The region of Northern Spain where the majority of Camino de Santiago routes pass through has some of the lowest crime rates in the world. Despite being one of the safest pilgrimages, the journey does pose its own risks and dangers. In this article I will discuss preparations any pilgrim can take to maintain their safety on the Camino. Most of these tips can be applied to any long distance hiking trail or general travel abroad.
In case of emergency on the trail, the Spanish police, known as Policia National or Guardia Civil, are an excellent resource. They can be contacted by dialing 1-1-2. With the flow of pilgrims being commonplace, most local police are friendly and extremely helpful. Situations where police will need to be contacted are rare, and most safety precautions can be taken without their presence. For pilgrims traveling alone, finding a group to walk with or staying in sight of others will diminish nearly any safety concerns. If a person on the trail give you a strange vibe, stopping to let them pass or pretending to talk on a cell phone could be a smart move.
Most stories of crime on the Camino are usually only petty theft. Pick pocketing has been known to occur in some major cities the trail passes through. Wearing a money pouch under your shirt or having a decoy wallet in one of your pockets is a common safety measure. Separating your money, credit cards, and identification documents will lessen your chances of losing everything at once. Your passport should be one of your most important possessions. Most hotels and hostels require a passport to check in. If you lose your passport be sure to immediately contact your country’s embassy and they will provide you with directions on obtaining a temporary identification document. Sending yourself or a trusted contact an email with pictures of important cards and documents before you travel is a wise idea. The information can be referenced in an emergency. Any valuable possessions should be kept on yourself at all times. Keeping a smaller bag in your main hiking pack will be useful when traveling in towns at the end of the day, so you can keep valuables with you and not carry a large hiking pack everywhere you go.
Logistical dangers on the Camino can be lessened by always having a compass and map. Relying on a cell phone for navigation greatly increases your chances of something going wrong if you become lost or disoriented. While many phone and GPS apps are a benefit to have, they are reliant on having a signal and charged battery. Be prepared to navigate without them. Most pilgrims who miss a turn do so in the early morning darkness when trail markers are not as visible. Using a headlamp is the best way to illuminate the trail and make you visible to cars when walking on roads. Many of the most dangerous portions of the Camino are when the trail follows busy roads. Walking on the left side of the road, against the flow of traffic, will help make you and the drivers visible to each other. Be sure to keep in mind that if the right side of the road has a wider shoulder it can sometimes be safer than the left side, so adjust accordingly as the roads change. If you find yourself in a group while on a road, walking single file is the safest position to be in.
At many points on the Camino you will find alternate routes or unmarked paths that veer off the main trail. Unless you have a guidebook or map showing the other trail, it is best to stick with the trail you have the most information on. The main route will be better marked and more populated with other pilgrims.
Negative encounters with wildlife on the Camino are uncommon. Sightings of Cantabrian brown bears and Iberian grey wolves are extremely rare and they tend to avoid humans. If you do encounter large wild mammals, be sure to admire them from a safe distance. Feral dogs are very common in Spain. There are many stories of pilgrims being bitten by them, but these interactions are also rare. It is advisable not to pet dogs you meet on the trail, especially if they do not have a collar. A walking stick is a good tool to have in the event that you are attacked by a dog.
The most common dangers on the Camino are physical injuries. Although most of the terrain you will encounter is relatively tame, there are several steep and rocky sections where injuries can occur. More important than having a first aid kit is having an easily accessible first aid kit. Since this collection of supplies will be your least-used possessions, it is common for them to become buried at the bottom of your pack. Keeping your bandages and medical supplies in an outside pocket or towards the top of your pack will save you time when you need them in a hurry.
Extreme temperatures also a danger on the Camino. The Meseta is known for its heat during the summer months, and colder temperatures can be found at any time of year in regions like the Pyrenees where foul weather can be unpredictable. Having at least two liters of water on you is the best defense against the heat. Be sure to keep drinking even if you are not thirsty or sweating. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly in the heat. Having hydration supplements to mix into water will help you stay fueled with electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which you lose when you sweat. Beginning your walk early in the day will allow you to arrive at your destination before the heat of the late afternoon.
The risk of hypothermia from the cold can be avoided by dressing in layers and always having a rain jacket or poncho to stay dry if you are caught in a storm. Being wet for extended periods of time can quickly lower your core temperature. In the event that you become caught in a storm and are subjected to prolong cold, a thermal blanket is a great resource to have. These blankets usually fold up to the size of a wallet and weigh practically nothing. They can be found at any hiking or sports store.
Although there are many more risks that can befall any pilgrim on the Camino, having good common sense is your best defense against unplanned situations. Keep in mind that the Camino is one of the safest hiking trails in the world and your primary concern should not be the dangers. Have a game plan before you arrive so you can focus on the fun aspects of the Camino and not dwell on everything that might go wrong.
To read about my own experience on the Camino, be sure to check out my book My Own Pace. Click here to order your copy on Amazon in paperback or Kindle eBook.
Bryan Steward 