Northern Spain – Pilgims and the Way of Saint James

Posted on June 30, 2013 | 13 Comments

Sir Walter Raleigh wrote:

Give me my scallop shell of quiet;
My staff of faith to walk upon;
My scrip of joy, immortal diet;
My bottle of salvation;
My gown of glory (hope’s true gage);
And then I’ll take my pilgrimage.

Burgos lies on one of the principal pilgrim routes of the Camino or the Way of Saint James and during our visit we had to share the streets and the restaurants and the hotel with dozens of foot weary walkers all sharing their hiking tales as they walked towards their ultimate objective – the city of Santiago de Compostela.

Read the full story…

This entry was posted in back packing, Cathedrals, Europe, France, Natural Environment, Spain, Travel, World Heritage and tagged Burgos, Camino of Santiago, Castilla y Leon, Cervantes, Don Quixote, Pilgrim Trail, Sir Walter Raleigh, Way of Saint James. Bookmark the permalink.

13 responses to “Northern Spain – Pilgims and the Way of Saint James”

Gunta | June 30, 2013 at 6:02 am | Reply

I like your friend on the bench. 😉

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- Andrew Petcher | June 30, 2013 at 9:16 am | Reply
  
  Yes, great sculpture! All of the Castilian cities had wonderful statues and none of them had been damaged or vandalised!
  
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likeitiz | June 30, 2013 at 6:33 am | Reply

This is a succinct historical account of the Way over the years, Andrew. It’s in my list of things to do!

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- Andrew Petcher | June 30, 2013 at 9:15 am | Reply
  
  Yes, mine too. Thanks for the comment.
  
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restlessjo | June 30, 2013 at 8:29 am | Reply

A scallop shell of quiet has the loveliest sound to it, Andrew.
Then again, I quite fancy the bar of the ferry. Sure we’d find plenty to talk about. 🙂
Love this post.

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- Andrew Petcher | June 30, 2013 at 9:14 am | Reply
  
  Thanks Jo. If the ferry crossing counted do you think you would have to walk around and around the deck?
  
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  - restlessjo | June 30, 2013 at 9:21 am |
    
    Bay of Biscay can be tricky, Andrew. We might have to! 🙂
    
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Let's CUT the Crap! | June 30, 2013 at 12:57 pm | Reply

I recently heard about the pilgrimage of The Way. Sounds doable but I would hate to do it alone as there are vast empty spaces I understand. Have there ever been pilgrims who came across thieves etc.?

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- Andrew Petcher | June 30, 2013 at 1:12 pm | Reply
  
  I don’t think so. There is a lot of company along the way and some routes pass regularly through towns and villages. I am sure it is safe. Robbers and bandits are looking for people in BMWs and with designer gear not scruffy backpackers on a budget!
  
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Victor Tribunsky | June 30, 2013 at 6:33 pm | Reply

Devil! I often rent BMW. I need to take another cars 🙂

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Yvonne | November 17, 2014 at 6:09 am | Reply

I totally approve your walking plan: ferry, then a little doddle.

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- Andrew Petcher | November 17, 2014 at 10:20 am | Reply
  
  Thanks, it seems to be legitimate route but it would be devastating to get there and be called a cheat!
  
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