Hi, my name is Christopher.

I am raising funds to enable me to walk the Camino Primitivo on May 1st 2025, leaving the Welsh Valleys for London.

The 200/205 mile (320/331km) journey on foot begins at the old Asturian capital of Oviedo, West to Lugo turning South to St Iago de Compostela in Galicia. From there I will continue to Finistere an additional 55miles (91km) to finish my Camino on the beach, hopefully with a beautiful sunset. Totalling 260 + miles.

Almost 30 years ago I read a book by Shirley Maclain about her personal Spiritual journey along the French route and it inspired my dream. I had hoped to go a few years ago, but Covid came along and got in the way of that. I decided this year that I would do something life changing and deeply personal for my 60th birthday and this is it.

When a friend asked 'what does this Camino mean for you?', the only words I could find to describe my feelings were, 'because my Soul yearns to do it'.

Not having done any serious hiking for over a decade I am already putting in the hours to get my physical fitness levels up to standard, but more than that it is doing my Soul the power of good too; my mental and emotional health is improving daily, especially as I re-connect more deeply with Mother Nature nurturing something deep and profound within me.

First and foremost this is a deeply personal journey and I am doing this for myself, to reconnect with who I am, to test myself in many ways, and to surrender to The Way.

I am also aware that those who have helped and supported me to get to this crossroads may be inspired or even positively motivated towards living their hopes and dreams, to expansion and personal growth, to live more fully and presently.

Why raise funds in this way?

Asking is a challenge all of its own, has raised many questions, and brought a lot of personal healing which is ongoing.

I have most travel costs & insurances covered, and will be travelling from Wales to London by coach as this is most cost effective, staying overnight with friends before I leave on the 2nd May.

Some of my hiking equipment is simply not suitable for such a long tough walk ...

Lightweight Waterproof Boots up to £200 or more

Base Layers £10 - £30 or more

Lightweight Waterproof jacket £45 or more

Most basic accommodation for pilgrims on the Camino Primitivo, albergues (hostels) typically cost between 8-15 euros per night for dorm rooms in public albergues and 18-26 euros for private albergues. Not all provide breakfast. Public albergues cannot be booked in advance and are run on a first come first served basis, it would be nice to have a little privacy and comfort and a guaranteed bed for some nights, especially on the longer days walking.

10 - 20 euros per day is adequate for basic meals and provisions, although meals in cafes and other establishments may cost a little more.

And it would be lovely not to spend the night in a hostel on my 60th I don't know exactly where I will be, but a comfy bed, good views, a nice bath and maybe find a lovely cafe that serves a good cuppa and cake !