I will embark on my first pilgrimage in the very near future; in a mere few weeks. In order to prepare myself I have been attempting to pool as much information and tips together as I can. I have read numerous books, websites and of course watched one particular film way to many times (but never gets old). If you are considering walking one of the Camino de Santiago’s numerous routes you should check out the below resources to get your preparations started.
I have separated the list into entertaining and technical resources. The first three although informative provide more insight into the ambience and feel of walking the Camino. You are entertained and follow the journey of individuals along the road rather than just provided with the useful facts only.
Entertaining Resources
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The Way
The Way is a heart-warming journey of a father overcoming the tragic loss of his son on the Camino de Santiago. After travelling to St Jean Pied du Port to perform the horrible duty of identifying your only child Tom decides to finish the journey his son started. On the path to Santiago de Compostela Tom meets other pilgrims – all a little eccentric – overcoming their own personal challenges and soon opens up and forms new relationships and lasting friendships. It portrays the modern day pilgrim and the turmoil’s you can encounter along the road in a beautiful light. It is a movie that you can watch again and again. At the end you want to walk the Camino and ultimately you will believe in yourself to be able to complete the 800km journey across Spain. Definitely a great, light, comedic and moving film to start off your Camino research and preparation.
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Sinning Across Spain
Ailsa Piper is no stranger to the Camino de Santiago. Previously completing the popular Frances Way, Ailsa decides to complete the less familiar and longer pilgrimage beginning all the way down in the South of Spain. Carrying the sins of her friends and family Ailsa is faced with the challenges the Camino provides. On a less marked/mapped trail with rare sightings of other pilgrims Ailsa is primarily alone. The novel reflects her thoughts on the Camino and sin, making comparisons between her two Camino experiences and new pilgrim family. The novel is based on her real life journey through Spain and provides great insight into how to approach tackling the long days even down to what to pack.
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Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrims Route into Spain
This novel is based on the true pilgrimage of author Jack Hitt on the Camino de Santiago. Opting to walk the Frances Way he pursues the meaning of the road. On his journey he forms a pilgrim family of eccentric individuals and a donkey rightly name Ultreya. With everyday Camino life and the unplanned detours and sights along the way it is a great guide for all those wishing to take their first step onto the road to Santiago de Compostela. After a rough start and finding his way it is a humorous and informative tale. A must read for all future and current pilgrims.
Technical & Logistical Resources
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John Brierley
John Brierley could almost be considered the king of Camino Guidebooks. He is the author of multiple guides for many of the routes through Spain. Each are all equipped with route and accommodation information. Maps are included and each day is broken up into comfortable walking sections pointing out different route options and sites you may like to visit. His map only guide of the Camino Frances I believe is the best and most useful to carry with you on the walk. With his many years of experience and wealth of knowledge John Brierley has provided a perfect guide in content and size for any pilgrims making their journey across Spain.
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Camino Adventures
Camino Adventures helped over 1 million pilgrims with information last year. The website is run by Leslie Gilmore who completed the Camino de Santiago with a hernia! The site has grown and is now a top resource for information on everything Camino. The website provides top accommodation, route, packing advice and much much more. With this website as a guide you will be able to prepare for your own pilgrimage with ease.
http://www.caminoadventures.com/
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Pilgrim Office
The Pilgrim Office was opened in 1996 and is a prime resource for all pilgrims. Not only does the website provide information for along the Camino but is a great place to visit in person. Located 39 rue de la Citadelle, St Jean Pied du Port in France. St Jean is a popular starting point for those walking the Camino Frances. This office can provide any up to date information on the route and also distribute Pilgrim Passports.
http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/spip/-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,132-.html?lang=en
Hi Ruby,
Really enjoyed reading through your blog. It’s a wealth of information. We’d love to offer you the use of our Camino Weather tool to help your readers know what to expect from the weather per month on each location along the Camino de Santiago https://www.followthecamino.com/camino-weather-map
Hi Geraldine!
What a great idea! I definitely got caught out a few times by the weather during my camino and this would have come in handy! I’m actually considering walking the way again in 2017 (injury permitting).
Let’s connect on social media and I will refer those who query the Camino to your site. You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @rubywhiteroad.
Buen Camino!
Ruby