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A Pilgrims Tale: The Camino de Santiago
Walking the Way of St James across Spain
If walking the famous Camino de Santiago trail in Spain wasn't on your must-do list before, it will be after you read Brandon Wilson's inspiring account of this sensational pilgrimage. The award-winning author has penned an inspiring tale about his experiences walking the
Spanish Camino in 1999 and 2005, and he blends history, personal insights and the ambitions of fellow pilgrims into one engrossing read.
About Brandon Wilson
Walking the Camino with UTracks
Of course, while Brandon has walked the trail independently, there are many benefits of a UTracks trip (
we've counted 11!). On a
self-guided tour, you get to explore at your own pace while having the peace of mind that comes with having comfortable accommodation reserved ahead of time, as well as daily luggage transfers so you are free to carry only what you need while walking the trail. For those who enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded travellers, our
guided Camino trips offer an unforgettable small group experience along with the invaluable insights of a local guide. There are links to our affordable Camino trips at the bottom of the article.
Walking the Way of St James across Spain
Although they say it’s the journey that matters and not the destination, I, too, had my doubts.
That was until I heard about Spain's
Camino de Santiago. And what a difference that trip has made.
If the idea of exploring Europe is met by a "been there, done that" response, think again. There’s a unique option whose concept started long before the advent of those whirlwind package tours. You can walk all or part of the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. It provides an intimate, at-your-own-pace exploration of a country steeped in magnificent beauty, art, history and faith.
Traveling the Way of St. James originated over a thousand years ago when pilgrims (or
peregrinos) from throughout Europe set off from their homelands toward the edge of then-known world and Santiago de Compostela. They came in search of miracles, as penance, or in devotion to St. James the Apostle who is entombed in the cathedral. Pilgrims in those early days, who included even royalty and popes, faced bandits, extreme illness, wolves, difficult river crossings and dangerous encounters with the Moors. Fortunately, today those challenges no longer exist, allowing millions to make this journey with much less life-threatening hardship.
Many begin their odyssey from St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port just across the French border in the rugged Pyrenees, or as I did in Roncesvalles on the Spanish side. In Roncesvalles, you can register and obtain a Pilgrim’s credencial that identifies you as a peregrino and allows you to stay in albergues or refugios, those hostels with bunk beds or modest inns along this 500-mile (800km) path.
Each day you set out in the cool early morning air either alone, in couples, or a group, depending on your inclination. This is no tour. Everyone sets their own pace shepherded by well-marked arrows or signposts.
This well-worn path wends its way through vineyards overflowing with grapes ready for harvest, among apple and pear orchards, across fields thickly scented with thyme, past a checkerboard of fresh vegetables, then over the desolate, windswept meseta or plateau. It climbs thousands of feet to secluded mountain Brigadoons, such as El Cebreiro with its traditional Celtic round stone houses. Then it descends to tree-lined Galician pastures dotted with hórreos, those elaborate grain storage bins resting on stilts and sometimes topped with crosses.
Setting out at an easy-going pace with our purposely-light eleven-pound backpacks, my wife and I trekked only twelve miles at first, until reaching a comfortable public albergue in the early afternoon. These inns are located in unusual settings, from historic 16th century convents to hospitals run today by the Knights of Malta to modern prefab complexes run by volunteers. All provide basic dormitory-style bunk bed accommodations and showers. Many even include common kitchens, laundry facilities or Internet-connected computers. They hold 20-800 travellers each night. Charges are modest, from a simple donation to $6-8 a night. Bedding is usually not provided, so it’s a good idea to bring a sleeping bag.
It wasn’t until a few days later that we began to slowly increase our distance to twenty miles each day or more–but then again, that was our choice.
So who walks the Camino de Santiago today? Thousands of travelers of every age come from around the world. In just one typical year, there were over 25,000 pilgrims from seventy-two countries.
During my first Camino experience in 1999 and again with my wife this past summer (2005), I met a virtual UN of peregrino travelers, ranging from a good-humored university administrator in his sixties who hiked nearly a thousand miles from Dijon, France to twenty-something Spanish students. I was amazed to meet a couple in their 70s who’d hiked and biked from Holland and was impressed to see a pilgrim with MS on a specially-designed bicycle.
What attracts folks to the Camino? For many, it is the solitude and chance to simply unplug and shutout the distractions of an increasingly busy world. For others, it is a chance to meditate, to reaffirm their faith, to search for answers, to give thanks, to find inspiration. This is the perfect venue, since it is ideally more of a walking meditation than a marathon.
For others, it is the chance to discover precious, little-seen art and architecture, such as Astorga’s magnificent Bishop’s Palace built by renowned architect Antonio Gaudi. It’s an opportunity to stroll ancient Roman roads and appreciate twenty-arch stone bridges like the Paso Honroso, commemorating a month-long jousting tournament in 1434. Or you might explore 13th century castles such as the one in Ponferrada built by the Knights Templar, or the elaborate fountains, frescoes, sculpture and relics sequestered in tiny Romanesque churches along the way.
For some, it is simply the opportunity to take part in a rich tradition of wandering the same path inthe same spirit (and earning the same aching muscles and blisters). Lasting friendships are forged as you join an international brotherhood of millions of peregrinos from over the past millennium.
Whatever the reason for your personal journey, one lasting highlight is Spain’s rich culture. If you'relucky, you might arrive in a village during their version of the running of the bulls, or during a Saint’s Day festival, as we did in Puenta la Reina, aglow with savory cuisine, great local wine, traditional costumes, serenades from street musicians and concerts in the plaza.
Or just revel in the exploration of traditional delicacies, from the wonderful selection of rustic chorizo(sausage) and hearty sheep cheeses of the distinctive Basque region to Portomarin’s enormous almond pastries, Torta de Santiago, decorated with sword and shepherd’s staff. Discover the delicious variety of affordable tapa (appetizer) bars. Experience grilled pulpo (octopus) in a rowdy pulperia. Sip delicious viño tinto wines across Rioja, Burgos and the bodegas of the Mesa, or apple cider and delicate white wines poured at arm’s length into pottery saucers in Galicia. It’s doubtful that you’ll ever find these at home.
Whatever your motivation, villagers will occasionally surprise you with a "Buena Camino!" from their modest doorstep or second floor window, or graciously fill your water bottle. Peregrinos have trod this path for a thousand years and these towns have a long tradition of hosting travelers.
When you arrive in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, one emotionally charged finale is to attend the Peregrino Mass, featuring the world’s largest incense burner, the Botafumeiro, swung back and forth across the transept by eight men. Then join the throngs in paying a reverent visit to the Apostle St. James’ tomb. Later, with your Pilgrim’s Credential filled with stamps from all of your albergue stays and church visits in hand, go to the Office of Peregrinos to receive your official certificate or Compostela as proof of your pilgrimage.
Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy the culture and dining of this beautiful university town, or doas I did on my most recent journey and trek another three days to
Finisterre–the “end of the world” (in days before Columbus). And no, beyond there I haven’t found any dragons.
As always, it is the journey that matters, not the destination. Remember this, and with any luck you'll find whatever answers you seek. As a wise man once said, “Solvitur ambulando” or “It is solved by walking.”
Try it for yourself and see.
About Brandon Wilson
Brandon Wilson is an author and photographer, explorer and adventure travel writer. His other books in this series include:
Along the Templar Trail, a Lowell Thomas Gold Award-winner for Best Travel Book,
Yak Butter Blues: a Tiben Trek of Faith, an IPPY Award-winner;
Over The Top & Back Again: Hiking X The Alps and
Dead Men Don’t Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa. His stories also appear in
They Lived to Tell the Tale: True Stories of Adventure from the Legendary Explorers Club,
The Pilgrimage Chronicles: Embracing the Quest and
The Walkabout Chronicles: Epic Journeys by Foot.
A voracious explorer of nearly one hundred countries, over decades he has trekked many long-distance trails, including: the
Camino de Santiago, Camino Catalan, Camino Aragones and
Via de la Plata across
Spain, and twice the St. Olav’s Way across
Norway and
Sweden. In 1992, Brandon and his wife Cheryl were the first Western couple to complete the 1100-kilometer pilgrim trail from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, and he was the first American to traverse the 1850-kilometer
Via Francigena from
England to Rome. In 2006, he and his French friend re-blazed the 4500-kilometer route of the First Crusades from
France to Jerusalem, naming it the Templar Trail, to establish it as a path of peace.
Wilson is a member of the Sovereign Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem-Knights of Malta, and an International Fellow of the Explorers Club. He currently lives in the French Alps.
Books
All of Brandon's works are available from Amazon as either e-books or paperbacks, with prices starting from as low as $4. UTracks earns no commission on these links, 100% of it supports Brandon.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BrandonWilsonauthorexplorer
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Have you been inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago or a different pilgrimage trail? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, or let us know if you've read any of Brandon Wilson's work.