The most popular Camino de Santiago or St James Way walking trail is the Camino Frances. This part of the Camino de Santiago traditionally starts in St Jean Pied de Port in France and finishes in Santiago de Compostela about 800km later, after traveling the breadth of Northern Spain, (In Santiago you can collect your Compostela). However you can start anywhere and even continue past Santiago to the sea at Finisterre. Cape Finisterre was thought to be the end of the world in medieval times.

Our total walk is roughly 800km but of course we are not doing every stage by our trusty two feet! Through a couple of the more boring bits we will take a local bus, still stopping overnight in the towns/villages to enjoy the atmosphere and collect our stamps…

Why walk the Camino de Santiago or St James Way:

Many say they walk just because it is there, for others it’s an adventure holiday or walking holiday. Some start out with the thought that it is a pilgrimage, however given the way people bond after spending so much time together walking or cycling even those on holiday agree by the end that it is a very special journey.

Proposed itinerary which may change due to unforeseen circumstances

Camino de Santiago or St James way itinerary

Arrive St Jean Pied de Port May 2015 stay overnight

St Jean de Pied Port to Roncesvelles 22km 6hrs

Roncesvelles to Larrasoana 23km 6.5hrs

Larrasoana to Pamplona 13km 3.5 hrs

Pamplona to Puente Lariena 20km 5.30hrs

Puente Lariena to Ayegui 20km 5.45hrs

Ayegui to Torres del Rio 23km 6.5hrs

Torres del Rio to Logrono 17km 4.5hrs

Logrono to Navarette 12km 4 hrs

Navarette to Burgos bus

Burgos to Leon bus

Leon to Astorga bus

Astorga to Foncebadon 20km 5.50hrs

Foncebadon to Ponferrada 24km 6.30hrs

Ponferrada to Villa Franca del Bierzo 21km 5.45hrs

Villa Franca del Bierzo to Bierzo to O Cebreiro 27km 7.15hrs

O Cebreiro to Tria Castella 18km 4.5hrs

Tria Castella to Barbadelo 22km 6hrs

Barbadelo to Gonzar 22km 6hrs

Gonzar to Melide 27km 7.5hrs

Melide to Pedrouzo 28km 7hrs

Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela 16km 4.5hrs

(Optional 4 day walk to Finesterre bus return to Santiago after exploring Santiago or relax)

Roughly 380km walking in total but complete length of the course closer to 800km including bus sections

Depart Santiago de Compostella for home or why not join us for our Mont Blanc Circuit! Click here

Roughly 360km walking in total but complete length of the course closer to 800km including bus sections

What to bring on

Camino de Santiago or St James way

To ensure maximum enjoyment whilst walk Camino de Santiago the idea is to pack light, you can do laundry, buy food/water etc along the way.
Good back pack, good sturdy walk boots/shoes, walking pants/shorts, rain jacket, waterproof leggings, walking poles if required, 2 T-shirts, 2 shirts (light weigh, quick drying), 3 pairs of socks, sleeping bag lightweight is ok as sleeping inside hostels, 3 pairs underwear, fleece, it gets cold at night and mornings can be chilly, lightweight shoes/sandals for evenings, pain-killers, sunscreen, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, toiletries – keep it light, you can buy more along the way, towel – super light quick drying, camera plus spare batteries/memory, earplugs – plenty of snorers along the way
small torch/headtorch, Swiss army knife, insect spray
This list of course is the minimum but keep your backpack light and easy to carry.