The Camino for me is a chance to spend time doing a combination of many things I love. My passion for walking is certainly fulfilled. The opportunity to walk through many different amazing regions, experiencing different cuisine , meeting fellow pilgrims or locals. Being able to get lost in your own thoughts knowing that your priority is just to walk every day to your next destination absolutely enjoying every moment is a very uplifting feeling.

I wouldn’t say it was more difficult. I was certainly more apprehensive a feeling of excitement and nervousness was there in the beginning as it was a completely new experience for me. The time and distance that I was about to walk was challenging but I knew as I was very fit the physical aspect was not a worry for me.

I think the most challenging aspect of such long walks is that you get up every day and walk day after day until you have a scheduled day off. Once I started and a daily routine was established the walking was easier as you knew what to expect.

On completion of my first Camino the feeling  of satisfaction of what I had achieved was wonderful but the sheer joy I felt throughout my whole body was an emotion I carry with me to this day.  I can honestly say the experience I had walking the Camino absolutely surpassed all my expectations. Something I think in our day to day lives doesn’t happen very often.

You not only are challenged physically but emotionally and mentally you will have times were this will happen.

When you are walking the longer distances and completing the full Caminos 35 to 40 days is a good  time frame. For me walking between 25 – 30kms daily is a comfortable distance.

This is a difficult question as there are so many beautiful places along your walks. The big cities are exciting but the small villages are quaint and full of charm. I have so many wonderful memories of different places for so many different reasons. The culture and history is always interesting. The cuisine is exciting and of course you have many memorable moments that will last you a life time.

Santiago de Compostela where you finish your walks is really a special place. The grandeur of the Cathedral is breathtaking in front of this is where the pilgrims amass to reflect what they have achieved.

This varies if you are not staying in pre booked accommodation along the way you will need money for nightly accommodation in Albergues. The pilgrim menus along the way are cheap and usually include wine the can vary between 10 & 15 euros. Food and drink for meals is not that expensive. I met some younger pilgrims who budgeted 25 Euros per day including accommodation. For me I allowed 20 -50 euros but I had pre booked accommodation that always included breakfast.

Unfortunately with more pilgrims walking every year the increase in reported and unreported incidences is occurring. You really must stick to the marked tracks and always let someone know where you are walking especially if you are walking alone.

Your level of fitness should be good to enable you to walk the distances.

Pre planning and researching the walk is important so you can really be prepared once you begin.

Having the right clothing and gear is very important especially good walking boots

During the three Caminos I met many people along the way even though you share email addresses the contact afterwards has has been minimal.I have really only stayed in contact with about 6 people.

Yes many people walk the Camino for religious reasons. Many people are hoping it is a life changing experience.     Personally I found the Camino a very spiritual experience I felt very privileged to have walked  the path of the many pilgrims before me.

I decided to walk the Camino after my husband passed away. For me it was a period of healing and letting go of the past. It changed me as a person and gave me the confidence to go on with my life, fulfilled and recharged.