A long walk 🤣 but I will try and explain the basics for you.
El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (in English the way of St James) is a network of pilgrim routes across Spain and Europe which all lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in North Western Spain, where it is said the remains of the apostle Saint James are to be found in the Cathedral.
Many people walk or cycle the routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth. I am choosing to walk, but like I’ve already said I have no idea why I am actually doing it!
Choosing which camino to complete depends on how far you want to walk or cycle. It will also depending how many days you choose to be on the camino.
The camino has a few routes to choose from: the most popular route is Camino Frances 760km which will take about 4-6 weeks to complete. Camino Portuguese 600km which will take 2-3 weeks to complete. Camino Ingles 110km will take 6 days to complete or the Camino Primitivo 310km which will take 12-15 days to complete. (All routes are approximate time scales and very much depend on walking and cycle speeds)
Many people ask me how do you find your way along the Camino?All route of the Camino are marked with a scallop shell or an arrow. These lead the way through, villages, towns, rural areas and countryside.
All pilgrims carry a pilgrim passport. The credential is your proof you have walked or cycle the camino. Every day you are expected to collect 2 stamps, which can be obtained from local shops bars or albergues. The credential also allows you access to pilgrim hostels ‘ albergues’ where you sleep.
When you have finished the camino, you present your credential to the pilgrims office where you then receive a certificate ‘compostela’ which is stamped by the cathedral Santiago de compostela to mark your achievements.
Camino de Santiago 