As I sat on the rustic Spanish bench alongside the Camino trail, I looked down at my two bruised and blue big toenails, free at last to wiggle in fresh mountain air from the containment of my Vasque hiking boots. Then I thought “how am I going to do this for another 5 weeks?” The combination of a … [Read more...]
10 Best Hiking Boots for 2019
When you are out on the hill or on a long trek, your hiking boots are among the most important pieces in your kit. You need a good pair of boots or shoes to suit the terrain. Some people, for example, prefer shoes for trekking or hill walking, but for me, a good pair of comfortable and neatly … [Read more...]
Pilgrim Routes in Ireland
Long before the discovery of St. James’ relics, there was Cruachan Aille in Ireland. The sacred grounds had been there since 3,000 BC and attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. Pagans frequented the area and so did early Christians when it was popularized by St. Patrick. When Camino de Santiago … [Read more...]
Is It Safe Walking the Camino de Santiago Alone?
One of the most common questions I am asked - is it safe to walk the Camino de Santiago alone? This became a question being asked more again recently when someone went missing on the Camino. However my opinion remains unchanged - yes, it is safe to walk the Camino de Santiago alone. I would think … [Read more...]
How Walking the Camino de Santiago changed my Life
I first walked the Camino de Santiago in 2004 on the Camino Frances route. I found it quite difficult back then to find information before I went so I had little idea what lay ahead. In hindsight that was maybe good for me, if I had seen some of the images of where people sleep at night and the … [Read more...]
Hiking the Camino for Charity
Have you thought about it? I know there are many pilgrims or future pilgrims out there that have had this idea. Is it possible? Is it easy? I’ve done it and I want to share my experience with you. All the in’s and out’s. All the up’s and down’s. All the pro’s and con’s. And my strategy to … [Read more...]
Planning Rest Days on the Camino de Santiago
For most people walking the Camino de Santiago means a month walking across northern Spain covering about 800 km, (500 miles). So it is not surprising that most of us plan on a few rest days along the Camino. Below are some of the towns and villages that I suggest are good places to stop for a day … [Read more...]
A Typical Day on the Camino
My typical day on the Camino de Santiago started about 6am. I was a mature student before hiking the on the Camino de Santiago for the first time; at that time I would have been doing well if I was awake before 9am, (I had got into student life and loved it). So six in the morning was initially … [Read more...]
Newbie Mistakes on The Camino de Santiago
To be honest, I wanted to get your attention with the title of this blog post. I guess it worked if you are reading this now :) Great. Now that we are here I would like to clear something up which is of high importance to me. The word "mistake" in the blog title is not really right. I rather … [Read more...]
Walking the Camino de Santiago with Children
Walking the Camino is without a doubt an extraordinary experience - but what about walking the Camino de Santiago with children? An escape, an adventure in time where too many things are planned out and controlled. But it’s not always easy to get away, especially if you are taking care of more than … [Read more...]
Why Walk the Camino de Santiago
In 2004 I first walked the Camino Frances the main Camino de Santiago route; I first wrote this article in 2009 and thought it could do with some updating. I was a student at the time and I wanted to do something different during the summer, something interesting - I am not one for lying on a beach … [Read more...]
Celebrate Your Retirement and Walk The Camino!
This is a post from Des O'Dowd, thanks. I retired on the 1st of September 2008 and I wanted to celebrate my new life and new freedom. The Camino de Santiago was the challenge and adventure I needed. So in late September, like children going on a school tour, myself and my fellow retiree Pat McEvoy … [Read more...]
Top Ten Things About Camino de Santiago
I was asked recently what would be my top ten things about the Camino de Santiago – so here it is. 1. The people, the other pilgrims. The other pilgrims I met is my number one on the Camino, all Camino routes. I feel I was blessed. I don't like crowds, however, I do in general like talking, and … [Read more...]
How Long is the Camino de Santiago Distance?
One of the most common questions I am asked when I speak about the Camino is how long is the Camino de Santiago in kilometers and miles. Usually, I just answer by saying 780 kilometers – though if the person is very interested I will get into explaining that there are many different routes in Spain … [Read more...]
Reasons to Walk the Camino de Santiago
You have to be fairly motivated to walk the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in North West Spain – as it is 800km. Usually 800km with your rucksack on your back containing everything you need for a month. Sleeping in hostels with strangers, communal … [Read more...]
