Walking

I’m a great believer in the benefits of walking as writing and image-making can be a very sedentary activity. In 2013 with nothing more than a rucksack on my back containing a few basic supplies and a guidebook I set off to walk the Camino. I found the experience so rewarding that I have walked it every year since. I follow no particular religious belief, only the yellow arrows along the ancient path to Santiago. Always I meet with the most interesting people and provided I wear the right gear and go prepared I return home energised and refreshed with barely a blister to show for my efforts.

There are a number of Camino routes. For those new to the experience I would recommend the Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto as it is much less crowded. Being a comfortable 10 – 12 days walk the first half of the journey is in Portugal and the second in Spain. Whilst there are a range of guide books on the market I find the series produced by John Brierly particularly useful as they are available in a slim maps only version or a full guidebook edition. Either of them will include all the information required to follow the path and find suitable accommodation.