooler mornings
- Sun protection
- Breathable hiking clothes
Flexibility is key. The weather will do what it wants.
Happy Feet, Happy Camino
Blisters and hot spots happen, even with well-broken-in boots. Your feet will carry you far — treat them kindly.
Bring:
- Second-skin or blister bandages
- Toe-specific blister bandages
- Extra foot care supplies in your day pack
Catching a hot spot early can save your entire hike. Foot care can quickly become one of the most important parts of the Camino experience.
Come with an Open Mind
One of the best parts of the Camino is the people you meet along the way. Travelling with a group from Wild Women Expeditions, you’ll quickly notice that every woman arrives with a different story, a different reason for being there, and a different idea of what she hopes to find.
The most rewarding approach is to come with openness — openness to connection, to discomfort, to unexpected moments, and to discovering your own purpose on the trail.
Your Camino will not look like anyone else’s, and that’s exactly the point.
~ Claire McLean
Once you’ve secured your space on the tour, Wild Women Expeditions provides you with a detailed packing list and plenty of information to help you feel prepared for the adventure ahead. And if you ever have questions about what to expect along the way, the team are always happy to help.
