Sacred Heart Catholic Church – The Catholic Church in Carlton and Sneinton, Nottingham

Day 21. Santiago

Burgos to Santiago. ...... 306 miles later we have arrived in Santiago. The pilgrimage came to an end with the pilgrim Mass, prayers at the tomb of St James the apostle, lighting of candles in the cathedral and the awarding of the compostela. We presented our credencial at the pilgrim office and received the pilgrimage certificate and the certificate distance to prove that we have walked the Camino Frances from St Jean pied de port to Santiago. The sense of achievement is very real. Tomorrow is a long day of travelling but very little walking! The cathedral Forest on tour

Camino day 20

After a night in Ribadiso we set off this morning on the 24km to Pedrouozo. Mostly flattish through countryside on woodland tracks it was relatively easy. We didn't let the constant drizzle dampen our spirits. The poor weather did seem to keep the tour groups on their buses or in their hotels so the way wasn't as crowded as it could have been. Now as we get closer to Santiago (only 20km to walk tomorrow ) the destination becomes everything and the purpose of the walk is simply to get there. Further back along the camino the walk itself was

Camino day 19 of walking

26km (16 miles ) Palais de Rei to Rabadiso started in the dark and freezing cold but thankfully after a couple of hours walking the thick mist was burnt away by the sun and hands began to defrost. Most of the day was walking in sunshine on woodland paths through very pretty villages. In Palais we had dinner with and said goodbye to paul and paula from Ballarat in Australia. They are breaking up the next two days of walking and we will be flying back when they get to Santiago. One of the great experiences of the camino is

Camino day 17

23km Sarria to Portomarin. A few up and down bits but relatively easy.....even the first hour in pitch black on woodland tracks. My 5 euro headtorch is proving valuable. An early start and two hours of walking before breakfast broke the back of the day and we arrived in portomarin by 12.30. Along the way we passed the 100km to Santiago marker. This is the minimum distance you have to walk to get the compostela. We had been warned that the way gets very busy from this point with lots of people just doing the last few stages. However it