Still on a high from my Walsingham Camino, I found a book from the British Pilgrimage Trust about locations around the UK that were destinations for medieval pilgrimage – ‘Pilgrim Places’.
The book also details some routes to follow. The chapters are separated into the counties, giving the history behind the locations.
One route jumped out straightaway, ‘The Saint James Way’. Set up by the UK confraternity of St. James; the organisation for the Camino de Santiago. They run two Albergue’s in Spain – one at Rabanal on the Francés and at Miraz on the del Norte. You can even volunteer at them if you want to experience a different side to the Camino.
The route starts in Reading, at the ruined abbey which was associated with St. James. From there it winds South through Basingstoke, Winchester and arriving in Southampton. The departure point for medieval pilgrims to sail to A Coruña, and continue the Camino Inglés.
There are no ferry services these days from this port to Spain, you have to take a bus ride to Portsmouth to continue the sea journey.
If you haven’t guessed it yet. This pilgrimage is now locked into my sights. If you are a regular follower of my blog, you will know I spend a week in June with family in the Lake District.
Well, we’ve mixed it up this year and going to stay around Stratford-upon-Avon area. I’ve sneakily booked off the following week to do this pilgrimage.
Unlike my last two long distance walks, I won’t be alone this time. I will be accompanied by my mum. A warm up for something later in the year, and an opportunity to test some gear out.
Stu's Camino 