After around 16 years of walking the Camino since 2010 – I’m writing this in 2026 – and countless kilometres of long-distance hiking, I’ve tried pretty much every way of keeping the rain out: waterproof jackets, rain trousers, traditional ponchos, ultralight ponchos and various hybrids in between. My conclusion? The best poncho for the Camino … Read more
Maybe That’s the Wrong Question. Small sips or big gulps? Half a litre every hour? Three litres a day? Drink before you’re thirsty? Only when you’re thirsty? Water? Electrolytes? If you’ve ever searched for advice on hydration, you’ll know that something as simple as drinking water can become surprisingly complicated. There are formulas. There are … Read more
Hiking boots or lightweight hiking shoes? Trail runners or Gore-Tex? High ankle support or low-cut shoes? Few questions occupy future pilgrims as much as choosing the right footwear. And few questions are answered with such wonderfully simple advice: “Definitely take hiking boots.” Or: “Trail runners are much better.” Both can be right. And both can … Read more
Six pilgrims on what it means to walk together, then say goodbye.
Why We Walk People have been walking to Santiago de Compostela for more than a thousand years. They once came primarily as pilgrims, travelling across medieval Europe towards the supposed resting place of the Apostle Saint James. They came from Portugal and France, from Germany and Italy, from Britain and the Low Countries. Roads developed … Read more
Every gram we carried had to earn its place. Here’s what made the cut, and what didn’t.
