WALK THE CAMINO THE USUAL: THE ALTERNATIVES: ALSO TRY:

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) is not one trail but many, spidering across the Iberian Peninsula to the reputed resting place of the titular saint in Santiago de Compostela, north-western Spain. One route is by far the most popular, though: some 300,000 hikers trace the 775km Camino Francés (French Way) from the Pyrenean town of St-jean-pied-dePort each year. Many tackle just the final 100km or so through Galicia from Sarria to Santiago – the minimum distance required to claim official pilgrim status and collect your compostela (certificate of completion) at the cathedral.

Of the couple of dozen different routes, some start as far afield as Geneva and Valencia, all gradually merging into eight main trails into Santiago. Each offers different scenery and cultural encounters. Take the Camino Portugués, for example: the full 616km route starts in Lisbon, though most hikers truncate it by beginning in Porto (a ‘mere’ 240km to Santiago), traversing trails through the portsoaked hills and villages of the Douro Valley.

Even the well-travelled French Way doesn’t have to be a blister-busting trek. Some 25,000 bicigrinos pedal this route each year; note that you must cycle at least the last 200km (from Ponferrada in León, perhaps) to claim your certificate; most pedal it in three or four days. Alternatively, that coveted compostela could be yours if you cover the last 100km on horseback.

You don’t have to leave the UK to taste the life of a peregrino. The Pilgrim’s Trail winds 47km south from Winchester to Portsmouth, following a medieval route ending at MontSaint-michel. You could hike that stretch over a weekend, or catch the ferry to Cherbourg and add the final 202km to the hallowed mount.

( The Camino Francés across northern Spain carries most pilgrims; ( whether you hike, bike or arrive by horse, all routes converge at the great cathedral in Santiago de Compostela wanderlust.co.uk March 2019