Independent walk -The Way of St James - The Camino de Santiago   Perhaps the ultimate walk in Europe, it is certainly the oldest, some say the original mass tourism adventure. Originally a pilgrimage, now a journey of the soul and spirit for anyone, the route starts at the Pyrenees and continues for over 800 kms westward across northern Spain to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela (St James of the field of the stars). The routes are well waymarked and there are many pilgrim hostels along the way. To use the hostels (called Refugios) you must be in possession of a "Pilgrim Passport" or "Credencial". With this document you pay a donation for your 1 night stay at each Refugio and receive a stamp in your Pilgrim passport.

How long you walk for each day, how long you rest and gaze at the sights, the castles, monasteries, mountains, villages, bridges and cathedrals is over to you. Generally the refugios are situated to allow around 25 to 30 km day walks although the longest distance between refugios is 17 kms. To earn the "Compostela", a written certificate of completion, you must have your Credencial complete with stamps and must have walked the last 100 kms to Santiago . .......... Sounds like you? Go to www.csj.org.uk for much more information, also

CAMINO DOWNUNDER has a useful website

More Seminars about the Camino for would-be-participants are planned for New Zealand in 2009 and 2010

Costs: NZ$175.00 per person NZ$300 per couple. Work Book supplied.

Details by email Camino Downunder.