The Camino de Santiago is a powerful experience. Many who walk it talk of profound insights, spiritual awakenings, and unrivalled joyfulness. The Camino is often considered a place to go if you are searching for answers or a challenge, but it also offers a wonderfully enriching and adventurous experience for families.
Walking the Camino with children can be a transformative journey filled with opportunities for learning, bonding, and creating lifelong memories. However, careful planning and consideration are required to ensure a successful and enjoyable adventure.
Understanding the Camino de Santiago
Before jumping into the specifics of travelling with children, let’s make sure we’re on the same page regarding the basics of the Camino de Santiago. There are several routes, the most popular of which is the Camino Francés, which starts in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and spans approximately 780 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. Other notable routes include the Camino Portugués, Camino del Norte, and Camino Primitivo, varying in distance and difficulty.
Some do it in one fell swoop, while others opt for smaller, more manageable sections. Uwalk offers self-guided routes along the entire stretch of the Camino Frances and the final two sections of the Camino Portugués.
Both routes are relatively easy and can be undertaken by anybody with a basic fitness level, making them perfect for the whole family.
Choosing the Right Route and Time
Camino Francés: This is the most well-trodden path, with abundant facilities and a supportive pilgrim community. Due to the availability of accommodations and services, it’s ideal for families.
The Camino Frances is a long road, so there’s plenty to choose from. Stage 1 climbs up and over the mighty Pyrenees, making it a challenging but electrifying start, while Stage 2 and Stage 3 offer relatively easy walks through stunning countryside before you hit the hills further West. If you and your children want to experience the dramatic entrance into Santiago, consider choosing the Final Stage that leads into the hallowed city.
Camino Portugués: Starting in Portugal, this route is shorter and flatter – especially the final two sections that Uwalk covers – making it more manageable for younger children. Uwalk offers two sections here: Stage 1 – which leads from Porto to the Spanish border, and Stage 2, from the border into Santiago. Both are very mellow, easy-going walks with plenty of sea and sand thrown in.
Whichever route you choose, be aware that distances can sometimes be long on the Camino, with some stages up to 26 km on the Camino Frances. You need to ensure your children can handle such distances before booking anything.
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are the best times to walk the Camino with children. The weather is mild, and the routes are less crowded compared to the peak summer months. School holidays probably need to be factored in, so we’d probably suggest trying to go for a half-term over the summer, as the temperatures can really soar.
Preparation and Training
Training Walks: Begin training several months before departure. Gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your walks to build stamina and prepare children for long-distance walking.
Backpack Training: Practise walking with loaded backpacks. Children should carry a small, lightweight pack with essentials like water, snacks, and a rain jacket. Uwalk will move your main luggage daily, so you don’t need to worry about your big bags, but small backpacks are important.
Mental Preparation
Set Expectations: Explain the journey to your children, emphasising the adventure, new experiences, and potential challenges. Engage them in the planning process to build excitement and commitment. Print off a good map and get them involved by showing them the route and what you’ll see on the way.
Storytelling: Share stories about the Camino’s history and significance. Books, documentaries, and online resources can help children understand and appreciate the journey.
Packing and Gear
Footwear: Invest in quality, well-fitted hiking boots or shoes for everyone. Ensure children have worn them in during training walks to avoid blisters.
Clothing: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. Layering is key to adjusting to varying weather conditions. For sun protection, remember hats and sunglasses.
Backpacks: Choose comfortable, adjustable backpacks with good support. Keep them as light as possible, carrying only essentials.
Entertainment: Pack small, lightweight items like a journal, colouring book, or favourite toy to keep children entertained during breaks.
Comfort Items: A favourite blanket or stuffed animal can provide comfort and security in unfamiliar surroundings.
First Aid Kit: Include child-specific items like band-aids with fun designs, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
On the Trail
Start Early: Begin walking early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and avoid the midday heat. If you find yourselves out around noon, consider a long lunch (with an optional snooze under a tree) before setting off again once the temperatures begin to dip again.
Frequent Breaks: Plan regular breaks for rest, snacks, and hydration. Children have shorter endurance, so listen to their needs and adjust accordingly.
Engage and Motivate
Games and Challenges: Create fun games and challenges, like scavenger hunts or counting landmarks. This keeps children engaged and motivated.
Involve in Navigation: Involve children in navigation. Let them help read maps or look for waymarkers, and give them a sense of responsibility.
Health and Safety
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure everyone stays hydrated and fueled with regular snacks and meals. Carry plenty of water and encourage frequent sips.
Blister Prevention: Check your feet regularly for hot spots and blisters. Use blister pads or tape to prevent and treat them.
Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen regularly and ensure children wear hats and sunglasses.
Accommodations and Logistics
Family-Friendly Options: Uwalk provides excellent-quality hotels or BnBs for your accommodation. These are all family-friendly, but we’ll be happy to discuss them with you if you have any queries.
Rest Days: If possible, plan occasional rest days in larger towns or cities. This gives children a chance to recuperate and explore.
Luggage Transfer: You won’t have to worry about larger bags; we’ll transport them ahead and have them waiting for you at your next destination.
Emergency Plan: Have a contingency plan for emergencies. Know the location of medical facilities along your route and carry a mobile phone with emergency contacts.
Cultural and Educational Opportunities
Local Cuisine: Encourage children to try local foods and delicacies. This can be a fun and educational experience, expanding their culinary horizons.
Historical Sites: Visit historical and cultural sites along the way. Many routes pass through towns with significant landmarks, cathedrals, and museums.
Nature Studies: Use the journey as an opportunity for nature studies. Identify plants, animals, and geographical features. Bring a small field guide or use apps for identification.
Language Learning: Practise basic Spanish phrases and greetings. Engaging with locals in their language can be a rewarding experience and enhances cultural immersion.
Reflecting and Bonding
Daily Journals: Encourage children to keep a daily journal of their experiences. This helps them reflect on their journey and creates a lasting memento.
Family Discussions: Discuss the day’s experiences, challenges, and highlights regularly. This fosters a sense of unity and shared accomplishment.
Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate the completion of your journey with a special meal or activity. Reflect on the personal growth and accomplishments of each family member.
Maintain Connections: Stay in touch with fellow pilgrims met along the way. The Camino community is a supportive network; maintaining these connections can be enriching.
Fun For All the Family
Walking the Camino de Santiago with children is a unique and rewarding adventure that offers countless opportunities for learning, bonding, and personal growth. By carefully planning and preparing, choosing the right route and time, and engaging children in the journey, families can create a memorable and successful Camino that will stay with them for a lifetime. Embrace the journey, savour the moments, and let the Camino de Santiago become a cherished family adventure.
