Walking the Camino De Santiago

In June 2019 I was lucky to be able to walk the last 100 KM of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago, My 18 year old son came with me on what I can only explain as being a life changing event.

I had read many books and blogs of people that had walked some or all of the trail, and for many different reasons, but I was not aware that this walk could change the way in which you think about life.

For me I was only walking a small section over 6 days, but to be walking the Camino was an awesome thing to do, even if it was only a little part of it.

I had already realised that I needed to do more things in my life before I walked the Camino, I'm only 47 years old and like to walk and be out in nature, but like most family men, its not always easy to do the things you enjoy,

After reading the book written by Keith Fossett about his experience on the Camino, I knew that I would have to go to Northern Spain and see it for myself.

I think doing this walk triggered many thoughts about my life ambitions, some of which I have achieved and some of which I will most probably never do, but one thing is certain, and that is that I have realised that I can't continue working 24/7 until I reach retirement age, there needs to be a balance that feels right.

I still dont know what the route will be, but what I am trying to explain is that everything I read before setting out on this pilgrimage to Santiago is true.

This walk has inspired me to do other things in life and to make the most of what you already have around you, life is for living and enjoying.

I met and talked to many different nationalities during my 6 days in Spain, and its very interesting to listen to the different reasons for wanting to walk the Camino, what is clear is that it seems to have the same effect on everyone that takes on the challenge.

Since being back in the UK I have not been able to get the thoughts of my walk out of my head, I am lucky enough to be able to go on holiday most years and pretty much do the things I wish each week, but I would much rather live a simple life with the people I love around me, one thing is for sure my camino experience has increased my love of the outdoors.

If your reading this blog right now then you might have already thought about walking the Camino, what I will say is don't hold back, Northern Spain will not disappoint you in any way, you can be really organised like me and plan every step, or just go with the flow and book your flight out there and plan it as you go, either way just go and enjoy your journey.

Enjoy

Bon Camino

Andy Turnbull