Walk the Camino this summer

It’s about freedom. It’s about walking to the horizon and when you get there you keep on going. It’s about taking part in something that is at the same time enjoyable and profound. For those of you who are looking for something a bit different this summer why don’t you join us as we walk the Camino. We’ll be leading a group of young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 from Sarria to Santiago de Compostella. Between the 3rd and the 10th of June we’ll cover the last 100km of The Way and have a few days to relax in Santiago itself.

The Camino of Santiago has been a site of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years. People have walked from all around Europe and more recently have journeyed from the four corners of the world to ‘abrazar’ or embrace the famous statue of St. James and pray at his tomb. But the Camino is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. The Camino meanders across the north of Spain through town, villages, fields and woodlands. It’s during this time that people on The Way take time to reflect on their lives and explore what’s possible. On top of all that it’s great fun as well. In all the years I’ve walked the Camino I have yet to meet a person who regretted coming.

The landscape is as varied as the people you meet. You’ll find pilgrims coming from everywhere, of all faiths and none. However they are all searching, very much aware that they are on a spiritual journey. Each morning as the sun rises we will start with a simple reflection. Then shouldering our packs we set off for the horizon, meeting people along the way or perhaps walking in solitude, depending on what you feel like at the time. In the evening there’s an opportunity for Mass if you wish ( or if not that’s fine too ) and then a meal with a glass of wine as the sun sets. It’s heaven in hiking boots!

The cost of the pilgrimage is fairly reasonable. People will arrange their own flights and transfers to Santiago and back home. Accommodation along the Camino is in Albergues or dedicated pilgrimage hostels. They cost around €10 / £8.50 a night. Then you need to account for food. The towns where we will stay offer pilgrim menus for around €10 /£8.50 for a simple three course meal. You can pick up other basics during the day in the many small stores along the route. Excluding flights and transfers about €35 / £30 a day should be more than adequate.

If you’d like some insight into the Camino check out the film The Way released in 2010, starring Martin Sheen. It gives a good flavour of what you can expect.

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If you’re considering it and are not sure feel free to email me or give me a call on (086) 7857955 (Irl) or (075) 26764236 (UK). People may be concerned about the level of fitness necessary. You don’t need to super fit, but a moderate level is desirable. Again if you have any doubts a quick email or phone call can put them to rest.

It promises to be an incredible experience. Find yourself on The Way.