This week, HCX writer Louise Mason reviews the adventure route of El Camino in Spain.
El Camino de Santiago is an old pilgrimage route which has now become an adventure for thousands of people across the globe every year.
El Camino can be completed as part of several different routes all ending in Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. Arguably, the most famous route is El Camino Frances which starts in France, the full distance being around 500 miles.
However, if you don’t have the time to walk this far, don’t worry – you don’t have to do it all! Last summer I walked 116 km from Sarria to Santiago which is far enough to receive your Compostela certificate upon arrival in Santiago. I went with four friends from school, but this really is something that you can do at any age, with however many people you want. Most people were older than us, but this wasn’t a problem, everyone you meet whilst walking is so friendly and helpful.
El Camino is something you can do in a group, with a friend or even on your own. Walking such a long distance can be an eye-opening experience and there are lots of people who start the journey on their own. If you’re going to go with friends, I would recommend doing it with people who you feel comfortable with and can trust, because it can be a relatively intense experience. El Camino is about letting go of the outside world and contemplating some deep thoughts about life; but it is also really fun! Walking through the Spanish countryside is very peaceful and feels a world away from a busy life at home.
It is intriguing to come across the different settlements along the route and encounter different and interesting people who live in the villages, and also individuals who are embarking on the journey just like yourself. A trip like this requires some prior planning. Before setting off to Spain, we decided our route and how far we would walk each day. This is not as easy as it seems, because there isn’t always a town situated at your ideal stopping point! We didn’t book hostels in advance and most people we met didn’t either. However, this does mean you should bear in mind the later you arrive in a town, the less beds there will be available! The accommodation was very cheap, around 10-15 Euros a night, and everywhere we stopped either had a kitchen or there was a place nearby selling authentic Spanish food.
Top tips
- The big bags are a struggle. Make sure you weigh your bag before you travel and bear in mind you’re going to have to carry this on your back for the whole of the walk! Alternatively, do seriously consider using the ‘mochila express’, a service you can arrange via hostels that will take your bags to your next destination.
- Say hello to people! You will get used to the friendly phrase ‘buen camino’ which is exchanged by all the pilgrims. If you speak Spanish this is a great opportunity to practice your speaking skills, but there are also plenty of people from other countries and many English speakers.
- Check your bed before you go to sleep! The presence of bed bugs is an issue. Make sure you look out for signs of bed bugs before you agree to stay in the hostel; they are more common on beds with wooden frames.
- Embrace the trip. Eat Spanish food, stay in a dorm room, forget about your phone, it really is worth it. In the middle of the country side you can forget about your life back home (just for a little bit!).
Packing list
- A massive rucksack
- Walking trousers
- Shorts
- Comfy t-shirts
- A waterproof
- Sleeping bag
- Insect repellent
- A hiking pole
- Hiking boots/sturdy trainers
- A money belt
- A jumper
- Sunglasses
- A cap
- Towel
- A shell! (to strap onto your bag)
- Deep heat
- A big water bottle