First Time Walker

[chax]

HI there !! I am from Malta and I decided that this year i fly to Spain and partecipate in this wonderful event. However, i have to admit, i got no idea what it involves and where to start from - would appreciate any suggestions and any ideas - thanks :wink:

 

[sillydoll]

Pilgrim from Malta

Hello dear Pilgrim,
There is a lot of information on this Forum. Click on "Search this forum" and then type in a word and you will be taken to all the posts regarding that query.
You can also click on the pilgrim Blogs section on this page (left hand corner) or do a search on Blogger - typing in Camino de Santiago. There are now thousands of Blogs on the camino.

If you are English speaking, the Confraternity of St James in the UK have an excellent website where you can learn everything about the 20 odd camino routes through Spain and France and further afield.
If you are Italian speaking, you can visit the Italian website at: Italy: http://www.confraternitadisanjacopo.it/

For visuals of the caminos, go to YouTube and type in Camino de Santiago (or via de la plata, camino arogones, camino frances etc etc) and you will find thousands of video clips and even short films on the caminos

Here is a list of very useful websites for planning your camino:

WEB RESOURCES FOR THE CAMINOS TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

To read about the history, the different routes, to buy guides and books on line. http://www.csj.org.uk

To plan your trip, find mileages, the topography of the route, sunrise and sunset times etc http://www.godesalco.com/plan

To work out your budget:
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/web/es/calculadora/

To find out about the weather, transport, maps, albergues etc.
http://groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago

The official Santiago Cathedral web site: http://www.archicompostela.org

A Spanish site with lots of info in Spanish and English
http://www.mundicamino.com

For pilgrims diaries and other useful links:
http://www.caminolinks.co.uk

Forums and Groups: Pilgrim Chat sites:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Santiagobis
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/groups/Saintjames http://www.caminosantiago.com/web_ingle ... grinos.htm
gocamino-subscribe@oakapple.com

Camino Associations (English sites):
American Pilgrims on the Camino: http://www.americanpilgrims.com/
Canada: The Little Company of Pilgrims: http://www.santiago.ca/
England: Confraternity of St James: http://www.csj.org.uk
Ireland: The Irish Society of the Friends of St James http://www.stjamesirl.com/

Happy planning!
Sil

 

[chax]

Thanks Silly - that was really helpful - very kind of you !!!

I am planning for the French Cammino round about the 15th September, starting maybe from Burgos, however i am rather flexible ..... anyone around travelling roundabout these dates ???

I got no walking sticks yet .... do you have an idea where i can buy them from ??

thanks a lot !!

 

[brendan nolan]

Thanks Silly - that was really helpful - very kind of you !!!

I am planning for the French Cammino round about the 15th September, starting maybe from Burgos, however i am rather flexible ..... anyone around travelling roundabout these dates ???

I got no walking sticks yet .... do you have an idea where i can buy them from ??

thanks a lot !!

Hi Chax,
I don't know how old you are or if you have a medical problem, but I would say carry a staff for general support and warding off dogs, but if you are youngish ( and fit ) you probably don't need 2 walking sticks. I say this as one who has walked many kilometres on pilgrimage , last time aged 60, but really it is up to you.
Whatever you decide,
Buen Camino,
Brendan