CAMINOS

I walked my first Camino in April/May of last year, following the ancient 800-kilometre Camino Francés pilgrimage route from St Jean in southwest France across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the country’s northwest province of Galicia. Entranced by the experience I followed this up with a 260-kilometre trek northwards from Porto in northern Portugal back to Santiago earlier this year. Aside from the connection with the past, what sets these treks apart is the sense of common purpose and the camaraderie to be found amongst fellow pilgrims from all corners of the globe. Herewith a short summary of my Camino walks.

THE CAMINO FRANCÉS

In April and May of last 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.

The CAMINO FRANCÉS, an 800-kilometre pilgrimage route from southwestern France across northern Spain to the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela

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 31 countries of the world, all with the shared goal of reaching the shrine of St James in Santiago, whilst forming friendships that survive to this day.

With just some of the many friends that I made along the way on my first Camino . . .
. . . and at the finish line – the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-western Spain, on Saturday 10 May 2025 – after completing my 32-day pilgrimage from south-west France and across northern Spain

THE CAMINO PORTUGUÉS

The full Portuguese Camino walk, or ‘Camino Portugués’, covers 640 kilometres (400 miles) from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital city, northwards to Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain – the same pilgrimage destination that I reached on the Camino Francés last spring. Due to constraints of time this year, I joined the path at the city of Porto in the north of Portugal, walking northwards for around 260 kilometres (150 miles) over two weeks. I travelled solo and unsupported once more, organising my own travel and accommodation and carrying my own pack.

The Camino Portugués: I joined the Way at Porto and followed the inland ‘Central’ route northwards to Santiago de Compostela
Celebrating in Santiago with a few fellow Camino-buddies on 7 June 2026, after two weeks of trekking
There are plenty more Camino paths still to follow – in Spain, Portugal, and across Western Europe

You can look back on my 2025 and 2026 Camino adventures by clicking on the above BLOG tab.