Sarria to Portomarin Last night, I spent a very enjoyable hour or so chatting to other pilgrims around an open fire in a stone room within the albergue. The 'hospitalero' had kindly donated some local liquors which made for lots of good conversation. People are beginning to use the phrase 'home straight' but I am focused on one day at a time as there are still some hills to get over! Today has been a really pleasant walk of about 24km in landscape very similar to...

Triacastela to Sarria The Camino ebbs and flows with different 'energy' characteristics each day. Today has been a long, tiring and mellow day, walking along ravines with waterfalls, by rivers and woodland tracks. The 'Wow!' factor came in the late morning when a gap in the hedge provided a spectacular view of the impressive Samos Monastery in the valley floor. Even if you have a companion or are in a group, most people at some point will walk by themselves to fo...

O'Cebreiro to Triacastela O'Cebreiro is my favourite place so far on the Camino. This morning, enveloped in mist and with snow on roof tops, it provided an atmosphere of history, mystery and charm. The church dates back to the 9th century and has hosted pilgrims since that time and you really feel the religious significance of this place. After a 'winter wonderland' walk through the snow covered forest, it was out on to the mountain roads and pathways. A statue d...

Trabadelo to O'Cebreiro This has been a fantastic day! I set off at first light by myself to test out if my energy levels were restored after a difficult day yesterday. The combination of a good rest and a dose of Immodium seems to have done the trick! You get used to listening to what your body needs by way of relaxation and effort and I am becoming increasingly interested in the synergy between body and mind. After walking through some great mountain towns with...

Cacabelos to Trabadelo It's going to be a wet day climbing up onto the mountains today. The forecast is for a 100 percent chance of rain and so I am prepared for a different kind of Camino day. The mountain scenery and the lovely town of Villafranca del Bierzo reminds me a little of the wonderful Lake District back home and the heavy rain confirms my association. It's a long steady climb up on the side of the main road for most of the day, kitted out in full wet ...