The next time I had the weight down to 6kg; walking was much easier and I was happier. If you manage to just walk in the day and not think about all the days ahead, walk at your own pace, do your own Camino — there can be a tremendous sense of accomplishment at the end.
However, there can also be an anti-climax. What next, is often a common thought? What, no more walking? I felt a bit lost not walking — I was so used to walking all day every day. Yes, lots of people walk the Camino de Santiago for religious reasons. During a holy year, the door of Forgiveness in Santiago Cathedral is opened. During a Holy Year, all pilgrims can have a plenary indulgence for the forgiveness of sins — this is dependant on certain conditions.
The next holy year is not until , however, has been declared the Holy Year of Mercy. During the previous Holy Years, the number of pilgrims on the route increases dramatically. The Compostela is a Latin document that states you have walked at least the last km or cycled at least the last km for religious or spiritual reasons to Santiago.
There is a different certificate for those that do not fall into these categories; this is a certificate of achievement for finishing the walk. Most people religious or not ask for the Compostela — it appears personal spirituality is alive and well along the Camino.
There was never any big deal on why I was walking these — they were there and I like multiday hiking routes. Getting away from the city and spending time walking in the countryside does wonder for my head. A long walk on at the weekend has me set up for the week ahead. To say you have completed the Camino you have to have walked the last km. Along the route, you collect little stamps in a passport so that when you get to Santiago de Compostela you can prove you have been on the trail. My wife and I began our Camino in Sarria and walked km in 8 days.
I had heard about the Camino through various sources and was curious about it. So when the opportunity arose to walk it at the end of another walking adventure , we grabbed it. Many people do this walk for spiritual reasons, a kind of walking spiritual retreat. Being the kind of guy I am and interested in Mental Health I was curious as to why so many people would take this pilgrimage.
What was it they were hoping to discover? We had interesting conversations with many other pilgrims, and one of them said this was the third time he was walking. This repeating the Camino and taking different routes was reasonably common from the many conversations overheard. All of these are part of the attraction and surprise, but I believe the Camino taps into an even deeper need. In Jungian psychoanalysis, there is the concept of an archetype which refers to a collectively inherited unconscious idea, a pattern of thought, image, etc.
Johann Hari. To end loneliness, you need other people—plus something else. You also need, he explained to me, to feel you are sharing something with the other person, or the group, that is meaningful to both of you.
Camino pilgrims were certainly sharing something that was meaningful. We also had a shared experience of aching muscles and tired feet. We were in a community with a very tangible goal. The next step, next hill, next town, and then Santiago de Compostela. Perhaps this is why it is so unique and compelling to our modern lives of diverse direction.
We hardly know our neighbors, let alone ourselves and our deepest needs. Taking a break from your normal life is the best way to gain some perspective and reflect.
While you walk the Camino you can let your mind wander through the past few years. You may notice things in retrospect that you had not known before.
There is no doubt about it — the Camino is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. You will find a new challenge every day, from dragging yourself out of bed in the morning to keeping your legs moving as you climb the next hill.
Taking on a challenge like the Camino is exhilarating and helps to show us what we are capable of. Another reason why people walk the Camino is for exercise and physical movement. Some people will push this to the extreme, by walking barefoot, carrying an extra heavy load or even a cross , running the whole way, or cycling from Pamplona to Santiago in just 8 days.
Of course, for most of us simply walking about 20km per day for more than 2 days in a row is already a challenge! Walking the Camino is likely to make you fitter and stronger. You will finish the Way of Saint James with a new level of appreciation for your body. Start getting ready now! On the Camino de Santiago, walkers and cyclists have an incredible opportunity to discover the culture of Spain, Portugal, and France.
Walking holidays are a slower pace, which means you spend more time with the real locals of the country you are in and experience life on a different level. You will meet locals, see them going about their daily lives, shop in the same shops as them, and hear local favourites on the radio.
Take the time to say hi and hear what they have to say. You might learn a new Spanish word, be told about the local favourite wine bar, or discover off the beaten track gems. Spain and Portugal are absolutely full of incredible historic sites and stories! Considering that the Camino has its origins back in the 8th century it is not surprising that there is so much history surrounding it. Those who are interested in history will love hearing the stories of Santiago and the pilgrims who have paid tribute to him over the years.
There are an abundance of beautiful and fascinating buildings to explore too. If you want to go even further back in time, visit the Camino del Norte in Asturias to find rock paintings from the Palaeolithic era — around 10, years ago! Immersing yourself in a language you are trying to learn is one of the best ways to improve, and it is also a reason why people go on pilgrimages. Particularly on some of the less travelled routes, you will find yourself in towns where there are people who speak no English at all.
This is an ideal time to practice your Spanish or Portuguese! You can pick up a few extra words in our guide to common phrases , or by using Google Translate on your phone. Que te diviertas! There is something very human about being part of the shared procession towards Santiago. You have a shared goal with all the people who walk the trails, no matter where they are from or what their backgrounds are.
Part of the purpose of a pilgrimage is to share your journey with others. Prepare to be amazed by the foods and wines that you taste, and the incredible diversity of dishes and flavours between regions. Each region has its own specialities, so make sure to keep an eye out for the local dishes. Of course, there are also tapas and pintxos! From cured meats to local cheese, pickles, bites of meat and fish, and fantastic vegetables — these small snacks are unbeatable.
You can get a little taste of Spanish culture at home to get you excited for your trip to the Camino with this delicious recipe from Blanca Valencia — Potatoes and Chorizo, Rioja Style! Wine lovers will adore the Camino for the huge range of wine and grape varieties it boasts.
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