A pilgrim's passport is a must on any of the Camino de Santiago routes, (also known as a credential), you must have one to stay in the municipal and parish Albergues, some of the private albergues do not require one. The passport will have spaces for sellos, (stamps), this proves that … [Read more...]
The Meaning of the Scallop Shell on the Camino de Santiago
The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago, and no matter where you are on the road, you will see countless scallop shell symbols.They are used today, together with the yellow arrows, to guide the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. But you will see … [Read more...]
Best Time of the Year to Walk the Camino de Santiago
This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently, what is the best time of year to walk the Camino de Santiago. Usually, though people are asking about the Camino Frances to Santiago, and for that reason that is the route this post refers to. Quick Weather GuideJanuary - cold, snow on … [Read more...]
Best Sleeping Bag Liners for Hot Weather Backpacking and Camping
If there is one item you want among your kit when you are on a walking holiday, it’s a sleeping bag. However, if the weather is likely to be warm, you also want to have a suitable sleeping bag liner. (Or consider a summer sleeping bag)It’s fair to say that many people overlook this when packing, … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag or Liner for the Camino de Santiago
There is much debate on whether you need a summer sleeping bag or a sleeping bag liner during the summer on the Camino de Santiago. Here I want to look at both side of that argument and help you how to choose a sleeping bag or liner; then which one and do you need it treated against bed … [Read more...]
Best Starting Points for One Week on the Camino de Santiago
The Pilgrimage to Santiago is a one of a kind experience. While many would love to walk the entire way, it is not always easy to get away from our day-to-day duties and responsibilities for a whole month. So here following on from the post listing the best start points for two weeks on the Camino is … [Read more...]
Two Weeks on the Camino de Santiago
A quick trip is not something you can expect from Camino de Santiago. With routes going up to several hundred kilometers, a pilgrimage typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks on foot.If you don’t have the luxury to travel for extended periods, or if you’re unable (or don’t want) to walk long distances, you … [Read more...]
Did You Lose Weight on the Camino?
I lost about 8kgs, about 18 lbs, over a four week period. So yes I did lose a lot of weight on the Camino.However, losing weight was never one of my reasons for walking. I did not set out on the Camino to lose weight and I must admit that it never entered into my mind at any time while I was … [Read more...]
Best Hiking Socks for Long Distance Trails in 2019
Long distance hiking is a pursuit that is enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages. With many stunning trails to cover, from the glorious mountains of Scotland to the amazing and varied scenery of the USA and the long and windy roads of the Camino de Santiago, there is no shortage of … [Read more...]
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Depending on the terrain and the weather I like to have a good choice of hiking shoes, walking boots or trail running shoes for my many treks. As I am generally a fair weather hiker I have good experience in buying lightweight hiking shoes that I use all summer long.Hiking is a wonderful way of … [Read more...]
Best Summer Sleeping Bags for Backpacking for 2019
Whether you are planning a trip to the wonderful pilgrim’s routes of the Camino de Santiago, going hiking in the Lake District, or perhaps any of the great wilderness trails in North America, it is essential that you have the best gear on you to ensure a pleasant journey.This review checks out … [Read more...]
Best Hiking Shorts for Backpacking
If you’re planning on hitting the trail any time soon, you’ll need some thin, light clothing if it looks as though the weather is going to be good. Wearing the right hiking shorts means you can have the freedom to move around as you please, but it also means you won’t overheat.Hiking shorts may … [Read more...]
How the Magic of the Camino de Santiago Changed Me
It is my belief that the Camino always has something to teach us, whether subtle or profound.Those effects may be conscious throughout your journey, or more of a seed that grows slowly into our awareness long after our return. This is not my first time on the Camino, my 3rd tour to be exact, but … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned on the Camino de Santiago
Toward the end of my post a couple of weeks back on how the Camino changed my life, I got thinking about the lessons I learned while walking the Camino Frances. The following are some thoughts on lessons I think I started to learn there.I Can Do More Than I Think or Believe This was a great … [Read more...]
Best Trekking Poles for 2019
Hiking is a great way to get out and about and explore this beautiful world of ours. If like me you are a fan of walking the Camino, you will feel invigorated when following the routes that pilgrims have walked over the ages.Having the right gear makes walking in such wonderful surroundings – … [Read more...]
