Retreats

Camino de Santiago

Although the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James, has traditionally been a religious pilgrimage, many people choose it as a walking holiday for other reasons. Some walk The Way for fitness and as a personal goal in their journey to better physical health. Others choose to walk the Camino for the mental benefits of unplugging from their daily lives, allowing them time for peace and self-development. For many, it’s a chance to clear their heads or to feel a connection with nature.

While those travelling on the Camino for religious reasons are now in the minority, people walking the Camino are still known as pilgrims, or ‘peregrinos’. People walk in groups, alone, or with a partner.  The Camino is well known for its sense of community and sociable atmosphere. Pilgrims passing by will greet each other with a welcome of ‘Buen Camino!’, loosely translating as ‘Have a great experience on the Camino’ and so, conversations with strangers are easily started.

The definitions of the words can help you to get an idea of what the Camino is, but it is much more than just a path to a cathedral. The Camino is a pilgrimage with religious roots. It is a spiritual journey where you will have tough times and wonderful experiences, and meet a wide range of people. Walking the Camino offers pilgrims a sense of camaraderie and connection – everyone is heading in the same direction.

People walk the Camino to find meaning in their lives too. Often people will walk the Camino to give them time away from their normal lives. Walking 20 or more kilometres each day has a way of clearing your mind so that you can find new perspectives and consider your life.

Some people walk the Camino to process grief or the loss of a loved one. A pilgrimage can be a beautiful way to honour someone’s memory and consider the impact that they had on your life.

The Camino will mean something different to everyone, and as the saying goes – what you will find on the Camino is often not what you thought you were looking for.