The pilgrims’ walk
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN
What will I see? Tree-lined paths and quiet country roads lead to amazing views over the mountains and valleys, and through historic villages. The Camino is not only about what you will see, but the experience and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment at the conclusion of the journey.
How hard is it? The full, 830km Camino de Santiago takes about five weeks to walk. You can do sections or take an alternative route to the cathedral in the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle Saint James is said to be buried. UTracks’ walking consultant Jaclyn Lofts suggests the 610km Portuguese Way from Lisbon to Santiago, or the shorter 119km Camino Inglés (the English Way), from Ferrol to Santiago, as alternatives to the main route. Unforgettable moment You can walk any section of the Camino, but arriving in Santiago is a significant part of the story.
“It resonates with people to arrive on foot, like pilgrims in times gone by,” Jaclyn says. In a group or going solo? The well-marked trail always has other walkers and local people ready to help, so self-guided walking is fine. “There’s a supportive environment I haven’t experienced anywhere else from fellow walkers and cyclists, and the people from the local towns make you feel welcome and cared for,” Jaclyn adds.
Find out more UTracks has 39 guided and self-guided Camino tours, from the five-day The Way of St James (Le Puy to Aumont), from $860, to the 41-day Full Camino del Norte, from Irun, from $6,390, and includes baggage transportation between your hotels, 1300 303 368, utracks.com.