The Camino

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages in the world, dating back to the medieval times. In 2001 Sue, a 45 year old mother of 3 daughters, walked this pilgrimage route covering 780 kms across the north of Spain in the winter, alone. In 2004 Sue walked over 500 kms in 18 days. Valenca, Portugal to Santiago for Easter Sunday. Santiago to Fisterra. Fisterra to Muxia and then back to Valenca. She has since returned to the Camino guiding small five small groups. In the summer of 2010, Sue walked a total of 1000 kms part of it included walking the opposite way or al contrario, the return journey from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. In this section you can read about her journeys, view the photos from her trips and get valuable information on the Camino.

About the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Leaving France, it winds its way up and over the Pyrennes and into northern Spain. It meanders up hills, through wheat fields and vineyards, alongside hedgerows filled with blackberries. It crosses the flat plains of the Spanish meseta with its huge, open skies, then heads for ancient Galicia, land of soft rains and eucalyptus forests.

The ancient pilgrimage route known as the Camino Frances stretches approximately 800 kilometres from St. Jean Pied de Port to the Gallicean city of Santiago de Compostela, the legendary resting place of the body of the apostle St. James. Millions upon millions have trod this stoney path since the saint’s body was miraculously discovered in the 9th century. Then as now, it is a magical journey, filled with friendship, selflessness and joy.

Nowadays, more than 60,000 people a year complete at least part of the ancient pilgrim route and do so for a variety of reasons, ranging from a love of fresh air and exercise to religious conviction, from need for companionship to a need for solitude. There are no barriers on this miniature life journey; everyone is welcome, no one is disbarred. The more you invest in the Camino, the more it gives back. Some find love, consolation, spiritual peace. Few would disagree that the journey is life-changing.

Sue Kenney, a 45-year-old competitive rower, businesswoman and mother of three, made the journey alone, in late fall/early winter of 2001, a month or so after I completed my first pilgrimage. All pilgrimages are the same, all are different.

This is her story. — Robert Crew

Read Sue’s Pilgrim Diary for Sue’s journal from the road.