Orisson to Ronscevalles This has been an absolutely fabulous day walking over the Pyrenees following the route Napoleon took with his army to attack Spanish forces two hundred years ago. The sunrise over the mountains was a great way to start the day and I could look down into the valley go see the towns and villages wrapped in mist. Very atmospheric and very serene. The part of today's walk was a steep climb upwards but the training I have been doing over the pa...

St Jean Pied de Port to Orisson It's very misty this morning and very calm and still in the old town. The sun gradually burns off the mist to reveal the Pyrenees in the near distance and a lovely sunny day beckons. The first port of call is the 'pilgrims office' just across the street from the hostel. Here, in addition to getting a credencial, a passport to be stamped at each of the hostels on route, I collect the symbolic scallop shell to attach to my rucksack. ...

I am now ready to go. From Colchester to Stansted to Biarritz to Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port by taxi, bus, plane, coach and train. This is the eve of my Camino adventure which starts tomorrow and I am feeling in a good place. The rucksack is full and a number of items have been left at home before setting off - I remember that it is me who has to carry the pack every day for six weeks! 'Wear one, wash one' is the general advice and so I am travelling as light...