Q // Which is the best route for a beginner on the Camino de Santiago?

Early summer is terrific for hiking the Camino and a group or selfguided tour takes the hassle out of the logistics for first-timers. The 492-mile Camino Francés (French Way) from Saint-Jean-Piedde-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain is the classic: the Pyrenees, vineyards of La Rioja and fortified city of Pamplona are real highlights. The terrain isn’t overly demanding, but there’s up to 19 miles of walking each day over five weeks. If you only have a week, hike the final, 69-mile stage from Sarria to Santiago to get a taste of the trail in Galicia and receive your Compostela (Camino certificate). Responsible Travel oŒers a nineday, small group tour on the final stage from £1,449, including flights. responsibletravel.com

If you’d prefer a quieter, flatter trail, the 166-mile Caminho Português da Costa (Portuguese Coastal Way), rambles along the Atlantic coast past fishing villages, estuaries and medieval towns. Spend an extra day in Santiago; the extended 2021 Xacobeo (Holy Year) celebrations mean you can enter the cathedral through the Holy Door. Macs Adventure oŒers a 14-night, self-guided tour from £1,165, excluding flights. macsadventure.com

The Camino isn’t wheelchairaccessible in its entirety, but there are special tours that cover the leg from Sarria to Santiago.

I’ll Push You oŒers nine-day Accessible Camino group trips from £2,936. accessiblecamino.com