19F planning to start the Camino de Santiago alone – any advice or experiences?

Hello everyone, looking for advice and testimonials!

I’m a 19-year-old woman and I’d like to start part of the Camino de Santiago alone, departing from Le Puy-en-Velay.

I’ve already done 20 km hikes with my mum, but beyond that I wouldn’t call myself a big athlete. I’d like to walk for at least 7 days, going at my own pace, in order to accomplish something on my own.

I’d be leaving at the end of April or beginning of May.

Regarding gîtes/hostels , can I just show up without worrying, or do I need to book everything in advance? Because I genuinely have no idea what pace I’ll be walking at, so I can’t really plan ahead…

Is it safe to do this alone as a woman? And does walking just 10–15 km a day still allow me to reach “civilised” places where I can find somewhere to sleep, or do I need to do at least 20 km/day to reach small villages with accommodation?

I really want to do this, but I’m also scared of not being able to manage and finding myself in the middle of nowhere with nothing.

Do you have any websites, advice, or testimonials that could help me? I know you’re supposed to pack light and bring trekking poles and already broken-in shoes ,but beyond that I don’t know much else.

That’s about it, thank you! 🙏