Camino de Santiago

Camino Day 17 – No room at the inn

Saturday 6th May Distance 31.5km / 19.5 miles Burgos – Hontanas Today was not a day to be up and about before dawn. The rules said you couldn’t leave until after breakfast. It was a simple shared breakfast of bread…

Camino Day 16 – Burgos

Friday 5th May 2023 Distance 13.7km / 8.5 miles Cardenuela Rio Pico – Burgos I had a disturbed night and woke up a bit disoriented. I found a old plastic chair on the edge of the Albergue and said Morning…

Camino Day 15 – Best walking day so far.

Thursday 4th May 2023 Distance 24.4km (15.2 miles) Villafranca Montes de Oca – Cardenuela Riopico I had read in the guidebook about the steep climb out of Villafranca but despite this I set out with renewed energy and purpose. I…

Camino Day 14 – An almost day off

Wednesday 3rd May 2023 Distance 12 km (7.45 ml) Ascent approx 900m Belorado – Villafranca Montes de Oca Today is my day of rest, though I won’t be taking the whole day off, just walking to the next ALbergue at…

Camino Day 13 – Not all hardship

Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Distance 22.4km (13.9 ml) Total Ascent 300m (984 ft) Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Belorado No one else in the dorm seemed to be leaving early which was a novelty, so I dragged everything out…

Camino Day 12 – Pilgrim or Tourist?

Monday 1st May 2023 Distance 30.8km (19.1 ml) Ventosa – Santo Domingo de la Calzada I knew today was going to be a longer day, so I was up and out as early as possible. It wasn’t yet light enough…

Camino Day 11 – Companionship on the Way

Sunday 30th April 2023 Distance 18.4km (11.4 ml) Logrono – Ventosa It was a pleasant walk out of Logrono. There were few people around as I left even though I was a bit later than sometimes as the Albergue provided…

Camino Day 10 – Short Walk, Full Day

Saturday 29th April 2023 Distance 9.4km (5.8 ml) Viana – Logrono I felt a sense of peace as I got up this morning. Gone was the anxiety of yesterday. I packed up and went outside to find somewhere quiet to…

Camino Day 9 – Bed Anxiety

Friday 28th April 2023 Distance 18.4km (11.4 ml). Total ascent 300m ( 984 ft) Los Arcos – Viana I woke early to the sound of pilgrims getting ready for an early start – it seemed like anytime after 5.00am was…

Camino Day 8 – Vineyards and Wheat Fields

Thursday 27th April 2023 Distance 21.5km (13.4 ml). Total Ascent 370m (1213 ft) Estella – Los Arcos I was up showered and ready before it was light. I said Morning Prayer in the quiet of my room then once I…

Camino Day 7 – A Day Off

Wednesday 26th April 2023 Distance 0km ( 0 ml). Total Ascent A load of steps up to the church) Estella I slept well and had a lie in. It was a real luxury not having to get up and out…

Camino Day 6 – Villages on hilltops

Tuesday 25th April 2023 Distance 21.9km (13.6 ml). Total Ascent 300m (984 ft) Puente La Reina – Estella I had a good sleep and woke up refreshed. I got up about 6am and was by no means the first. I…

Camino Day 5 – Over the hill.

Monday 24th April 2023 Distance 23.8km (14.8 ml). Total Elevation 470m (1542 ft) Pamplona – Puente La Reina I finally got up at 6am. It seemed a thing that people start getting up anytime after 5am, some of whom start…

Camino Day 4 – Down to Earth

Zabaldika – Pamplona Today started on a high physically, mentally and spiritually. I woke up, well rested at the Albergue at Zabaldika perched high on the side of the river valley. The weather was fine and I only had a…

Wisdom from Zabaldika

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart who care for the pilgrims who visit the church of San Esteban at Zabaldika share their love and wisdom so freely. Their stamp in my pilgrim’s passport sums it up, the open heart of…