The Way - Buen Camino!
“Listen to your heart and it will show you the Way.”
When my friend Sylvie first told me about the Camino de Santiago, I didn’t think it was for me. This walk across Spain with so many people and no wilderness. The traditional pilgrim experience of crowded dorm rooms and sparse hostel living, well frankly, it just didn’t appeal. Over our many Sundays hiking and talking, her own desire grew in me and I realised the adventure and its challenges presented an incredible opportunity.
‘The French Way’ 800 kms across the top of Spain, 5 weeks walking an average of 25 kms each day. A challenge of both physical and mental stamina. Hiking over the Pyrenees, through Basque country, across the Meseta and into Galicia. Staying not in dorms but in boutique hotels, converted monasteries and farm stays. Exploring the rich culture and history of regional Spain, eating wonderful local produce and drinking delicious Spanish wine.
I am leaving behind an amazing, wonderful husband, a loving family life. My business in safe hands. Many good friends, great health, no hardship. For me, this is not a pilgrimage for redemption or forgiveness and yet, the more I discussed this trip with others I realised that there may be unexpected rewards from this walk which has for over 1000 years offered spiritual clarity to so many.
For the first half of the walk my travelling companion will be my sister, Donna. For the second half, my hiking buddy Sylvie will join me. There will be a week in the middle where we three all walk together. Both my companions have issues with their knees so we opt to prebook our accommodation and take advantage of the bag forwarding service, carrying only day packs on our backs.
We arrive in St Jean Pied-de-Port, check in with the pilgrim office to collect our credentials (pilgrim passport) and then enter into the Église Notre-Dame Church and like millions of pilgrims before us, we light a candle for our journey.
Tips for the trail
If you're preparing for the Camino de Santiago, invest in a good pair of trail shoes. I have suffered foot troubles in the past and so chose Hoka trail shoes for their exceptional cushioning and support. My Hoka shoes provided the comfort needed for long days of walking on varied terrain. The rugged outsole offers excellent traction, keeping you steady on everything from rocky paths to wet, muddy trails. They are also lightweight and easy to dry out overnight if they get wet.
Postcards from St Jean Pied de Port
Map of Camino Frances
The five stages of our route
