Small towns and forest trails, time to think, with nothing else to do but place one foot in front of the other, before stopping for a coffee in a local coffee shop and chat with like-minded people. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it? Well, that is very much a typical day on the Camino.

Ireland has seen an explosion in Camino trips in recent years, and, having taken three groups and more this year and next, I can see why.

It is simply the most incredible seven-day experience. It creates space and time to spend some time with yourself – to check in and ground yourself. Rural Spain and Portugal are so beautiful, but so relaxed by comparison to the modern world we live in here.

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The Camino shell is synonymous with the pilgrimage walk.

The first trip I did blew me away, as I watched a group of 100 people who began as individuals, finish as a close-knit group of friends. We shared conversation, tough days, river swims, food and drink, along with tears and hugs over seven days.

But did you know there are several different Camino routes? The most popular are the French and Portuguese routes, finishing in Santiago de Compostela. Both of these are great options because there are lots of other pilgrims on the route and plenty of places to stop along the way too.

The other routes, like the Camino Primitivo and the Camino Ingles, are a little tougher and with fewer people along the way. These routes are broken up into stages and most finish in Santiago de Compostela.

You must cover 100km or more to receive your Camino certificate and collect stamps on your Camino passport along the way from various towns and businesses.

Camino del Norte map. Camino De Santiago or The Way of St James is an ancient pilgrimage path to the Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. \ iStock

I think that the Camino can look so easy on social media when you see it, and you know what, it is very manageable, but you have to put the work in beforehand. When you are covering over 100km in five days, of undulating trail and road, in sun and rain, it is hard.

All the groups I bring are given a training plan beforehand, to get fit for the trip and prepare for the challenge to come.

If you are thinking of doing it, here are some handy tips:

  • The right gear is so important. Aim forbreathable fabrics. A good rain jacket is important, and I always recommend walking trail shoes over runners, always.
  • Get blister plasters and Vaseline. Put Vaseline on your feet, nipples and anywhere that may chaff especially on hot days.
  • Sun cream and a wide-brimmed sun hat is a must. You are out for so long each day, sun and skin health is something few think about.
  • A backpack is handy, but don’t think that you need a really big one, you don’t; 20-30 litres capacity is perfect.
  • Bring cash each day because so many of the small shops and vendors along the way don’t take cards.
  • When you are training to get ready for the trip, ensure to train on hills and do lots of them. There are plenty of hills on the route.

    • Going with a group makes life easier. All the hotels, luggage, transfers and guides are taken care of, meaning all you need to do is enjoy the experience.
    • Udder cream or miracle cream are great ways to relieve tired muscles.
    • The Camino is an experience you will never forget and I think it is a bucket list trip everyone should do.

      • NEXT WEEK:Karl Henry is staying with the walking theme and giving tips on how to walk properly.

      SCAN THE QR CODE: Discover the five things that impressed Karl most on the Camino