You walk alone through forests, deserted areas, industrial zones, hills, fields, farmlands, along roads… People are asking if you’re crazy, where you’re going, why are you doing this and doing so all by yourself. You’ve planned everything, but in the evening, before you sleep, you can’t help but worry a little… What if…?
Don’t let fear hold you back! The truth is, the likelihood of something bad happening to you on the Camino is just as low, if not lower, than at home. Still, it’s important to know how to behave and act in certain situations. We share some potential dangers and tips on how to avoid unpleasant situations.
Potential Camino danger no.1: Weather
If you’re not well-prepared, weather can be the biggest danger that could ruin your Camino, especially on certain parts of the route. When you climb to higher altitudes, like when crossing the Pyrenees or O Cebreiro, you might be surprised by extremely low temperatures and even snow, even in late spring months. Most former pilgrims will recommend wearing shoes without waterproof membranes because they simply take too long to dry and will eventually get soaked. It’s a fact. Even so, you need to make sure your feet stay dry, even if you have to walk in the snow. You can do this by wearing two layers of socks with a plastic bag in between. Be careful to put the bag on without creating folds that can cause blisters. Another option is to use waterproof socks (yes, they exist).
Storms: Monitor the weather forecast. If you know that your route for the day takes you through areas without infrastructure, consider taking a rest day. However, storms can still surprise you. Find shelter in a well-secured building. If there are no suitable buildings nearby, seek shelter in the open. Never take shelter under tall trees, avoid open areas, water sources, and any metal objects like fences, wires (leave sticks by the path, you can return for them later, or they might come in handy for pilgrims coming after you), and do not use your mobile phone unless absolutely necessary. If you’re at a higher elevation (e.g., at the top of a hill), descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. If there are no suitable buildings nearby and you’re among trees, find the smallest trees and stay at least 2 meters away from the trunk. If you have to wait, sit down (never lie down as it increases the risk of a lightning strike), tuck your head to your knees and cover your ears (this prevents hearing damage in case of nearby lightning). It’s also recommended to stay at least 5 meters away from other people. If you’re near a road, call a taxi. A car is a safe shelter in case of a lightning strike as it acts as a Faraday cage.
Storm can catch you on the Camino de Santiago (symbolic photo: Photo by NOAA on Unsplash)
Mud and Wet Ground: While mud may not pose much danger if you step into it on flat terrain, it becomes much worse when you’re walking uphill or, even worse, downhill on wet stones/rocks. If you’ve been walking through mud and it’s gotten stuck in the grooves of your shoe soles, try to clean them before ascending or descending a hill. Otherwise, your shoe might turn into an ice skate. Concentration should not slip for even a moment. When walking downhill, keep your knees slightly bent, your weight centered over your feet, and try walking in a zigzag pattern. When I walked in such conditions, I assessed whether the trekking poles helped or hindered me. In any case, I removed the straps from my wrists so I could drop the poles and try to catch myself with my hands if I fell.
Potential Camino danger no.2: Traffic
Although we hope it doesn’t happen, we must accept that the Camino passes along busy roads and that we will cross streets countless times. Be aware of traffic signs that warn you in advance of road crossings. It’s easy on the Camino to walk for miles, lost in your thoughts, and suddenly find yourself in front of a road. Often, there is no pedestrian crossing marked. Spaniards make an effort for pilgrims’ safety, and drivers do have speed limits near these crossings, but you know how it is… We can only influence our own actions, not the driver’s. So, be careful!
Sometimes the path runs along the road without a sidewalk. Follow the recommendations and walk on the left side of the road (some places also have traffic signs showing which side to walk on). Don’t walk side by side with other pilgrims, but in a line. Don’t forget to attach a reflector to your backpack, and carry a whistle to stay visible. Be especially cautious in bad weather, and your rain poncho should also have reflectors. You can use a headlamp if it gets dark or if the weather worsens (fog, rain).
On the photograph is road crossing before Sahagun.
Potential Camino danger no.3: Injuries
Sprains, strains, blisters, lost toenails, knee pain, falls… These are among the most common injuries on the Camino or any long hike. Preventative care is essential! Many injuries can be avoided with proper preparation and attention along the way. To prevent blisters, lost toenails, and falls, choosing the right footwear is key. Footwear and a backpack are, in our opinion, the most important equipment for the Camino (especially footwear!).
Injuries: As mentioned earlier, be careful when walking on slippery or rocky terrain. It’s important not to lose concentration and be mindful with each step. In the case of a sprain, follow the RICE principle – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. That means cooling the sprained area to reduce swelling. Never apply ice directly to the injury (wrap it in cloth). You can bandage the sprain to reduce swelling further. Ice the area every two hours. Rest is crucial. It’s also recommended to elevate the injured limb above heart level during rest.
Lost Toenails: Footwear! Make sure your shoes fit properly. There’s no need to talk about shoes that are too small—everyone knows they will eventually cause blisters and pressure on your toenails. Even shoes that are too large can cause blisters if the heel slides. Especially when walking downhill, your toenails may bang against the front of the shoe. This can happen with prolonged downhill walking, even if the shoes fit well. You can reduce the pressure on the front of the foot by walking in a zigzag pattern and using trekking poles.
Blisters: The same applies to toenails. Additionally, here are some proven tricks for preventing blisters. Get to know your feet! When buying shoes, try a smaller size of the same model to see if any seams or parts inside the shoe press uncomfortably. Ideally, you shouldn’t feel any pressure points even in the smaller size. When you buy footwear (usually half to one size larger than your usual size due to foot swelling), take them on long walks, preferably with a backpack of similar weight to what you’ll carry on the Camino. This way, you’ll quickly get to know your “hot spots” on your feet that need extra attention. On these spots, we recommend using protective patches that act like second skin. As soon as you feel discomfort, apply merino wool to cushion the pressure, as it also has antiseptic properties. It really works.
My feet after my first camino (from Porto to Santiago) – blisters are not visible, but you can my poor toe-nails. 🙂
Potential Camino danger no.4: Dogs
Well, we come to dogs. Don’t be scared; you’re most likely not going to have any unpleasant encounters, as dogs (at least on the French Camino) are used to pilgrims and usually just lazily lie around wagging their tails. Still, it happens that while you’re lost in thought, you suddenly hear a loud bark from behind a fence (it’s startled us a few times 😊). If there’s no fence between you and the dog and it’s not happy to see you, remember to stay calm. Some recommendations suggest not looking the dog in the eyes to avoid provoking it. If you have trekking poles, hold them up beside you (as if creating a fence), showing the dog that this is your space. If (and I emphasize again, the chance is very small) the dog attacks, defend yourself and try to avoid the bite. Poles, stones, pepper spray, or moving to higher ground will help. If the dog does bite you, immediately visit a doctor and report the incident to the police to check if the dog is vaccinated and healthy.
Potential Camino danger no.5: Getting Lost
The likelihood of getting lost on the Camino is almost zero, as the paths in Spain are very well marked. The first rule you must follow is that if you haven’t seen a sign (yellow arrows or shells) for a while, you should go back along the same path to find the last sign. It’s particularly unusual if you reach a crossroads and there are no signs; that’s almost certainly a sign that you’ve veered off the path. Nowadays, it’s easier to navigate thanks to GPS on mobile phones, which can help in such cases. It’s a bit easier to get lost in larger towns, as local businesses sometimes redirect arrows to guide pilgrims past their shops. Or, some mischievous teens may draw arrows leading in circles… Yes, we’ve heard of that too. 😊 So, if you don’t want to wander through towns, be especially attentive to the path. (For us, it was a great way to explore towns, so sometimes we let ourselves be carried away by the town’s vibe and followed our noses, and in the end, we always found our way out 😊).
Don’t worry, just follow the yellow arrows.
Potential Camino danger no.6: People
People are the least likely source of danger on the Camino, but it’s still important to remain cautious. As with anywhere else in the world, basic rules of behavior apply here as well. Most people are kind, but still, don’t trust strangers blindly. Never get into a car, especially if you’re alone, and even more so if you’re a woman. Listen to your gut feelings and avoid uncomfortable situations.
For extra safety, we recommend sharing your location with loved ones back home via Google, so you can stay in touch with them and alert them in case of any trouble. If you ever feel uneasy or unsafe, join a group of pilgrims walking behind or ahead of you – being in a group can give you a greater sense of security.
Unfortunately, thefts do occasionally happen on the Camino, so take care of your belongings. The most important advice we can offer is to use a waist pouch where you can keep your documents, bank card, some cash, and possibly your pilgrim passport. Keep this pouch close to you at all times – even in the shower or the restroom, and at night, tuck it by your feet in your sleeping bag. This means keeping it on you constantly and ensuring its safety.
Although unpleasant situations with people don’t happen often, it’s always good to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks. Ultimately, the most important thing is to trust your common sense and remain aware of your surroundings.
Additional Safety tips for Camino de Santiago
- Fully charged phone: Make sure your mobile phone is always fully charged. Even if you want to disconnect on the Camino, it’s wise to keep your phone safe in your backpack and only use it when necessary.
- Emergency call: If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, dial the emergency number in Spain: 112.
- AlertCops App: For added security, you can install the AlertCops app, which notifies you of potential dangers and allows you to send your location in case you need assistance.
