Page 2 - Camino

All routes lead to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The French Way of St James is considered the most scenic
LEFT: The Camino is a well marked route.
“The Camino changed my life”
My first step along the Camino was not on Spanish soil, it was writing to an author whose inspiring account of his journey along ‘The Way’ I had just read. The very personal, detailed and encouraging response I received – from a complete stranger – instantly made me feel part of a special community.
It’s like I was let in on a secret, but one that people didn’t mind sharing. I was hooked.
I quit my job, and three weeks later I was walking the full length of the Camino Francés.
There’s something very unique about walking the Camino. Even if you hike it yourself, you are never alone. Whether you
do it for religious reasons or not, the sense
of community on the trail is like no other walk on earth. The overwhelming feeling
of acceptance by everyone you meet along the trail makes it very hard not to tap
into some sort of spiritual guidance.
While the roots of the Camino lie in religious beginnings, today the vast majority of those who undertake a section of ‘The Way’ do it for non-religious reasons. I’ve spoken to many prospective peregrinos at my free Camino information evenings around the globe, and most of you have similar questions when planning your first step.
What exactly is the Camino? Why are there so many routes? Which one should I do? When should I go? Have you got any tips?
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Opposite, clockwise from top left: Pilgrim fountain, Tui, Camino Portuguese; A break in Estella, Camino Frances; Waymarkers abound; Tranquil St Jean Pied de Port and walking into Pamplona, Camino Frances.