Palas de Rei to Rabadiso Some people describe the Camino as a life changing spiritual journey. For me, as I near the end of my own personal Camino, the phrase 'life affirming' has more resonance. Walking for six hours or so each day for over five weeks across Spain with just a rucksack, gives you time to think what connects me to the pilgrims who undertook this journey a thousand years ago. Spiritually, this journey has reinforced my understanding of the eternal ...

Portomarin to Palas de Rei Phew, what a wet day! Fifteen miles in pouring rain, some of it really heavy, has led me to Palas de Rei which is now only three days away from Santiago de Compostela, which I hope to reach on Tuesday afternoon. Most albergues have good washing and laundry facilities which are much needed today as I get out of soaking clothes and boots. There is something very satisfying about having freshly washed and aired clothes to put on for the fo...

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...