Camino Ingles/St James’ WayWe led three of Visit Reading’s Walk Festival’s Camino walks along the St James’ Way. It was wonderful to introduce over 60 walkers – or ‘Pilgrims’ to the Camino, some of whom are now planning their own journey to Southampton and even all the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Highlights included compulsory bell ringing at St Mary’s Sulhamstead (thank you Rev. Dr. Peabody) in exchange for a passport stamp. And the personal tour and talk at Pamber Priory given by the sprightly 86yrs young church warden, David Cullum was an added bonus.
It was great to see how many pilgrims are walking the St James’ Way this season; it really is growing in popularity at such a fast pace, although the infrastructure still lags some way behind, certainly if compared with more established routes like the Thames Path.
That said, we were warmly welcomed everywhere and there are some wonderful new finds at every turn. For example, the Baobab at Mortimer, whose owners are great Camino supporters, now stock locally made wooden walking staffs, with a branded Santiago cross of St James.
The Confraternity of St James has released the 2024 SJW guide book, a vast improvement with loads of helpful and interesting new information. We’re delighted to be featured in it.
We’re extra excited this week, as the definitive 32 page Harper Collins Map of the St James’ Way has just been printed. Shame they’ve dropped the Thames Path! We’ve laid our hands on a supply for all our walkers, so along with all the extensive way-marking, there really is no reason to get lost these days!
Lastly, and most importantly, after 15 months from a pipe dream to reality, we’re delighted that our first guests will soon be commencing their Camino along the St James’ Way, and we can’t wait to welcome them… and to transfer their bags along the Way of course!
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