If I could have a £1 for every time I have been asked this question since my return from the Camino, I would be a wealthy lady!
I enjoy my challenges in life and I am always looking for the next thing. In fact, Julie and I started making a list a few years ago of adventures that we would like to do over our lifetime. Here are a few things that currently reside on the list, including a few things that I would personally like to do (Julie is not keen on high stuff such as the Inca Trail).
- Route 66
- Zip wire in Wales
- Washing elephants in Thailand
- Rim to rim around the Grand Canyon
- Camino in Japan
- Inca Trail in Peru
- Trek the Via Francigena (Canterbury to Rome by foot!)
- West Highland Way (Scotland)
- TGO (The Great Outdoor Challenge) – Scotland’s coast to coast walk
- The Great Wall of China
- South West Coastal Path (from Minehead to Poole)
The list goes on. Where would you like to explore?
My next adventures are still in the planning stage, but here is a quick overview of my upcoming plans.
October 2018 – Camino Ingles Route
Camino Ingles Route
With my husband’s blessing, I will be jetting off to Spain again to explore a quieter route of the Camino known as the Ingles Route. This trail is 117 km (73 miles) from Ferroll on the Northern Coast of Spain to Santiago.
The Ingles route is a stunning walk along the coast and then a stroll (ok, perhaps more than just a stroll) through my favourite part of Spain, Galacia (very green!).
This will be a solo hike and it will also be my first experience of camping! Apparently, the infrastructure is not as established on this route as other Camino’s, with fewer hostels and a lot fewer pilgrims. The waymarking is not as clear as the Frances route, so it will certainly be an adventure as I may get lost. As my dad always said “You never get lost Ju, just keep turning left” – I am sure there is some logic in that saying somewhere?
The good news is that you can still collect your certificate of achievement (known as a Compostela) from Santiago as the whole route is over 100km, which is the minimum amount of distance that you need to qualify for a certificate.
Having read blogs, watched videos and chatted in the online forums, I understand that this walk is very similar to walking in England, so I should feel at home.
May 2019 – A Taste of The Camino – Come and join me!
I love everything about the Camino. The changing landscape, the people, the simple life, the food and the spiritual journey. I love it that much that I am keen to give others a taste of what it is all about!
I have decided to pilot my first guided tour in May next year, starting off at the foot of the Pyrenees. You don’t need to be superfit to do this walk as you walk at your pace (not mine). I will organise baggage transfers (if you don’t want to carry your rucksack), and I will book all of your accommodation for you. Not only will I offer support during the week’s walking by being there with you each day, but I will help with training and give guidance on what you need to take and so much more. My mind is racing with ideas and I am super excited to share this with you.
If you are interested in the Camino, but you don’t really know where to start then my one week guided tour may be just what you are looking for. I have not finalised the dates or the full details yet, but if you wanted to join me then register your interest here. I will have limited slots (maximum of 20 people)
Camino Taster
If this pilot goes well then I will be arranging other Camino trips throughout the year and into the future. I really do feel that the Camino is a special place and has something for everyone. Whether you are at a crossroads in your life, or just need to take some time out, you will find your answers on this majestic walk.
September 2019 – South West Coastal Path
One of the main reasons for wild camping on the Camino Ingles Route is to get into practice for the South West Coastal Path route in September 2019. This is two-month hiking trail which I will section hike over a period of time utilising a variety of accommodation from hostels. airb&b and camping. The trail is a walk of a lifetime as I get to explore my home country, ending in the town where I can celebrate with friends and family (Poole in Dorset). The trail is 630 miles (1013 km). It starts in Minehead, Somerset (fond childhood memories of Butlins) and continues to Lands End (Cornwall) working along the south coast to Poole (Dorset).
I am hoping that many of you will be joining me on this route for day hikes or weekend hikes. I will release the details and add it to the events page on the website when I have enough information together.
Summary
I could not enjoy any of the above without the support of my family and my work colleagues. I am in such a lucky place in my life right now and I feel blessed every day.