Pre Camino Jitters - Many of Us might Doubt our Abilities on the Camino de Santiago

Pre Camino anxiety is common I think. Particularly if it's the first time we have walked the Camino de Santiago. This week we have a question from Sarah, who has already walked from Sarria, but now feels drawn to walk a longer Camino.
#caminonerves #caminoplanning #caminotips

TIMESTAMPS (in case you want to skip) 👇

0:00 Intro
0:44 Sarah’s Question
2:20 Managing Expectations
3:50 Distance You’re Comfortable Walking
6:10 Pack Transport
7:17 Camino Frances
8:45 Fitness & Hills
13:23 Camaraderie
21:03 Distance
22:14 Camino Jitters
23:22 My Advise
27:28 Final Thought
28:07 Outro

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GOOD CAMINO VIDEOS FOR NEWBIES
I thought it might be useful to point these out, as they address a lot of questions that Pilgrims have when planning their first Camino:

🦶🏽 How to Avoid Blisters on the Camino - Yes it can be done:
   • Camino Foot Care - How to Avoid BLISTERS o...  

🤐 What They Don't Tell You about the Camino - 10 Things to Know:
   • What They Don't Tell You about the Camino ...  

🧳 Camino de Santiago Packing List:
   • What's in my Pack for the Camino? - Camino...  

⚠️ Camino Warning - Before You Walk the CAMINO de Santiago:
   • Camino Warning - Before You Walk the CAMIN...  

📅 Planning your First Camino - 12 Camino de Santiago Planning Tips:
   • Planning your First Camino - 12 Camino de ...  

👟 Camino de Santiago Footwear - Boots, Shoes, Trail Runners or Sandals?:
   • Camino de Santiago Footwear - Boots, Shoes...  

✈️ Camino Travel - Trekking Poles on the Plane:
   • Camino Travel - Trekking Poles on the Plane  

😨 8 Common Fears about the Camino:
   • 8 Common Fears about the Camino  

Pre-Camino jitters – we all get them! This week I’m answering a great question from Sarah in Sydney, who’s already walked from Sarria to Santiago but is thinking of another Camino. She wondered if she should have started in St Jean, whether she missed out on camaraderie by not staying in albergues, and how to cope with the hills. These are classic concerns, and worth unpacking.

First up – expectations. The Camino isn’t defined by where you start. St Jean isn’t more authentic than Pamplona, Burgos, or anywhere else. It’s your Camino, and the journey matters more than distance.

The social side is similar. Albergues don’t guarantee instant friendships. You’ll meet people whether you stay in private rooms or hostels – the key is being open. Some form Camino “families” on day one, others drift in and out of groups. Many friendships begin with a simple “Mind if I join you?” at a café.

On fitness: gym training is great, but walking fitness is different. Hills always feel tough, but stamina builds quickly. Treadmills on incline, stair climbing, or simply starting slow on Camino – 10km, then 12, then 15 – all work. Hills never become easy, but they become manageable.

Route choice depends on what you need. Luggage transfer is available on popular Caminos like the Frances, Portuguese, Ingles, and Finisterre, but not on more remote routes. If you want camaraderie and infrastructure, the Frances is still the best option. For something shorter, the Ingles or Portuguese Coastal are fantastic alternatives.

Finally – fear. Jitters are just “false evidence appearing real.” We can talk ourselves into thinking we can’t cope with distance, albergues, or loneliness. But the Camino isn’t the North Pole – it’s tough, but achievable. Expect sore feet and the odd blister, but also expect magic: chance encounters, friendships, and the incredible feeling of arriving in Santiago.

So Sarah, and anyone else debating a longer Camino: set a goal, prepare steadily, and drop the expectations. The Camino will surprise you in the best way.