The Beginner’s Guide

to Walking The
Camino de Santiago
By I’ll Push You & Camino Ways

i n pa r t n e r s h i p w i t h

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 The Camino de Santiago is one of the longest and
most inspiring pilgrimages in the world. Every year
thousands of pilgrims, walking enthusiasts and
explorers embark on a Camino journey.
We partnered with one of our partners, Camino
Ways, to bring you this “Beginner’s Guide to
Walking the Camino de Santiago.” It’s designed
for anyone who would like to learn more about the
trails, the history and the culture of ‘The Way’. If you
are planning to go on the Camino for the first time,
you will find our best advice in this guide.
Each section is carefully curated to assist you in
learning about the different routes, the places you
will visit, the people you will encounter and preparing
for the wonderful experience ahead of you.
BUEN CAMINO!

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 CHAPTER 1

History of
The Camino de
Santiago

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 History of the Camino de Santiago

THE PILGRIMAGE

The history of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

stretches back more than 1000 years to the discovery of
the body of Saint James during the reign of King Alfonso
II (792-842). Saint James was already believed to have
been the great evangelist of Spain and for many hundreds
of years there had been a scholarly and literary tradition
supporting this belief. The discovery of the relics of Saint
James then became a focal point for pilgrims.

Pilgrims to Santiago are recorded in the 10th century with

growing numbers in the 11th, but during the 12th century,
particularly under the energetic promotion of Archbishop
Diego Gelmírez (1100-1140), Santiago came to rank with Rome
and Jerusalem as one of the greatest destinations of medieval
pilgrimage.

The first cathedral was built over the site of St. James tomb,
and gradually houses were established by monks from Cluny
in Burgundy and from Aurillac in Cantal, along the developing pilgrimage route. The
12th and 13th centuries are considered to have been the
golden age of the pilgrimage to Santiago.

In the last 30 years there has been significant growth

in both interest and number of pilgrims traveling on by
foot, bike, and horseback. Pilgrims were encouraged
by visits of Pope John Paul II in 1982; World Youth
Day which was held in Santiago in 1989; and by the
first big Xacobeo year (holy year) of 1993. The number
of pilgrims continues to grow annually. In 1985 1,245
pilgrims arrived in Santiago. In the 2010 Holy Year
(when July 25th falls on a Sunday) 272,703 pilgrims
received their Compostela.

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THE CAMINO PASSPORT

This Camino passport (Credencial del Peregrino)

serves as proof that you have walked the 100km
necessary to obtain your ‘Compostela’ or
‘Certificate’. This official documents provides
testament to your journey.

If you start your Camino in Galicia you will

need to collect at least two stamps per day from
churches, town halls or other official establishments on your way to Santiago (at least
for the last 100km). If you start from outside Galicia you will only need one stamp per
day. Once in Santiago de Compostela, you must show your stamped Pilgrim Passport
at the Pilgrims Office to apply for your Compostela certificate and any other pilgrim
certificate you might want to receive.

WHAT IS THE COMPOSTELA?

The ‘Compostela’ is the original religious certificate written in

Latin, expended by the Church when pilgrims prove they have
either walked 100km or cycled (or travelled by horse) 200km
to Santiago de Compostela.

WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATE OF WELCOME?

Today, many cycle or walk the Camino for leisure, as a

cultural experience, and other non-religious reasons; but this doesn’t mean you can’t
get a certificate of this very special journey. Pilgrims traveling for sport or cultural
reasons can obtain a non-religious version of the Compostela, called the Certificate of
Welcome, also from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago (Rúa do Vilar). The same rule of
100km for walkers and 200km for cyclists and horse riders apply for this certificate.

Compostelas and certificates are issued to pilgrims, on a donation basis, by the

Pilgrims Office in Santiago.

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THE SCALLOP SHELL

The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago and
today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de
Compostela along its many different routes. Painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc...
the scallop shell (or ‘vieira’ in Galician and Spanish) helps travelers find their way.

There are many stories, legends, and myths trying to explain

the ancient link between the scallop shell and the Way of Saint
James. The French call the scallop Coquille Saint Jacques, and in
German scallops are called ‘Jakobsmuscheln’ (James mussels).

The scallop shell is said to be a metaphor, with its lines

representing the different routes pilgrims travel from all over
the world, all walking trails leading to one point: the tomb of
Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. However, it is open
to interpretation. In some regions, the scallop’s longest line is
considered the one pointing towards Santiago. This is the case
in Asturias, for example if you are walking the Original Way or the Northern Way, and
some parts of the Portuguese Way. But don’t let this fact confuse you, take the scallop
shell as a symbol of the Camino, reassuring you that you are on the right path! The
scallops are most often placed next to a yellow arrow so always follow the arrows (no
confusion here!), as they are the most accurate ‘road signs’ to follow.

Medieval pilgrims often wore a scallop shell attached to their cloaks or hats during
their journey to Santiago. More than being just a symbol or a pilgrim badge, the
scallop shells also had a practical purpose: they were a handy and light replacement
for a bowl so pilgrims could use them to hold their food and drink on their long
journey. Pilgrims would also be given food at churches and other establishments, and
a scallop shell scoop was the measure for the food they would be donated.

Since the scallop is native to the coast of Galicia, the shell also became a memento,
physical proof of having completed the pilgrimage to Santiago (and quite often walked
to or via Fisterra, on the Costa da Morte). The shells could be picked up at the very
end of the journey in Fisterra.

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FOLLOWING THE YELLOW ARROW

The name of Don Elías Valiña Sampedro might not ring any bells but you will certainly
recognize his most ‘famous’ creation: the yellow arrow pointing the way along the
Camino de Santiago. Don Elías (1929-1989) was a parish priest in O Cebreiro in Lugo
who studied the history of the St. James Way pilgrimage to Santiago. He wrote many
documents, articles and even a thesis on the Camino de Santiago for the University of
Salamanca.

Don Elías was a visionary and a Camino ‘pioneer’: after years studying the St. James
Way, he was convinced of it’s importance and set himself the challenge of reviving the
route we call the French Way. In 1984, he put in motion his mission to rescue, clean
and mark the trails along the Camino, starting in Roncesvalles.

He also started painting the iconic yellow arrows to indicate the right way at various
tricky crossroads along the trail. Legend has it that Don Elías drove across the whole
north of Spain on his Citroën GS packed with yellow paint, painting arrows leading to
Santiago.

He also promoted the creation groups and associations

to revive and maintain the different stretches of the
Camino; and travelled to other European universities and
conferences to explain the importance of the Camino de
Santiago as a space of communication and understanding
for people of many nationalities. Today’s pilgrims owe
much more to Don Elías than just the yellow arrows
helping them find their way. We probably owe him the fact
that the Camino is still in existence at all!

Back in the 80s, when encountered by curious bystanders (and even the police!) Don
Elías would explain he was ‘planning an invasion’.

Since he died in 1989, he didn’t get to see his vision for an ‘invasion’ fully
accomplished but we are sure he would be pleased to see the Camino today and would
rejoice at the view of thousands of pilgrims of all ages and nationalities following his
yellow arrows to Santiago every year.

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 CHAPTER 2

The Camino
Routes

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 The Camino Routes

IT IS MY FIRST CAMINO AND I’M LOOKING FOR A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

If the social element of the Camino de Santiago experience

and meeting fellow pilgrims along the way is important
for you, the French Way is your best option. The Camino
Francés, is the most popular route, starting in Saint Jean
Pied de Port. It takes approximately 30 days to walk
from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.
According to statistics from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago,
over 70% of those receiving the Compostela certificate walk
the Camino Francés.

The next most popular would be the Portuguese Camino

(nearly 14%) and the Northern Way (over 6%).

BUT I DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME!

You don’t have to start your Camino in Saint Jean Pied de Port, you can start at any
stage of the way and create an itinerary adapted to the time you have available. Any
stretch of the Camino trail can be travelled. For example, the last section from Sarria
to Santiago can be done in 7 days. If you have two weeks, you could start your walk in
Ponferrada. Sarria is actually the most popular starting point of the Camino, followed
by Saint Jean Pied de Port, León and O Cebreiro. Tui and Porto, on the Portuguese
Way, are also among the top Camino starting points.

I’D PREFER A QUIETER ROUTE

There are thousands of kilometres of Camino trails across Spain, Portugal and France
so there are many options for those looking for a quieter route. If you are looking to
finish in Santiago, you could walk the Via de la Plata from Ourense; or the English
Way from Ferrol in a week. You will still meet pilgrims, but far less than on the French
Way. And if you’d like to have the best of both worlds, you could start in Lugo city:
walking a couple of days along the Original Way and then joining the French Way
halfway to Santiago. This will allow you two quiet days and three days of socializing as
you approach Santiago.
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I’VE DONE THE FRENCH WAY BEFORE, WHAT COULD I DO NEXT?

If you are already familiar with the ‘classic Camino’, the French Way, you have plenty
of other routes to explore. Our suggestions: you could go for the Portuguese Way,
the second most popular; you could walk the Finisterre and Muxía Way, starting in
Santiago de Compostela and heading to the Atlantic Ocean; or you could try any of the
fantastic Camino routes in France such as Le Puy, Chemin d’Arles or Vezely Way.

I LOVE CYCLING

You can cycle many of the Camino routes. In general, cyclists

will cover an average of 50 to 60km per day, depending on the
terrain; double the amount of kms you would cover walking.
We recommend cycling the Camino only for those familiar with
cycling and basic bike maintenance.

I’D LIKE TO WALK A COASTAL ROUTE BUT ALSO SEE SANTIAGO

If you are looking for a summer Camino with coastal tracks, there are a couple of
fantastic options: the Portuguese Coastal Way, starting in Porto, follows the Atlantic
coastline to Baiona in the first week, then continues along the seaside villages and
towns of the Rías Baixas until Pontevedra. You could also choose the Finisterre and
Muxía Way, the only route starting in Santiago, to discover the fabulous Costa da
Morte with its pristine villages.

I’D LIKE TO WALK A CAMINO ALONG THE COAST

BUT DON’T NEED TO FINISH IN SANTIAGO

Then the Northern Way is perfect for you, particularly between the cities of Bilbao
and Santander; and further on the green Northern coast to the seaside town of
Ribadesella.

I’M TRAVELING ON MY OWN BUT I’D LIKE TO HAVE A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

If you are traveling on your own but are looking to meet people and make friends, we
would recommend you choose the French Way.

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 Most Popular Camino Routes
The most popular Camino de Santiago route is still the Camino Francés or French
Way with 68.10% of all Compostelas issued (161,994 people) in 2014.

• The classic Camino Portugués is the second most popular with 14.92% of all
pilgrims, 35,491.

• Camino del Norte or Northern Way is third with 6.34% (over 15,071)

• Via de la Plata follows with 3.57% of all pilgrims (8,490)

• Camino Primitivo or Original Way is next with 3.48% (8,275)

• The English Way or Camino Inglés attracted 3.02% of pilgrims (7,194).

Still not at the top but one of the routes experiencing the biggest growth. The
Camino Ingles received 1.86% of all pilgrims reaching Santiago in 2013.

It is worth noting that statistics only account for those pilgrims who have received the
Compostela, hence finishing in Santiago and therefore not taking into consideration
those pilgrims walking stretches of the Camino de Santiago routes in France, Spain or
Portugal for instance but not reaching Santiago.

EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
CAMINO FRANCÉS (THE “FRENCH WAY”) G O L F O D E TO PARIS
V I Z C A Y A

FRANCE
Bayonne

GALICIA
SANTIAGO DE St. Jean Pied de Port

ESPAÑA
COMPOSTELA Arzúa
Roncesvalles
A Brea
Portomarín
Palas
de Rei
Triacastela PAMPLONA SK
IP
Monumento de Front wheel
Monte do Gozo Sarria O Cebreiro
breaks off
Estella
Alto de Perdón
Villafranca
Molinaseca
Rabanal
Villavante LEÓN Los Arcos Obanos
del Bierzo del Camino Santo Domingo
El Burgo Ranero
Carrión de
de la Calzada
NAVARRA
Astorga los Condes Hontanas
Belorado
LOGROÑO
Cruz de Ferro Nájera
San Juan
Calzadilla
de la Cueza Boadilla
del Camino Hill outside
BURGOS de Ortega
LA RIOJA
Castrojeríz

CASTILLIA Y LEON
PORTUGAL

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 CHAPTER 3

The Camino
Culture

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 The Camino Culture
Many pilgrims wonder ‘What will I be eating?’
So, what’s the food like on the Camino?

BREAKFAST

If you book a hotel, breakfast is included in the price of your room but the type of
breakfast offered will depend on the hotel. Continental breakfast is the norm, as
cooked breakfasts aren’t common in France, Spain or Portugal. A frequent option will
be buffet-style breakfast including fruit, bread or toast, pastries or cake, cheese and
cold meats, coffee, tea and juice.

If you are staying in albergues, breakfast will be what you make it. Cafés offer
delicious coffee, fresh orange juice, ham, eggs and tortilla española (an omelet of
potatoes and eggs).

LUNCH

Lunch is typically whatever you chose to pick up in towns along the Camino. A staple
is the bocadillo, a sandwich made of cured meat (usually ham), cheese and rustic
bread. We recommend you visit the local shop at your departure point or stop in
the bigger towns/villages along the way to purchase basic supplies, including water,
snacks, fruit, etc... Depending on the section of the Camino or route chosen, you might
be able to stop at various cafés along the way.

DINNER

Dinner will generally be the ‘Pilgrim’s menu’, including three starters to choose from,
three mains and desert. Starters usually include soup or broth, salad or fish. Mains
usually include fish or meat with chips, potatoes and bread. There is typically a
vegetarian option.

Pilgrim’s meals are available in most bars and restaurants. Some Albergues have a
restaurant or bar attached, and many have kitchens for pilgrims to use. Frequently,
communal meals occur at the albergues. These are a wonderful way to meet people
from all over the world.

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 The Camino in 10 Dishes
The many routes of the Camino de Santiago cross different regions
(in some cases countries) each with its own traditions, culture and food.
If you are walking the Camino de Santiago along the French Way,
from the French border, here are some classic dishes and traditional
produce you will be able to taste.

WHITE ASPARAGUS

Navarra’s white asparagus are the most famous in Spain. They are delicious with just
a dollop of mayonnaise sauce. Another Navarrese speciality is ‘pochas’, a regional type
of bean, stewed with Serrano ham cubes.

CHILINDRÓN SAUCE

Chilindrón is a traditional sauce from Navarra, Basque Country and Aragón regions,
made with red vegetables, mainly tomatoes and red peppers. You will likely find meats
such as lamb or chicken cooked ‘al chilindrón’, in ‘chilindrón’ sauce.

POTATOES RIOJA STYLE

From La Rioja region of course, famous for its red wine, you will find a variety of
dishes cooked ‘a la Riojana’, ‘Rioja-style’, including potatoes. This is more than just a
potato dish, the potatoes are stewed in a clear broth with chorizo sausage.

ICE CREAM IN LOGROÑO

Marzipan, goat cheese with blueberries, cherry and orange sorbets, Ferrero Rocher...
any ice cream flavor you can imagine you will find it in Logroño, capital of La Rioja
and famous for its wine but also a city with a deep ice cream making tradition.

TAPAS IN BURGOS

Go for tapas in the many bars in Burgos, offering a wide variety of flavors and
combinations so you can taste as many different dishes as possible.

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CURED MEATS IN LEÓN

As you get into Castilla-León, cured meats become even more prominent in restaurant
menus. Cecina, smoked beef, is a local specialty and cured meats (embutidos) from
this region are of exceptional quality.

CAKES AND CHOCOLATE FROM ASTORGA

Astorga had, at one stage, 64 chocolate factories. As good an excuse as any to stop
and taste some of the artisan chocolate made locally. Don’t forget to try the famous
‘mantecados’ (little buttery cakes) and ‘hojaldres’ (super sweet sticky puffy pastries).
There is also a chocolate museum in town.

BOTILLO IN EL BIERZO

You will cross El Bierzo in the later stages of the French Way, its capital being
Ponferrada. The most famous dish of this region is ‘botillo’, a dish where various parts
of the pig are chopped, seasoned, spiced and stuffed together to be cured and smoked
for a few days. The meat is cooked and sliced before serving and is also used in stews.

OCTOPUS ‘MARKET FAIR STYLE’ IN MELIDE

Galicia’s most traditional dish is octopus, eaten traditionally on market days, hence its
name in Galego (pulpo á feira – octopus market day style). Stop for a ‘ración’ (portion)
at a real ‘pulperia’, a bar or restaurant specialized in cooking octopus where it is
simply boiled and served with a sprinkle of sea salt and smoked paprika.

ARZÚA CHEESE

Before you get to Santiago, you will pass the market town of Arzúa. Explore the small
shops in town to get a taste of the local cheese. The old school butcher shop of father
and son Luís and Luís, also known as ‘Carnicería Tarazona’ is a must. They will milk
the cow for fresh milk on the spot and sell the traditional Arzúa cheese, as well as
their meats. The family has been running the establishment for over 100 years.

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 Camino Accommodation Options
There are many different types and styles of accommodation
along the Camino de Santiago, ranging from hostels to guest houses
and luxurious paradores.

ALBERGUES – HOSTELS

There is a good network of albergues (hostels) along the Camino

de Santiago, particularly along the popular French Way or
Camino Frances. The classic Camino albergues are public, run by
‘hospitaleros’ (Camino volunteers) and they can’t be booked in
advance. Beds in dorms are allocated on a first come first served
basis. You will need to have your pilgrim’s passport stamped, as
part of the ‘check in’ process and walkers always take priority
over other pilgrims (ie. on horse back or bike pilgrims).

GUEST HOUSES – PENSIONES

Guest houses can be called ‘pensiones’, ‘hostales’ or ‘casa’ and they are small family-
run businesses. They might not have a star rating but they are a good accommodation
option where you will have your own room and they’ll generally provide dinner.

HOTELS

Bigger Camino towns and cities will have a good range of hotels of all styles and sizes,
from 3 star to 4 and 5 star rated properties.

PARADORES

A parador is a luxury hotel belonging to the state-run company

Paradores in Spain. They are usually historic buildings such as castles
and monasteries; as well as buildings set in nature reserves and areas
of outstanding beauty. The most famous Camino de Santiago parador
is the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela; which has
been in operation for 500 years. In Portugal, you will find similar properties and they
are called Pousadas de Portugal.

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CASAS RURALES

Casas Rurales or country cottages are a relatively recent development in the

hospitality industry in Galicia and North West Spain; and one that has brought new
life to many rural communities. They are boutique country properties refurbished
keeping in mind the traditional architecture of the region.
They are generally farm houses, manor houses and restored
homesteads located in rural settings; generally offering
home-cooking using local or even home-grown produce.

Bigger towns and cities will have a wide range of

accommodation options; while accommodations in smaller
villages and hamlets can be limited. The Camino is a long-
distance trail so the mix of accommodation styles will also be
part of your journey.

The French Way – Camino Francés is the most popular route and therefore the
one with the widest variety of accommodation options, however it also gets busier,
particularly in Summer months certain towns might get completely booked up. Our
advice: if you are planning your trip on the French Way, book well in advance.

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 Famous Annual Festivals along the Way
From street concerts and bull running to horse racing and grape harvesting
– the Camino offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Ancient Carnival and flour battle in Laza (March): The tiny village of Laza in
Ourense is home to one of the oldest carnival festivals (Entroido) in the world.

Holy Week in Ferrol and Seville (April): The cities of Seville and Ferrol host some
of the most important Easter celebrations in Spain.

São João in Porto (June): Fireworks, grilled sardines, dancing and street concerts –
all in the spectacular setting of Porto’s UNESCO riverfront.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona (July):

Pamplona’s world famous running of the bulls, San
Fermín, has amazed visitors for centuries, including
writer Ernest Hemingway.

Saint James Celebrations in Santiago de

Compostela (July): The 25th of July marks Saint
James Day, so it is the most important festivity along
the Camino de Santiago. Many pilgrims aim to reach
Santiago de Compostela on 25th July, just in time for
Saint James’ Day and the consequent celebrations
that take place. From free concerts to firework shows, there is plenty to keep you
entertained after your rewarding trek. Get insight into Galician culture with the wide
range of traditional music and dance performances that take place in the city’s old
town and main squares.

Wine harvest in La Rioja (September): The city of Logroño celebrates its most
famous export with the Fiesta de la Vendimia Riojana, the Rioja Grape Harvest
Festival.

San Froilán in Lugo (October): Originally an agricultural fair, San Froilán is one of
Galicia’s best loved festivals.

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 CHAPTER 4

When is the
Best Time to Go?

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 When is the Best Time to Go?
The best time of the year to do the Camino de Santiago is during the Spring
and Autumn seasons when the weather is more hospitable. If you intend
to walk during the summer months, please be aware of the heat, especially
in areas of no shade (trees), along the Camino, and therefore it’s advisable
that you bring along the essential items to avoid sunstroke.

WEATHER ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The weather on the Camino de Santiago will depend on the season and the region you
choose to travel. Some parts of Spain can reach high temperatures during summer,
but from autumn to spring you will find colder days.

During late autumn and winter some hotels might close and flights and ferries operate
less frequently than in the warmer months. Daylight hours are also reduced, so
you will need to adjust and manage better the daily distance you want to cover. The
weather on the Camino de Santiago starts to get milder in spring.

The rainiest months are definitely in autumn but spring can also be pretty rainy. In the
North of Spain, it is not unusual to get some rainy days in the summer.

A positive aspect of autumn and early spring (October and April for example), is that
the number of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago is lower than July and August,
when the number of pilgrims can be very high. Bear in mind some sections might be
too hot for walking in July and August, for example, the Via de la Plata in Andalucía.

Some sections are not recommended during winter season: from October/November
to February/March, as there might be snow in high altitude. This is the case in
sections crossing mountains along the Route Napoleón in the Pyrenees. During the
coldest months, this section is usually completely covered by snow. The mountains
of León, O Cebreiro and the first part of the Original Way from Oviedo to Lugo also
get snow in the winter. However, most sections approaching Santiago, including the
last section of the French Way from Sarria to Santiago, are quite low in altitude and
therefore pretty mild in winter.

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 CHAPTER 5

Preparing for
Your Camino

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 Preparing for Your Camino

FITNESS & TRAINING

One question most people ask is ‘will I physically be able to do this?’ Your ability to
travel the Camino depends entirely on how you train. We recommend 6 months to
prepare, to get in shape and allow your body to adapt to the physical requirements of
walking/hiking long distances for days on end.

We also recommend a visit to your general practitioner for an overall check-up before you
set off on your travels. If you have a health concern/condition, knowing and understanding
the implications and consequences of strenuous exercise will be very important.

Regular walks of 25-30 minutes, three times per week on alternate days, is a good
place to start. Combine walking with jogging and increase your time and distance.
Include your hiking gear and keep your routes varied (mixing hills, steps and uneven
terrain). Take more difficult hikes; add to your existing fitness programme always
making sure that it works in accordance to the demands of your Camino. Before you
leave for your Camino, you should be able to hike 12 to 15 miles on any given day and
do so three or four days in a row.

PACKING FOR BEGINNERS

There is nothing worse than bringing the wrong gear on a trip, especially the Camino.
What you bring should be influenced by the weather. If you travel in summer there
is no need to bring heavy hiking boots, they will only slow you down. In this case, we
suggest you bring a good pair of running shoes. However during the winter season,
runners are not good in wet weather. Boots will also be a good choice especially in
mountainous terrain. Bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes or sandals for after the
days hike.

Your feet are the most important part of your body and you should take really good
care of them. Socks are in fact a very important and underrated item. Bring good
socks that won’t slip under the foot while you’re walking, and if they can be higher
than the ankle even better! Merino wool is the best material. It is light, it doesn’t smell
and it doesn’t irritate. Bring many socks and remember to change them right after
having walked your daily distance.

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We recommend packing light and using antimicrobial clothing such as underwear and
shirts. Layers are beneficial, especially in spring and fall. Mornings are often cool but
by early afternoon, shorts and a light shirt are often all you need. Also bring rain gear,
a hat and a backpack that has been fitted to your frame. Try to keep your pack at 15
pounds or less.

Recommended Guidebooks
While there are a number of guide books one can use on the Camino,
two specific guide books came in handy for us.

JOHN BRIERLEY’S A PILGRIM’S GUIDE

TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Known as “The Camino Bible,” Brierley’s book offered a lot of

great information regarding sites and towns and an introspective
look at the Camino.
BUY ON

THE MICHELIN GUIDE TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

This guide is a must! It provided more accurate maps regarding

elevation gains and terrain. Trust us, it will help you alot!

BUY ON

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 Movies About Walking the Camino

THE WAY (2011)

This is probably the most popular movie about the Camino de

Santiago. The story follows a loving father and son plot, detailing
the journey of Thomas Avery (actor Martin Sheen) along the
Camino de Santiago route to Santiago de Compostela. The film
starts off with the death of Mr. Avery’s son, played by Emilio BUY ON
Estevez. Mr. Avery uses various points along the Camino to scatter
his sons ashes. There are some great scenes of the Northern
Spain’s landscapes.

WALKING THE CAMINO: 6 WAYS TO SANTIAGO (2009)

This is a great documentary film for anyone interested in learning

about the Camino Walk. The director Lydia B.Smith and her crew
begin their journey at St. John Pied de Port, travelling to the finish
line at Santiago de Compostela. They meet over 15 pilgrims and
interview many Camino experts along the way. BUY ON

OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH (2004)

Paul Tobey is both a renowned film-maker and a pianist. This is evident in his movie
with some beautifully composed music. In this film we get to sample the stunning
scenery along the route of Camino Frances. It also brings us closer to the pilgrims
spiritual journey with interviews of some modern day spiritual adventure seekers.

PHIL’S CAMINO (2016)

Phil’s Camino is a short independent documentary by Annie O’Neil

and premiered in 2016. Beautifully shot, it’s a story of free spirit
Phil, a man living with Stage 4 Cancer and dreaming of walking the
500-mile spiritual pilgrimage Camino de Santiago across Spain.

BUY NOW

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 A Few Great Books to Read Before
Your Camino Journey!

I’LL PUSH YOU (2017)

I’ll Push You chronicles a friendship unlike any other. Filled with
beautifully honest stories composed with equal parts humor and
pain, I’ll Push You is an unapologetic exploration of friendship,
faith and love. Writers, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, take the
reader on two incredible journeys, one being their epic 500-mile BUY ON
wheelchair trek across Northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago,
the other, the story that is their lifelong friendship.

THE PILGRIMAGE BY PAULO COELHO

This was the famous authors first book, written in 1987. In the
book Paulo reflects on his experiences as he embarked on a
journey of self-discovery to Santiago de Compostela in 1986.
Readers should be aware that this is not a travel guide and it will
BUY ON not provide a detailed picture of any trails on the Camino walking
route.

THE LONGEST WAY HOME BY ANDREW MCCARTHY

Hollywood actor Andrew takes us on his personal journey

along the trails of the Camino de Santiago. This is an honest
account of Andrew’s experience walking the Camino detailing his
commitment struggles and the highlights of his career. This is
more of a travel diary than a travel book as it doesn’t give a lot of
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detail about the various stops along the way. However, it does give
a full picture of Andrew’s reasons for embarking on the journey.

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 About I’ll Push You
—

Born in the same small town just a few days apart, Justin Skeesuck and
Patrick Gray have been blessed with a unique relationship. Their childhood
adventures and shared interests make for many moments of laughter, joy,
and shared memories. At fifteen years of age, a car accident triggered a
dormant disease in Justin’s body resulting in a life lived in a wheelchair.

In 2014, these lifelong friends did the impossible—together they tackled

a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain known as the Camino de Santiago,
or Way of St. James. While most people attempt this epic journey on foot,
Justin traveled the entire distance in his wheelchair, pushed by Patrick
(and others). As Patrick physically pushed Justin over mountains, through
deserts, and across fields, Justin pushed Patrick, mentally and emotionally,
beyond fear and insecurity, into a whole new world of joy and freedom.

Their journey is a brilliant metaphor for the lives they have been blessed to
live. Just as neither could have accomplished the rigorous trek on his own,
their successes in life are largely attributed to the way they have pushed
each other, and the way they have allowed others to push them.

To learn more about the film & book, please visit:

ILLPUSHYOU.COM

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 About Camino Ways
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Camino Ways is a walking and cycling holiday specialist with in depth

knowledge regarding the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St.
James across France, Spain and Portugal. Their experienced team builds
your Camino journey around you.

In addition to the Camino de Santiago, Camino Ways organizes walking

holidays on the Camino to Rome (Via Francigena) and St. Francis Way
(from Florence to Rome) at FrancigenaWays.com. Additionally, they
facilitate exciting walking and cycling holiday adventures at IrelandWays.
com and European adventures at RusticRambles.com

To learn more, please visit:

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 WA N T MORE I NS P I RATI ON?
T H EN, G ET T H E AWARD-W I NNI NG F I LM AT:
illpushyou.com

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