Spirit of the Camino

5.7 - The Camiño de Taverneiro

Our final episode for this season is an epic one as Wendy recounts her solo pilgrimage on the little-known Camiño de Taverneiro in Galicia. Spoiler alert: the spirit of the camino shines brightly on this route. Bo camiño!

Show Notes:

Links:

Wendy's summary of this camino: https://shorturl.at/Xdgo5 

Guidebook for the Taverneiro: https://shorturl.at/LZbX6 

Holy Year 2021 video featuring Carlos Núñez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vtgonpuII

Places Mentioned:

Monção (Portugal)

Salvaterra de Miño

Arufe

Pedre

Codaseda

Couso

5.6 - Summer in Santiago

Wendy discusses spending several weeks in Santiago this summer. In particular, she talks about the advanced Galego language course she took, the feast of the apostle and the 'massification' of the pilgrimage. Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Wendy's course: 'Galego Sen Fronteiras' -  https://cursoslinguagalega.academia.gal

5.5 - Camino de Invierno: Planning Tips

In this episode, Nick and Wendy give their top tips for planning a pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno, from stages to accommodation to alternate routes. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Resources:

PDF Guide - https://shorturl.at/6aHJG 

Forum Planning Thread - https://shorturl.at/06juG 

Gronze - https://www.gronze.com/camino-invierno

Main Tips:

1. Take the Borrenes alternative to the Orellán lookout at Las Médulas, possibly staying in Villavieja on the first night and then Casa Rosa in Puente de Domingo Flórez on the second night. 
   
2. Take the alternate route between O Barco and A Rua on the other side of the river, up to the waterfall. 
   
   
3. Casa Rural options after Monforte: Pinheiro and Villariño, or the albergue at Diomondi for the church.
   
   
4. Last 100km: consider staying at Casa Leiras in Dornelas and Reina Lupa, 10km from Santiago.

5.4 - Camino de Invierno: Highlights

In this episode, Nick and Wendy recount their pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno ('Winter Way') from Ponferrada to Santiago. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Places Mentioned:

Las Médulas - Roman Mine Site

Sil River Valley

Ribeira Sacra 

Monte Faro

Animal Artwork - After A Rua

Daniel and the Wax Stamp - Lalín

5.3 - The Via Ellenica

In our third episode about Italian pilgrimages, Nick and Wendy recount their walk on the Via Ellenica, part of the Cammino Materano network in southern Italy. Buon cammino!

Show Notes: 

Via Ellenica Website and Guidebook: https://camminomaterano.it/via/9/via-ellenica 

The World Heritage Endpoints: Alberobello and Matera

The Gorge Towns: Masafra, Castellaneta, Laterza, Ginosa

Rock-Hewn Church: San Nicola

5.2 - The Magna Via Francigena

As we continue our exploration of pilgrimage routes in Italy, Nick recounts his solo walk on the Magna Via Francigena in Sicily. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Main Attractions: Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento
Most Beautiful Villages/Towns: Sutera, Racalmuto 
Nick's Best Sunset Spot at Agrigento: The east side of the Temple of Juno (Giunone)
Goat Art: Realised by Domenico Cocchiara; article (in Italian) with photos:
https://ripost.it/2023/08/15/le-capre-girgentane-di-domenico-cocchiara-sulle-vecchie-porte-di-30-comuni/

5.1 - The Via di Francesco

In the first episode of our fifth season, entitled 'Italian and Winter Ways', Nick recounts his pilgrimage on the Via di Francesco (Way of St. Francis) in central Italy. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Major Towns: Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Rieti

Other Places of Interest: La Verna Sanctuary, Cascata delle Marmore (the 'Roman' waterfall)

Entry into Rome: From Monte Sacro, consider taking the Via Nomentana (including a visit to the church of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls) to Porta Pia and from there into Rome, perhaps including San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John of Lateran) with the statue of St. Francis directly opposite the church.

Official Website: https://www.viadifrancesco.it/en/

4.5 - Madeira and the Caminho Real 23

In this episode, Nick and Wendy describe their adventurous nine-day hike around the Portuguese island of the Madeira on a historic trail, the Caminho Real 23.

Show Notes:

Caminho Real Association: Web | Facebook | Tracks

4.4 - The Camino Inglés

Nick and Wendy discuss their latest camino: the Camino Inglés (the English Way), including highlights, practicalities, and where the Inglés fits in the camino landscape. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes: 

3:30: Gronze Stages

24:00: Pilgrimage Traveler 

Places mentioned on the Camino Inglés: Betanzos, Pontedeume, Miño, Bruma (the bed race), Sigüeiro.

4.3 - Fátima

Nick and Wendy discuss their experience in Fátima and their impressions of the famous Portuguese pilgrimage destination at the end of the Caminho do Mar. Spoiler alert: they were pleasantly surprised!