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The most popular walking holidays in
Spain are those that cross or include the historic Pilgrim Routes or
Camino Frances to Galicia (see
map). These ancient routes originated in the 10th century
and arose from the popular belief that the remains of the apostle St
James were buried in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostella.
The walks which straddle across much of northern Spain are now
popular with walkers from around the world. There are four
routes in Spain, some of them originating in France and other parts
of Europe. The walks today are rewarded with certificates for
anybody completing them. The pilgrims symbol is the scallop
shell or the coquille St Jaquess.
Today's walkers are considerably
better prepared than their ancient forerunners. Stout boots,
weatherproof clothing, plenty food and accommodation make the
experience more of a holiday and not the ordeal it once was.
There are companies nowadays, specialising in walking holidays in
the north of Spain. Some of these holidays include guides and
the accommodation is booked in advance so you can be sure of a hot
meal every evening. A lot of these holidays incorporate the
transfer of luggage from one stop to the next, leaving you hassle
free to enjoy the walk.
PILGRIMS BOOT.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BLOGEFL
IT IS
CUSTOMARY FOR SOME PILGRIMS TO BURN THEIR BOOTS AFTER
COMPLETING THE WALK
SIGN ON THE PIGRIMS
ROUTE
PHOTOGRAPH BY BLOGEFL
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