Barbara Byrne Argues How Walking The Camino Changed Her Life

In a personal column published by the Irish Examiner, Barbara Byrne reflects on her decision to walk the Camino de Santiago and how the experience transformed her life at age 45 and later at age 50. Byrne details her initial weight-loss journey starting in 2010, inspired by Paolo Coelho’s book The Pilgrimage and Martin Sheen’s film The Way, which ultimately led her to tackle the Portuguese route in September 2016.

Walking the Portuguese Route in 2016

Byrne completed her first Camino in September 2016 at age 45, walking 117 kilometers along the Portuguese way from Tui to Santiago over the course of a week. She joined a group walking for the Marie Keating Foundation, which provided a safety net while allowing her space to be herself without expectations. She quickly realized many women in the group were cancer survivors and professionals such as legal firm owners and chief financial officers, which initially triggered severe imposter syndrome. Byrne recalls phoning her partner to express her doubts, prompting him to remind her of the people she had helped through her weight-loss support groups and encouraging her to remember what she brought to the world.

Confronting Imposter Syndrome and Finding Connection

Sharing her feelings of inadequacy with the group sparked a pivotal shift when her fellow walkers pointed out the high energy and motivation she brought to everyone. Byrne notes that open discussions about individual life challenges revealed that despite differences in jobs, clothes, and money, all 12 participants were carrying something heavy that drew them to the trail. This realization helped her understand that everyone has personal hang-ups and unique value to contribute, breaking down the social barriers she initially perceived among the group.

Tackling the Pyrenees Solo at Age 50

In October 2021, after turning 50 and emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, Byrne completed her first fully solo Camino trip, walking over the Pyrenees from St Jean Pied De Port. She chose the challenging mountain route to push past self-imposed age and gender limits, recognizing that nobody is ever truly alone on the trail unless they choose to be. Her final day of walking brought intense physical exhaustion, severe blisters, and stomach upset, culminating in a silent, emotional exchange on a bench with another struggling female traveler where they shared a muscle rub, jellies, and a supportive hug.

My Camino journey — all of it — has changed my life. I learned when we dig deep, we’re capable of more than we ever think we are. So many times I thought I couldn’t go on and yet I did, and I made it.

Barbara Byrne