Camino de Santiago, Walking the Walk…

Hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain with Sheep!

By Regina Winkle-Bryan

When a friend of mine said he was going to do the Camino de Santiago again this year, but starting in Paris, I said, ‘You’re insane.’

Terje, (afore mentioned friend) and I did part of the Camino last year, an amazing hike which destroys one’s feet but feeds one’s soul. I am not religious, and did not do the Camino for its traditional purpose as a pilgrimage road to the city of Santiago in Galicia. I did the Camino because I had an assignment to write about it, and because I think natural tourism is a great way to get to know Spain.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago can be done by foot, by horse or by bike, and when I was on the trail there were people of all ages and nationalities walking along it. I must say, it was much harder than I expected it to be, and those who go need to be prepared. Here are some tips if you are thinking of walking some or all of this unique trail:

1. Pack light. Real light. All you need is a drinking gourd and a staff…Really, a small backpack, a coat sturdy shoes and basic camping equipment should do it.

2. Get a good guide book. There are many online at Amazon.

3. Plan for the season. Galicia is rainy all the time. In the summer, everyone and their mother and their dog is on the trail and you are less likely to get a place to stay. After September it’s smooth sailing.

On the Camino de Santiago Trail, Regina Winkle-Bryan

4. Did I mention comfy shoes? 30 kms a day means you need good shoes. One recommendable shoe choice are the North Face Hedgehog Trainers.

5. Don’t worry about food. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along most of the trail, just carry snacks and water (but also make sure to check that there will be open restaurants where you plan to stop for the night in your guide book).

6. Get into it! People are friendly on the trail. Chirp out ’Buen Camino’ to your fellow pilgrims and be open to meeting people. There are plenty of interesting folks walking the walk to Santiago.

More: http://www.santiagoturismo.com/camino/

Santiago, Galicia, Spain