Empowering women on the trail: confidence, freedom and support on the Camino

“How safe is the Camino?” It’s a question we hear often, and we understand why. As a hiking company with a strong female presence, who are avid solo travellers, we recognise the importance of feeling secure while exploring the world. But here’s the truth: the Camino de Santiago is one of the safest long-distance trails in the world and thousands of solo female hikers walk it every year with confidence, joy, and an empowering sense of freedom. If you’ve been dreaming of an independent adventure, we’re here to encourage and support you.

Our team has walked the trail and experienced it firsthand, so we can answer your questions and provide real-life insights from personal experience. Walking solo on the Camino can be an incredibly empowering experience – one that allows you to connect deeply with yourself, nature and an inspiring global community of pilgrims.

The Camino: A safe and supportive environment for women

Walking solo on the Camino doesn’t mean walking alone. One of the most unique aspects of the Camino is the strong sense of camaraderie among pilgrims. From the very first step on the trail, you’ll find a sense of community that makes the Camino feel like a shared journey, even though you’re walking it at your own pace. Pilgrims look out for one another, share stories, and offer encouragement along the way. Whether you prefer solitude or enjoy meeting fellow travellers, the Camino welcomes you with open arms.

For many women, hiking solo isn’t about fear – it’s about embracing freedom. The ability to set your own pace, pause for reflection, or push forward with determination is a gift. And while it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings, the Camino is a place where kindness and community prevail, where strangers become friends, and every step you take is filled with new opportunities for growth. You’ll find that fellow pilgrims, many of whom walk alone, are there to help you, share their experiences, and encourage your journey.

The joys of solo travel: Why every woman should consider it

Embarking on a solo journey could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It’s an opportunity to build confidence, trust your instincts, and discover the strength you carry within. The Camino isn’t just about reaching Santiago – it’s about personal growth, resilience, and the joy of being in the present moment. Many women find that walking solo is a form of self-discovery – a way to clear the mind and reconnect with who they are outside of their day-to-day roles.

While hiking alone, you’ll enjoy:

• Freedom to set your own pace – Stop for coffee in a charming village, linger at a breathtaking viewpoint, or take a spontaneous detour to explore a hidden gem. The Camino encourages you to move at your own speed, whether that means slow and meditative or fast and focused.
• Deep self-reflection – With fewer distractions, you’ll have time to process thoughts, make decisions, and reconnect with yourself. Walking at your own pace provides ample space for reflection, and many pilgrims describe the Camino as a form of walking meditation.
• Meaningful connections – Even when walking solo, you’ll naturally meet people from all over the world. The Camino’s friendly and open atmosphere makes it easy to start conversations with fellow pilgrims. These interactions often turn into lasting friendships that continue long after you’ve left the trail.
• A sense of accomplishment – Completing a long-distance walk on your own terms is an incredibly fulfilling achievement. The challenges you face – whether physical or emotional – will empower you, helping you realise your inner strength and resilience. And when you reach Santiago, you’ll do so with a sense of pride, knowing that you completed the journey on your own terms.

Practical tips for a confident Camino journey

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your adventure is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Here are some simple ways to feel confident every step of the way.

Stay connected

Carry a phone with a local SIM or eSIM, save emergency contacts, and download the AlertCops app for added peace of mind. Staying connected will help you feel secure and able to reach out if you ever need assistance. See also our advice about how to make sure your phone works properly when you arrive at your destination.

Choose well-travelled routes

If it’s your first solo adventure, popular sections of Spain’s Camino Frances offer reassurance with plenty of fellow hikers nearby. These sections are well-marked, and you’ll often find that other pilgrims are nearby to share the experience. Read more about the 5 sections on the Camino.

Walk with awareness

Trust your instincts and be mindful of your surroundings. If you ever feel uneasy, joining nearby pilgrims or adjusting your route can provide comfort. Being aware of your environment is always important, but don’t let it overwhelm you. The Camino is incredibly well-travelled, and the likelihood of anything going wrong is low. Trust the trail and trust yourself.

Start your day with others (if you feel more comfortable)

Many pilgrims naturally begin their walks around the same time each morning, which can offer a sense of community, especially if you’re easing into solo hiking. However, walking alone is just as safe and offers its own unique benefits. Walking solo gives you time to reflect, enjoy the solitude, and process the experiences you’re having without distractions. The peace that comes with it is often just as enriching as the conversations you’ll have along the way.

Train ahead of time

Practising solo hikes before your trip will help you feel prepared and comfortable on the trail. Even short day hikes in your area will help build your stamina, confidence, and the mindset needed for a long-distance solo walk.

Trust your gut

Sometimes, the best safety tip is simply to listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. The Camino is a friendly and supportive environment, but if you’re ever uncertain, there are always fellow pilgrims or local authorities you can turn to for support.

How RAW Travel supports solo female hikers on the Camino

Hiking solo doesn’t mean going it alone. When you travel with RAW Travel, you have a dedicated team behind you, ensuring a seamless and supported experience:

• Pre-booked accommodation – So you can focus on walking, not worrying about where to stay. After a day on the trail, knowing you have a warm, welcoming place to sleep can make all the difference.
• Daily luggage transfers – Carry only what you need for the day while your main bag is transported for you. This means you can walk unburdened, leaving you free to enjoy the beauty of the trail without any unnecessary weight.
• Local support team in Spain – Available if you need assistance at any point during your journey. Whether it’s a question about your route, advice on local customs, or assistance with logistics, our local team is here to help.
• Tailor-made itineraries – Designed to suit your pace, preferences, and needs. Whether you want to walk shorter days, stay in specific types of accommodation, or take extra rest days, we’ll work with you to create the ideal Camino experience.
• Group departures – If you’d like to ease into solo hiking, joining a group trip can be a great introduction to the Camino experience. Many women find that walking in a group for the first few days gives them the confidence to continue on their own.
• RAW Travel app – Your all-in-one resource for a smooth Camino journey. The app includes navigation information, route details, a full itinerary, daily breakdowns, and emergency contact details, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips. See more about the RAW Travel app.

We have thousands of happy hikers who rave about their experiences on the Camino and want to come back for more. If you’re thinking about experiencing the Camino with us, check out what our travellers have to say.

Step forward on the Camino with confidence

Solo hiking the Camino isn’t about fear – it’s about freedom, self-discovery, and the joy of adventure. Whether you walk alone or with others, this journey has the power to transform and inspire. At RAW Travel, we’re passionate about helping women turn their hiking dreams into reality and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready for a life-changing experience, reach out to our Camino Destination Experts today. With our first-hand knowledge and experience, we’ll help you plan a safe and rewarding walking adventure and create memories to last a lifetime.

Need help planning your Camino adventure?

RAW Travel is Australia’s leading walking tour operator for walking the Camino de Santiago. We offer options for all of the Camino routes in France, Portugal and Spain. Whether you want to take the inland route via Camino Frances, walk through France on Le Puy Camino, take the coastal Portuguese Camino, walk to Santiago along Camino del Norte, or take on the rugged Camino Primitivo (or Original Way), designing the perfect self-guided walking holiday is what we do best.