• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Scottish Chapter?

AllanWeaver

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
April 2023
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
I'm a Scot in long-term exile in Wales. According to the Confraternity of St James website there is a virtual online group in Scotland. There is a contact name and email address listed. Perhaps Arthur can give you more up to date information.
 
I'm a Scot in long-term exile in Wales. According to the Confraternity of St James website there is a virtual online group in Scotland. There is a contact name and email address listed. Perhaps Arthur can give you more up to date information.
I’ll check it out. Thanks for that.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
I'm a Scot in long-term exile in Wales. According to the Confraternity of St James website there is a virtual online group in Scotland. There is a contact name and email address listed. Perhaps Arthur can give you more up to date information.
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?

Hi Allan
I’m Scottish. I walked Camino Frances in 2020 and loved it. Planning to walk Portuguese from Porto in May or June next year.
 
Hi Allan
I’m Scottish. I walked Camino Frances in 2020 and loved it. Planning to walk Portuguese from Porto in May or June next year.
Thanks Mary (if it’s Mary🤣) - I’m from Ardrossan. I’m now in that all encompassing Camino mode, as I’m sure you’ll understand ;). Can I ask how you found it & what kind of training/preparation you did. I’m 61, bit overweight, but unfit & with a heart condition. No point in doing this thing otherwise 🤣
 
Hi Allan, I'm from Scotland, I've walked quite a few caminos, I would say just take your time, the first camino I walked was el norte and I wasn't very fit, it was hard work with lots of big ups and downs and I walked longer stages because I wouldn't have had time to reach Santiago, afterwards I realized how many interesting things and places I missed out on seeing. You have a lot of hours in the day, walk at your own pace, rest often and enjoy all these beautiful villages and scenery on route.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Welcome Allan, I’m not aware of any Scottish group but I’ve found the advice and support in here more than enough.
I’m from Paisley 51, 18st and not the fastest walker, I’ve done the Portuguese from Valenca, started the Frances in 2021 from SJPdP to Pamplona then ran out of beds so went home (covid shortage) came back in May and got to Burgos then developed shin splints so again headed home and I will return next year to do Ponferrada to SdC with a friend who has asked for my company.
If any of us can help just ask but I will pass on one piece of advice for now…it’s your Camino, you’ll read books, watch documentaries and join forums, you will immerse yourself in how others have done but when your feet touch the ground on the first day you will start writing your way. Rest when you need to, take a bus if you want but listen to your body it knows what it can do 👍 buen camino mi amigo
 
Last edited:
Sorry, while I remember you could have a read at this book by Owen Quinn, he’s from Skelmorlie and gives some insight into his fitness preparation and local walks he did 👍B3C4894C-2932-444D-87C9-F2C879B78779.jpeg
 
Welcome Allan, I’m not aware of any Scottish group but I’ve found the advice and support in here more than enough.
I’m from Paisley 51, 18st and not the fastest walker, I’ve done the Portuguese from Valenca, started the Frances in 2021 from SJPdP to Pamplona then ran out of beds so went home (covid shortage) came back in May and got to Burgos then developed shin splints so again headed home and I will return next year to do Ponferrada to SdC with a friend who has asked for my company.
If any of us can help just ask but I will pass on one piece of advice for now…it’s your Camino, you’ll read books, watch documentaries and join forums, you will emerge yourself in how others have done but when your feet touch the ground on the first day you will start writing your way. Rest when you need to, take a bus if you want but listen to your body it knows what it can do 👍 buen camino mi amigo
Much appreciated Paul. Yes, good advice as someone new to this could easily get lost in the wealth of information (well intended as it is). By the sound of it, you’re more than determined to get back & get more done. That tells a story on its own :). Thanks again Paul & good luck when you venture back out 👍
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Thanks Mary (if it’s Mary🤣) - I’m from Ardrossan. I’m now in that all encompassing Camino mode, as I’m sure you’ll understand ;). Can I ask how you found it & what kind of training/preparation you did. I’m 61, bit overweight, but unfit & with a heart condition. No point in doing this thing otherwise 🤣
Hi Allan
I’m also in Ayrshire (Kilmarnock). I’m a similar age to yourself. Was 59 when I walked. Got home about a week before I turned 60.
I wasn’t as fit as I could have been. Covid meant the gym was closed. I walked every day before I went but usually only 6 or 7 miles. I do regret not training with my rucksack. I bought a new one for the Camino and hated it. Pack light. You really only need 2 sets of clothes. One to wash and one to wear.
Go at your own pace and listen to your body. I took days off to explore some of the cities and I think there were 2 days when I walked only around 8 miles because I was tired and had blisters. I didn’t have a return ticket so fortunately had no time restrictions. I’d advise booking Orisson to break up the first stage. It’s a bit of a hard climb up but take it slow and steady and you’ll be fine.
 
Hello Allan,
April is a great month to walk the Camino with the air filled with sounds of cuckoos, swallows & storks. I live in Galloway & walked the CF in 2015 & the CP in 2016. I am sending you a pm re. equipment. Buen Camino!
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Well I'm not Scots. But I am a bit overweight and have a heart condition. I'm planning my 3rd Camino for this next March I'm gonna redo the Frances again for the second time. I walked the Portuguese Coastal a year ago. I am 71 years old and walking every year I can til I can't. Take your time it isn't a race. Enjoy your walk.
 
Well I'm not Scots. But I am a bit overweight and have a heart condition. I'm planning my 3rd Camino for this next March I'm gonna redo the Frances again for the second time. I walked the Portuguese Coastal a year ago. I am 71 years old and walking every year I can til I can't. Take your time it isn't a race. Enjoy your walk.
Thank you for the kind & inspirational words JF. Likewise, enjoy the walk 👍
 
Hi Allan, I'm in love with the Camino, heard about it years ago but took life altering surgery to give me the balls to actually do something about my bucket list rather than just keep adding to it lol best decision of my life...... unfortunately I'm now hooked so struggling to do anything else as the pull is constant!!!
You will love it, hate it, resent it, admire it, grow from it and every other feeling in-between!
I am not yet able to put my obsessive planning aside enough to not pre plan and book every step but hopeful that I can get there and enjoy the experience with no bounds!
You do it your way and enjoy every moment, may even meet you along the way, buen Camino 😁
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
Hi Allan,

I tried to contact the aforementioned Arthur regarding the Scottish online group but didn't get a reply.
I'm sure you'll find everything you could need on this forum. It is an incredible resource.
I am planning my first Camino in early May 2023. Frances route.

All the best
 
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
Hi Allan.
There is indeed a Scottish branch of CSJ - you just missed our last Zoom meeting which was on Thursday evening! Usually they are on the last Thursday of the month at 7pm, but this one was a week later as Arthur was doing Hospitalero duty at the CSJ run albergue at Miraz (Norte Camino).
It’s worth joining CSJ as they have a lot of information, you get a beautiful Credencial del Peregrino and you can find people close to where you live who can meet you to share experiences as they will have a similar passion (obsession 🤣!). We found a fellow member just 6 miles from us in the north of Scotland and met up for a very helpful chat. It’s so much easier to ask questions directly.
We did Leon to Santiago September/October and definitely planning more!
Bit of a rubbish photo, but you get the idea!
Burn Camino!
 

Attachments

  • B5C516E9-15E8-4449-AC2B-198311159190.jpeg
    B5C516E9-15E8-4449-AC2B-198311159190.jpeg
    2.5 MB · Views: 14
For anyone in the UK - go to
www.csj.org.uk
Regional groups throughout
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
Allan. Having gone and done it a coupla years back - i was same age as you at that time - Scottish built and from the Mearns, i would suggest two thing. Don’t fret about it, just do it, AND take vaseline - absolute necessity for your “sheuch” 🫣
 
Allan. Having gone and done it a coupla years back - i was same age as you at that time - Scottish built and from the Mearns, i would suggest two thing. Don’t fret about it, just do it, AND take vaseline - absolute necessity for your “sheuch” 🫣
Ha, you’re right. I tend to overthink & over analyse things & if I ‘listened’ to my body, I would never get out of bed in the morning 🤣 Thanks.
 
Thanks Mary (if it’s Mary🤣) - I’m from Ardrossan. I’m now in that all encompassing Camino mode, as I’m sure you’ll understand ;). Can I ask how you found it & what kind of training/preparation you did. I’m 61, bit overweight, but unfit & with a heart condition. No point in doing this thing otherwise 🤣
Hi Alan, enjoy like most folk on here I'm hooked,
slightly jealous,only because I've nothing planned for next year.
I'm along the coast from you in Troon.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Welcome Allan, I’m not aware of any Scottish group but I’ve found the advice and support in here more than enough.
I’m from Paisley 51, 18st and not the fastest walker, I’ve done the Portuguese from Valenca, started the Frances in 2021 from SJPdP to Pamplona then ran out of beds so went home (covid shortage) came back in May and got to Burgos then developed shin splints so again headed home and I will return next year to do Ponferrada to SdC with a friend who has asked for my company.
If any of us can help just ask but I will pass on one piece of advice for now…it’s your Camino, you’ll read books, watch documentaries and join forums, you will emerge yourself in how others have done but when your feet touch the ground on the first day you will start writing your way. Rest when you need to, take a bus if you want but listen to your body it knows what it can do 👍 buen camino mi amigo
Hi,

I met a Paul from Paisley in Santiago on Saturday. His was the first Scottish voice I had heard since starting my Camino Frances since 21st September. I think he said he started on 1st October. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t you though 😂
 
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
Hi Allan
I had organised a Frances camino in May 2020 with 24 pilgrims from Cleland (near Motherwell) but Covid snookered that trip. One of the pilgrims was bringing his bagpipes and we were all looking forward to walking into Santiago de Compostela as a unit to the sound of "Flower of Scotland". Covid 19 + Ukraine war has had a major impact on any new plans for us but hopefully 2024 will be different. I walked camino Frances in May 2019 on my own and didn't hear a single scottish accent the entire journey
 
One of the pilgrims was bringing his bagpipes and we were all looking forward to walking into Santiago de Compostela as a unit to the sound of "Flower of Scotland".
When I reached Santiago at the end of my first Camino Galician bagpipe music by Milladoiro was being played on cassette from one of the souvenir shops in the Praza da Quintana. A young Spanish woman just in front of me turned to her partner and said "They have this music in Scotland." Pretty close! When I got back to the UK my mother-in-law asked which part of the Camino I'd liked best. Barbara had walked from SJPDP 5 years earlier. When I said 'Galicia' she laughed and said 'Of course! It's so like Scotland." :)
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Researching the Camino for my trip in April, I have come across a number of Camino ‘chapters’ in other countries. Likewise, I have seen or heard very few Scottish people on the countless Camino videos I have accessed. As a matter of interest, is anyone from the old country planning to go any time soon & is there such a thing as a Scottish ‘chapter’ ?
it is a bit difficult to reply to this. First, I now have dual citizenship. I am a Scot, born and bred,
I have lived most of my adult life in Ireland.
I now have Irish citizenship, and a passport to prove it.
Let's not fight over my reasons for this drastic action...
I will die with a thistle (but not a tattoo 😁) in my heart.

A chapter, for me, is part of a book.
Don't be worrying about finding a chapter, or even anyone who sounds like you. My accent is as strong as it ever was, especially within two minutes of landing in Glasgow.
I have walked the Cf, and from Porto, and the Salvador, and the Ingles. and many more steps here and there.
I have still to do the walk from Milngavie, though!
I have not heard many Scots accents along the routes.
I did meet a gentle young guy, English accent, Scots parentage, swishing away in his kilt, on the CF. James, his name.
Betimes I do a spell of duty in an albergue near Pamplona, though less frequently. nowadays.
Your camino is coming up.
Enjoy all the anticipation, and benefit to the maximum from all the tips you will find on the forum. and then - don't forget to pass on your learnings, that is the most important thing!
Don't be like the other nine lepers. 🤣
Buen camino.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top