Hi! Theresa Winters here! For the past eight years, those who’ve followed my journey know that I’m a sucker for adventure and the thrill of solo travel. There’s something electrifying about discovering new places, pushing my physical and mental limits, and inspiring others along the way. From summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro to conquering the W Trek in Patagonia, I’ve been on a mission to explore—and guess what? The Tour Du Mont Blanc is next on my list!

But this year, something magical happened. I received messages from two incredible women, each yearning for their own solo adventure—one of them, who I’ll share more about when she returns, is 58 years old. The woman featured here is well into her sixties, and her story is nothing short of awe-inspiring!

When Kathleen returned, I reached out to her hoping she would share a glimpse of her journey with us. She graciously agreed. I gave her more than enough questions to choose from, allowing her to pick those that spoke to her.  The insights she provided will leave you absolutely inspired. Trust me, I am! 

First, a bit about El Camino de Santiago- 

Ah, el Camino de Santiago! It’s not just a hike, it’s an adventure, a journey, and a deeply transformative experience all rolled into one. Stretching across northern Spain, the Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are said to rest.

The most popular route, the Camino Francés, spans about 500 miles (800 kilometers) from the French border to Santiago, and can take anywhere from 30 to 40 days to walk, depending on your pace and how much time you want to spend soaking in the scenery and culture along the way. Along this path, you’ll encounter picturesque villages, rugged mountains, lush forests, and sun-drenched fields—each with its own charm and a new adventure around every corner.

Though the Camino can be completed in stages or as a shorter trek, most pilgrims set aside about a month to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned hiker; the route is well-marked and accessible for all levels of walkers, with a welcoming spirit that encourages everyone from young adventurers to seasoned explorers and even those in their golden years.

It’s more than just the physical journey—it’s about self-discovery, meeting fellow travelers from around the globe, and connecting with centuries of history. Whether you’re seeking spiritual reflection or just looking for a new challenge, the Camino de Santiago offers something magical for everyone. 

Kathleen’s Insight and Inspiration

1. What inspired you to take this solo hiking trip?

I had never even heard of the Camino de Santiago until a couple years ago while I was taking Spanish classes through Babbel.  My first thought was, “I could never do that!”  But then I thought – maybe I could??  I knew it would be mentally and physically challenging.  I had never taken a solo trip like this before, never been gone so long.  But the more I heard about it, the more I thought I wanted to do it.  And, at the age of 66, I didn’t feel I had the luxury of putting it off indefinitely.

2. How did you prepare mentally and physically for such an extensive journey?

I was already a walker, but I ramped up my walking starting a few months before I left.  I would walk 10 to 15 miles some days, often with a backpack.  I also tried to learn as much as I could about the Camino and my route, as well as working on my Spanish language skills.  I joined a Facebook group dedicated to the Camino and talked to someone who hiked the Camino a few years earlier.                                   

3. During your solo hike, what were the most memorable encounters with nature or people?

 I saw some incredible sunrises and mountain vistas, but one of my most memorable encounters was with a herd of cattle being brought down from the mountain where they had spent the summer.  About 30 cows were being herded down the Camino (a fairly narrow mountain path at this point) as I was headed in the opposite direction.  They were followed by two cowboys on horseback.  A little scary, but very cool!

I met so many remarkable people, pilgrims from all over the world.  An 83 year old man from Kansas City.  A 75 year old Italian man who walked 50 mountainous kilometers (about 30 miles) in one day.  An elderly Spanish woman doing the Camino for the sixth time.  An Australian couple doing the Camino to honor their daughter who died.            

4. What did the solitude of a solo trip teach you about yourself?

I think I gained a lot of confidence in my abilities by doing this trip solo.  I got a little lost a few times, but I was able to find my way and figure things out.  The solitude of the trip was actually considerably less than I anticipated.  There were so many people on the Camino, and most were very friendly.  It was easy to strike up conversations with other pilgrims, and my so-so Spanish gave me the confidence to chat with local people.             

5. Did the trip change the way you view the world, and the way you see your place in it?

 I think this trip helped me appreciate that the United States is not the whole world, that there are a lot of people with different cultures and different points of view, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get along.  I was really struck by the kindness and goodwill that pretty much everyone on the Camino exhibited.  I really wish we could all live our lives that way.  I am trying to hold on to that spirit in my day to day life.

To Kathleen and all the solo female travelers out there—thank you for inspiring us with your courage and resilience.  You are showing us that adventure knows no gender, age, or boundaries. Whether you’re trekking through mountains, wandering city streets, or finding quiet moments in far-off places, you remind us that the world is a canvas, and we are all the artists of our own journeys. Keep going, keep exploring, and never forget how incredible it is to travel fearlessly, just as you are.

Faraway Places Travel