The Camino de Santiago is wonderful, and these days it is also busy — long queues for beds, and a lot of company you didn't choose. If you want to walk in Spain on your own but crave quiet rather than crowds, look north to Green Spain, where the trails are empty and the valley keeps its secrets.

Where do you walk instead of the Camino?

Straight into the Saja-Besaya reserve from the door — 24,500 hectares of oak and beech forest, the largest natural park in Cantabria — with routes from a gentle 7.5 km loop up to bigger days towards the old stone village of Bárcena Mayor. If you want a waymarked pilgrim route without the Camino Francés crowds, the Camino Lebaniego (about 72 km over three stages, ending at the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana) runs quietly through the same country.

Isn't walking alone lonely?

Not on a hosted week. You walk at your own pace by day — alone with a route, or with others — and everyone gathers at one table for dinner. It is the Camino's best bit, the evening camaraderie, without the dormitories.

Is there a single supplement?

No forced one. The scheduled weeks (run with Walkwise, booked through Spice Escapes) let you twin-share at no extra charge, or take a room of your own for an optional supplement. The flight-inclusive packages are ATOL-protected.

Who is it for?

Solo walkers who have done the Camino, or skipped it, and want beautiful, uncrowded trails with good company waiting at the end of the day. An hour from Santander, and a world from the queues.

*See the walking weeks: browse Spice Escapes →. Or tell us your dates for the Green Spain week here.