In April and May of this year I completed my walking challenge for 2025 – the 800-kilometre (500-mile) Camino Francés pilgrimage route from St Jean Pied de Port in south-western France, on foot across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. I undertook this trek solo, carrying my own pack, and staying in the albergues and hostels that line the route, booking these a day or two in advance as I journeyed westwards.
When I say solo, I did indeed set off on my own, but it is impossible to remain in one’s own company for long on a Camino walk, especially on the Camino Francés route; I had company for well over half of the walk, whether just for a few minutes, for an hour or two, or for a full day on the trail. In all I met fellow pilgrims from 30 other countries of the world, and the shared goal of reaching Santiago resulted in bonds that set this walk apart from all my other treks in terms of the camaraderie and the friendships made. I remain in touch, mainly via social media, with many of those who I met on the Camino Francés, and I am sure that this will not be my final Camino!
Walking for Fun, Challenge and Charity! 