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…
Walking
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…
Camino Day 3 – A haven of peace and love
Saturday 22nd April 2023 Distance 12.7km (7.9 ml). Total Elevation 360m (1181 ft) Zubiri – Zabaldika People in the dormitory began moving around by 5.30. I quickly got dressed and found a quiet spot in the lounge downstairs to say…
Camino Day 2 – It’s not all downhill
Friday 21st April 2023 Distance 21.9km (13.6 ml). Total Ascent 250m (820 ft) Roncesvalles – Zubiri The guidebook gives the impression that in contrast to yesterday today was downhill all the way. I didn’t feel quite like that though, but…
Camino Day 1 – Across the Pyrenees
Thursday 20th April 2023 Distance 25.1 km (15.6 ml). Total Ascent 1390m (4560 ft) Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles After an OK but disturbed night I was up as soon as possible ready for breakfast at 6.00am. I…
Camino Day 0 – The End of the Beginning
I seem to be unable to relax when travelling. I suppose I was excited and a little bit anxious too as I was beginning my final day before starting to actually walk. I had loads of time after waking up…
Camino Prologue
Bordeaux Wednesday 19th April When does a journey begin? In the initial thought? The planning? The preparation – or the setting out? Perhaps all of them. I had certainly done too much thinking and planning, too many YouTube videos and…
Camino de Santiago
I am not sure when or indeed how the idea to walk this iconic pilgrimage to the Shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostella in Spain happened. It seems to be a big part of my thinking over the…
Walking a Mile in their shoes
One Sunday morning at church back in February an announcement was made about the church’s Lent focus It was to support Oasis Community Housing. I have written a bit about this here. There was an opportunity to support their work…
Spreas one – Springwell to East Boldon
I think before I started this was I had it in my head that it wasn't going to be the most scenic or exciting walk I had done. I suppose it was more about ticking off another Slow Ways route review.
Walking
I have always loved walking, indeed looking back I recognise it's the best way of helping me to think. As I prepared for my retirement, I was certain that walking was going to be a big part of what I wanted to do.
The Coast to Holy Island
Day Five - St Cuthbert's Way
I woke up on my final day's walking to thick fog. I had pitched my tent so I cpild get up in the morning and look out across the sea to Holy Island and I couldn't see a thing.