Can I really do the Camino at 55 or older? Absolutely. In this conversation, I talk about what actually matters when preparing for the Camino—not your age, but your current abilities, how you train, and how you adapt the walk to work for you. I also cover some of the practical concerns that can make people nervous, from hills and gear to injuries, weather, and what happens when things don't go according to plan.
Age isn’t the issue. I talk about why 55, 65, 75, or even 80 isn’t automatically too old for the Camino. What matters more is your current physical ability and what you’re willing to do to prepare. 03:41–06:02
You don’t have to be an athlete—or walk huge distances. I explain that the real challenge is walking day after day, but you can build a Camino around shorter walking days and a pace that works for you. 06:02–10:02
Start training where you are. I recommend gradually increasing your walking rather than trying to suddenly become a 10-mile-a-day walker. And you don’t need all your Camino gear before you start training. 10:02–14:20
There is no single “right” way to do the Camino. I talk about poles, backpacks, walking speed, breaks, luggage transfer, and all the other choices that can be personalized. The Camino needs to work for you, not for the person walking next to you. 14:20–20:16
Prepare for hills and the unexpected. I explain why mileage isn’t the whole story, why elevation matters, and why the Camino will probably challenge you in some way—physically, emotionally, or otherwise. 20:16–24:12
You have options if you get tired or something goes wrong. I talk about taxis, buses, health centers, pharmacies, other pilgrims, and simply asking for help. You don’t have to figure everything out alone. 24:12–31:33
You don’t have to carry everything. I explain luggage transport and why carrying a lighter daypack can make the Camino much more accessible for people who don’t want to haul a full backpack. 33:16–35:07
Train without hurting yourself. I emphasize starting slowly, listening to your body, getting professional advice when needed, and testing shoes, socks, blister remedies, and other solutions before you leave. What works for somebody else may not work for your feet. 35:07–38:59
Flexibility is part of the Camino. Things won’t go perfectly. I talk about having travel insurance, knowing how to get medical help, and having enough of a plan that you can deal with problems without panicking. 39:07–43:05
You can’t control the weather, so practice in it. I explain how to prepare for heat and rain and why training in less-than-perfect conditions can teach you what your body and gear actually need. The goal isn’t to be prepared for everything—it’s to be prepared enough to know what to do when something happens. 43:29–49:54
More Camino Conversations
To see other Camino Conversations videos (including interviews with those who have done various routes), click here.
🥾Ready to start planning your Camino?
Rebecca Weston
Camino Planning & Preparation Guide (for People 45+)
Rebecca@TheCaminoCalls.com
Your Camino adventure should feel exciting, not stressful — here are some ways I can help you get ready:
Watch Camino Conversations for practical tips and advice from my guests who have done the Camino (or more than one!).
🗓️ Camino Planning Session (60 min): Get answers to your top questions and a notes doc created during our call.
📞 Full Camino Experience: 6 coaching calls with detailed notes to plan your trip with confidence and ease.
🥾 Walk With Rebecca: 7-day hybrid Camino walks — 3 days guided, 4 days independent, private rooms, preparation classes, and optional check-ins. Click here to be the first to be notified about my next trip.Rebecca Weston is an American who walked her first Camino in 2012.
About me: I’ve walked more than a dozen Caminos since my first in 2012. I’ve spent many days volunteering along the trail, and if I’m not walking one now, I’m planning the next—and would love nothing more than to help you plan yours, too.
