About The Camino de Invierno

Inside This Book, you will also

• Immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Camino Invierno that range from the spectacular Las Medulas to the tranquil meadows and vineyards of the Riberio Sacra
• Connect with History: Every step is a journey through time, from the Celts, to the Romans to the Templars
• Find Your Inspiration: Whether you’re planning your own pilgrimage or seeking an armchair adventure, The Camino de Invierno is your key to unlocking the magic of this unique journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilgrim or simply yearning for an escape into adventure, this book promises to inspire, inform, and awaken the wanderlust in your soul.

Read the book now to start your journey today.

Editorial

The Camino de Invierno

The Camino de Invierno: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Winter Way is more than just a travel guide — it’s an invitation to walk one of Spain’s most soulful and less-traveled caminos. Unlike the crowded paths of the French Way, the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way) offers solitude, authenticity, and a chance to rediscover the heart of pilgrimage.

Author Susan Jagannath combines practical advice with evocative storytelling, guiding modern pilgrims through ancient Roman roads, medieval towns, and the wild beauty of Galicia. The book balances detailed maps, stage-by-stage breakdowns, and insider tips with reflections that remind readers this is not just a journey of miles, but of meaning.

This guide is written for both first-time pilgrims and seasoned walkers searching for a quieter path. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual experience, a cultural adventure, or simply a chance to pause and reflect, The Camino de Invierno delivers clarity, encouragement, and inspiration for the road ahead.

MAPS

Readers(and Pilgrims) Q&A

Q: What is the Camino de Invierno?

A: The Camino de Invierno, also known as the “Winter Way,” is an ancient pilgrimage route that originated in response to medieval pilgrims’ need to avoid the harsh winter conditions on the more popular Camino Frances. This route, which is approximately 280 km long from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela, dips south from Ponferrada along the fertile valleys of the Mino and Sil rivers. It has been an accredited route for achieving the compostela since 2017. Historically, it was a more dangerous route, evidenced by a string of castles built by the Knights Templar to protect pilgrims.
Q: Why should I choose the Camino de Invierno over other routes?

A: The Camino de Invierno offers a less crowded alternative to popular routes like the Camino Francés, which can be overcrowded and touristy. It provides an opportunity for solitude and a “transformative odyssey” that connects pilgrims with nature, history, and themselves. The journey is described as deeply enriching, shaped by individual experiences, choices, and interactions. You can complete it in about two weeks, obtain your compostela, and experience a life-changing adventure. Despite being cold and wet in winter, it is described as magnificent, offering unique challenges and views, including unexpected rainbows. It’s suitable for various backgrounds, as the author mentions walking with Hindu friends and a lapsed Anglican, and notes that you don’t need to be Catholic or religious.
Q: Who is the Camino de Invierno for?

A: This Camino is for anyone with moderate fitness who wants a shorter pilgrimage experience (around two weeks). It’s ideal if you find the Camino Francés too long or crowded. It accommodates vegetarians, vegans, or those with gluten intolerance. Even without extensive Spanish language skills, you can manage the journey. The author emphasizes not waiting for the “perfect time” or for spiritual guidance, encouraging people to “take the first step”. It’s suitable for those seeking solitude or preferring to walk with friends.

Planning Your Pilgrimage

Q: How long does the Camino de Invierno typically take, and what are the stage options?

A: The Camino de Invierno is over 280 km long. The duration depends on your preferences for daily distance and accommodation availability. The book suggests several itinerary options:
• 9-day walk: Averaging 30+ km per day.
• 10-day walk: Averaging 26 km per day.
• 12-day walk: With stages ranging from 15.6 km to 35.4 km.
• 14-day walk: The author’s chosen itinerary, with daily distances of 12.5 km to 29 km.
• 16-day walk: Keeping it under 20 km a day.
• 17-day walk: The author’s recommended itinerary post-experience, keeping stages under 20 km where possible due to challenging climbs.
Q: What kind of physical preparation is needed?

A: The Camino de Invierno is physically demanding, even though it’s shorter. You should kickstart your fitness regimen at least 8 weeks before. This involves:
• Walking 6 consecutive days a week, with one day of rest.
• Gradually increasing daily distances: starting with 1-2 km and aiming for 8 km daily by week four.
• Introducing a backpack in week four, starting with 2-3 kg and gradually increasing the weight, ensuring it’s no more than 10% of your body weight.
• By the penultimate weeks, aim for several 15 km walks, including a 20 km stride, to be prepared to cover at least 20 km daily, as stages are long with few resting points.
• During training, wear the clothes, boots, and rain gear you plan to use on the Camino. After walks, elevate your legs against a wall for about 10 minutes to aid recovery.
Q: How do I prepare my feet for the Camino?

A: Finding and breaking in the right footwear is crucial. You should:
• Try on many hiking boots in an adventure store until you find a comfortable pair.
• Wear two layers of socks: a thin cotton-polyester or bamboo blend for the inner layer, and a wool-synthetic blend for the outer. Avoid pure cotton or pure wool.
• Buy boots one size up to accommodate thick socks and foot swelling during long walks.
• Shop for footwear late in the day after a long walk, and bring your chosen socks.
• For the Camino de Invierno, boots are recommended due to flooded and muddy tracks and stream crossings.
• Check the tread and lacing of existing boots during training.
• Address any foot issues like shin splints or tendonitis with a podiatrist and orthotics.
• Treat blisters immediately and don’t walk on with them.
• Consider carrying gaiters to keep your boots dry, especially in winter or spring rain.

Q: What about nutrition and hydration during preparation?

A: To get fit, focus on your nutrition. The author recommends:
• Starting with good quality vitamins and supplements, such as a multivitamin, fish oil, glucosamine daily, and extra vitamin C and Echinacea during cold/flu season.
• Eating high-quality protein, good fats, and minimal carbs to encourage fat burning and reduce weight, which eases pressure on knees and ankles.
• Cutting out sugar and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Considering intermittent fasting for weight and fitness management.
• Consulting your doctor before starting any new training or diet regimen, especially with existing health issues.
• Carrying at least a liter of clean filtered water on training walks and drinking 2-3 liters daily.
• Using a home water filter to ensure you drink filtered water, reducing stress on kidneys. Always carry a reusable water bottle.
Q: What should I pack for walking the Camino de Invierno in winter?

A: The key is to travel light, but for winter, you need to be ready for cold, rain, and wind. Essential items include:
• Layered clothing:
◦ Water and wind-proof jacket (possibly with a separate warm inner) and a rainproof jacket or poncho to wear over everything.
◦ Water and wind-resistant walking trousers or leggings.
◦ Inner undershirts (merino or moisture-wicking, NOT cotton) and a long-sleeved T-shirt (merino or wicking).
◦ A fleece jacket (one size up for layering).
• Footwear and accessories:
◦ Boots or water-resistant shoes with gaiters.
◦ 6 pairs of sock sets (a thin inner and a thicker outer pair, changed regularly to keep feet dry).
◦ Warm beanie or cap, and a hat for sunny days.
◦ Gloves.
◦ Trekking poles or a walking staff.
• Other essentials:
◦ A hidden travel belt for passport, credit cards, and cash (at least 100 euro).
◦ An unlocked smartphone with a local Spanish data plan.
◦ Power adapter (EU) and USB chargers.
◦ A ½-liter water bottle.
◦ Basic first aid kit (blister medicine, painkillers, antiseptic wipes).
◦ Hair dryer (useful for drying boots) and a small electric kettle for hot drinks.
• Consider packing emergency rations like chocolate, tea mixes, and a cup, as cafes may be closed. Backups of important documents on a USB drive and cloud storage are also recommended.
Q: How do I get to the starting point of Ponferrada?

A: The quickest way is to fly into Madrid, then take a bus or train to Ponferrada.
• Bus: You can catch a bus from Madrid-Barajas Airport T4 or Estacion Sur. Alsa.com is the recommended website for bus information. Discounts are available for those under 25 (Alsa Plus) or over 60 (Tarjeta Dorada, bought at the station).
• Train: Renfe.com provides train information. Taking the train from Madrid to Ponferrada might require changes and could be longer and more expensive.
• Booking: Booking early is generally recommended, but you can also book last-minute.
• The author also suggests spending at least a day in Madrid to explore before starting your journey.
Q: Can I have my luggage transported between stages?

A: Yes, you can.
• The Spanish Post Office (Correos) offers a “Paq Mochila” service that picks up your backpack in the morning and delivers it to your next accommodation in the evening. This service operates on the Camino de Invierno from April to October. Their phone operators speak English.
• In winter, Correos services are not available. You will need to contact local operators. The author used Ubaldo Estevo (taxibarco24h@gmail.com, Tel: 630 22 92 70) for the entire route and also mentions Manuel Ángel from Bar Mar / Casa Mar in Sobradelo (Tel: 988 335 106, WhatsApp: +34 639241939).
• If you’re having your main bag ported, carry a smaller, foldable daypack

.
During Your Walk

Q: How do I find my way on the Camino de Invierno?

A: The Camino de Invierno is well-marked with yellow arrows. You should always follow these markers and arrows for the pilgrim way to Santiago.
• In cities, apps are recommended as markers can be missed.
• Useful apps include Wise Pilgrim and Organic Maps, and there’s a Camino app for iPhone users.
• The tourism website for Galicia, www.turismo.gal, also offers maps and mobile downloads.
• Initially, you might need to look carefully for markers on roadsides, walls, and trees, but they become easier to spot by the fourth day.
Q: What kind of accommodation is available on the route?

A: Accommodation options range from pilgrim albergues (from €8 per night) to private hostals and hotels to suit various budgets.
• In winter (November-April), many albergues may be closed, and you might be the only pilgrim there.
• Booking ahead is highly recommended in winter. You can use www.booking.com or ask your current hotel to call ahead for you.
• Private pensións are often clean and comfortable, sometimes including breakfast.
• The book provides a list of available accommodations for each stage.
• The author stayed in hotels and pensions and recommends staying in at least one pilgrim albergue. For luxury, there’s the Parador in Monforte de Lemos, and the Hospedería de San Martiño Pinario or Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago.
Q: What kind of food can I expect on the Camino de Invierno?

A: In winter, few cafes are open, so it’s crucial to carry food and water at all times.
• Dinner (La Cena) is usually served after 8:30 p.m., which can be late for tired pilgrims, but you might get a snack with drinks earlier.
• Breakfast (Desayuno) in Spain is typically light: coffee, a croissant, and sometimes fresh orange juice, so don’t expect a hearty meal. Stock up on snacks.
• The “Menu del Dia” (menu of the day) or “Menu del Peregrinos” (pilgrim’s meal) is a good option, usually costing €12-16 for three courses with wine and bread.
• For vegetarians, you can ask for two first courses (“Primero”) if no main vegetarian option is available (“Segundo”).
• Basic Spanish food vocabulary is provided for vegetarians/vegans, including phrases like “No como carne” (I don’t eat meat).
• Grocery stores (supermercados) often have gluten-free (sin gluten) or lactose-free (sin lactosa) products.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to walk the Camino de Invierno?

A: While a lack of Spanish shouldn’t deter you, learning some basic phrases will decrease stress and enhance your enjoyment.
• The author found that a phrase book or a small sheet of paper with key phrases was more practical than extensive practice.
• Google Translate is useful for understanding words.
• Minimal phrases include greetings (Hola, Buenos dias), thanks (Gracias), please (Por favor), and how to ask for accommodation (Hostal? Albergue?), food (Menú del Dia?), or directions (Donde está el Camino?).
• Maria Seco’s www.spanishforthecamino.com is a recommended resource.
Q: Is the Camino de Invierno safe, and what emergency numbers should I know?

A: Yes, it is safe to walk alone, in pairs, or in a group. However, take precautions:
• Keep valuables (wallet, passport, credit cards) hidden and close in a travel belt.
• Be cautious on muddy paths and slippery stepping stones.
• Stages from Lalin onwards can be prone to flooding in winter; check conditions.
• Carry snacks and water, as fuentes (water fountains) can be scarce, though generally potable.
• Emergency Phone Numbers:
◦ 112: Emergency number across Europe, 24/7 with English-speaking operators.
◦ 679 941 123: SOS Peregrino (Pilgrims Help Line).
◦ 062: Guardia Civil (Police).
◦ 061: Ambulance (Health emergency).
◦ 080: Fire Brigade.
◦ 606 618 341: Correos (Post Office – for backpack porting).
• Always get medical and travel insurance before your trip.
Q: Can I use buses or taxis if I get too tired or encounter difficult sections?

A: Yes, buses and taxis are viable options and should not be dismissed if you are exhausted or face a particularly difficult section. You can take a taxi back to where you stopped the previous day to continue your walk. Taxis can be found by picking up cards from your accommodation. These services are especially useful for some of the steepest or longest parts, such as Chantada to Monte Faro and Quiroga to Castoncelos. Note that some research and planning, and basic Spanish, might be needed for bus and train services.

Q: What are some of the highlights and challenges of the Camino de Invierno?

A: The Camino de Invierno offers magnificent natural grandeur, picturesque villages, and a communion with history. Highlights include:
• Ponferrada’s Templar Castle and Basilica.
• The Roman gold mines of Las Medulas and the Orellan viewpoint.
• River Sil Valley views, with chestnut woods and vineyards.
• The “Valley of Gold” near O Barco Valdeorras, with autumn colors and rainbows.
• The 12th-century Romanesque church of San Paio de Diomondi, an architectural highlight.
• The Ponte Taboada, a medieval bridge dating back to 912 AD, showing the route’s ancient pilgrim history.
• Monte Faro, the highest point of the Invierno, offering sweeping views, windmills, and etched poetry.
• Beautiful old mansions and traditional stone villages.
• Encounters with kind locals, sometimes referred to as “Camino angels,” who offer help or food.
Challenges often include:
• Longer stages, steeper climbs, and fewer cafes in rural Galicia, especially in winter.
• Persistent rain, mud, and flooded paths.
• Lack of resting points or shelter on many stages.
• Navigation difficulties if markers are not immediately visible.
• Language barriers when arranging services or seeking assistance.
• Encounters with farm animals, including aggressive dogs, which can be frightening.
• Reaching destinations in the dark if stages are underestimated or delays occur.

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela

Q: How do I get my Compostela in Santiago?

A: To receive your compostela, a certificate in Latin, you must have walked a minimum of 100 km.
• Go to the Pilgrim’s Office at 33 Rúa Carretas.
• You need to present your credencial (pilgrim’s passport), which must be stamped at least twice a day from churches, albergues, hostals, or hotels along the route.
• At the Pilgrim’s Office, you’ll join a queue and can scan a QR code to track your number and wait in a garden, hall, or chapel.
• You can request a free religious compostela or pay €3 for a distance certificate stating the kilometers walked.
• The Pilgrim’s Office also sells souvenirs to support the Cathedral.
Q: What can I see and do in Santiago de Compostela?

A: Santiago offers many attractions beyond collecting your compostela:
• The Cathedral: Enter via a door in front of a fountain of horses. Inside, you can visit Apostle James’s tomb (sit or kneel) and hug his statue at the back of the altar.
• Pilgrim’s Mass: Typically at noon, or 7 p.m. on feast days. The famous Botafumeiro (incensory) is usually swung on Fridays after the 7 p.m. Mass; position yourself in the side wings to experience it.
• Other Churches/Services: Masses are held at the Chapel of la Corticela (11 am daily) and Iglesia de Santa María Salomé (various times, including 7 pm daily). English Mass is offered at the Pilgrim’s Office chapel daily from March to November at 9:30 am. The Santa Susana church in Alameda Park allows services for Anglicans, Orthodox, and other Christian denominations.
• Sightseeing: Visit the Cathedral’s Visitor Information Center for audio guides or a rooftop walk. Explore the old town by taking a little train ride. Visit the museum and the Gloria de Portico. Don’t miss the “two Marias” at Alameda Park. During the Christmas season, the city is beautifully decorated with lights.
• Backpack Storage: Backpacks are not allowed in the Cathedral; you can leave them at your accommodation, The Pilgrim’s House (Rua Nova 19, closed in winter), Correos, or Campus Stellae Left Luggage.
Q: What are the postal services available in Santiago?

A: The Correos (post office) is located on Rua Franco, just off the main square. You can collect any parcels you may have sent ahead or post excess baggage home from here. The staff are helpful and offer packing materials and stamps.
Q: How do I get to the Santiago airport from the city center? A: You can take either a taxi or Bus 6A. Bus 6A departs from Rua do Horreo, near the corner of Rua de Gomez Ulla, takes about half an hour, and costs approximately 1 Euro.
About the Author and Book
Q: Who is Susan Jagannath?

A: Susan Jagannath is the author of “The Camino de Invierno: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Winter Way” and several other books.. She successfully transitioned from a career in technical writing to writing books about her adventures. Having grown up as an “army brat,” travel and adventure were a normal part of her childhood. Her philosophy is to pack adventures into one or two weeks to create lifelong memories, often with family and friends. She walked the Camino de Invierno in November 2022.
Q: Where can I find more information about Susan Jagannath’s books and other resources?

A: You can find more information through:
• Bonus printables: https://susanjagannath.com/thecaminoinvierno-bonus/.
• Other books on Amazon: https://bit.ly/SJ-Auth.
• Email: team.xpresswords@gmail.com.
• She walked the Portuguese Camino in 2024 and will release another Camino book shortly.

Reviews

Patrick DeVaney

5.0 out of 5 stars Another walk on my “to-do” list.

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023As a veteran of seven previous Caminos, I’m always seeking out new trails to walk. I had previously heard of the Invierno but didn’t know much about it. In 2018, we took a side trip from Ponferrada to the old Roman gold mines in Las Medulas and saw many yellow arrows and a few pilgrims afoot. I spoke to one of the pilgrims who explained more about the walk, and I was promptly interested.

If you haven’t been to Las Medulas, you’re cheating yourself. The author wisely used a picture of Las Medulas on her cover. I hadn’t been able to find the perfect book detailing the walk until Susan wrote the Camino de Invierno. After reading it, I feel more than confident to move forward and add that walk to my future travels. It combines not only the pilgrim’s friendship and challenges along the way, but all the information needed to get cracking. Well done, Susan!

Drew Niemeyer

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and Indispensable

I have never heard of the Camino d’Invierno before now, but this book has certainly piqued my interest!

If the Camino has something to offer to you (physical challenge? To cross off a bucket-list item? To find life’s meaning and purpose? Or to immerse yourself in history, ancient architecture, and culture?) then this book will outline it. The opening chapters describe the original purpose of the Camino as well as what it means for people today. In the style of her other books, Susan has outlined her own journey of this Camino in an attractive descriptive fashion.

It also contains extremely comprehensive info outlining what you need to know in preparation for the journey, as well as variations to follow depending on how many days you have to walk the Camino. Packed with information, this guide will be a great companion for the journey.

Mark Abourjaily

5.0 out of 5 stars World Traveling Hikers need to check this book out.

The Camino De Invierno is an outstanding experiential journey for all willing to turn its pages. Being a long-distance hiker, I could really relate to Susans story line and get a sense of how awesome a hike of this magnitude can benefit all of us. If you’re looking to get away and experience a little bit of what life and trail have to offer, then come and indulge in these amazing pages. Get inspired and get outside!       

Brian

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Camino de Santiago Guide!

My next Camino is going to be the Camino de Invierno. I love that I now have this guidebook as a resource. I would recommend this book to anyone walking the Camino de Santiago if you are looking for an alternative route for the last segment.

Mechelle Neunsinger

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information

Great for planning my trip

choiduchoi

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a pilgrimage!

Another tour of Spain with letting Taxis carry your pack and pre-booking places to stay. As the monks on the Camino say–Jesus carried a cross for YOU. You can carry a cross for HIM. Instead of paying for a taxi to carry your expensive pack, why not use that money to buy a bed in an albergue for those walking with very little?

John Seegers

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read

The author has a wonderful writing style that flows comfortably bringing the reader along on the walk. I felt like I was walking along with her. Since I have walked the Canino de Santiago twice, I could relate to many of her experiences that brought back special memories. f am planning another Camino and this gives me the idea for a new route I had not considered. Buen Camino.

Barbara Miller, Author of Biography & History

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent way to take a fascinating virtual journey for those not able to take the physical one.

The Camino de Invierno by Susan Jagannath is a fascinating read. The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage to the Cathedral de Santiago in Spain, the tomb of Apostle James. James and his brother John were called the sons of thunder by Jesus of Nazareth. The author, her husband, and two Hindu friends walked it, none of them especially religious but found it a fascinating walk that can transform your life.

As well as some photos, the book gives you very practical details on how to prepare for your trip and what to do each day including choosing the length of the walk you want to take. Susan encourages you to take the enchanting journey – physical and spiritual – through the chapels, castles, and magnificent scenery. This book is an excellent way to take a virtual journey for those not able to take the physical one.

Kindle Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Guide to Discovering the Wonders of the Camino de Invierno!

This comprehensive guide to the Camino de Invierno brings this magical winter pilgrimage to life. Vivid descriptions transport you through stunning landscapes steeped in history. Practical details like ideal daily stages, precise distances between villages, year-round accommodation options, recommended packing lists, and key Spanish phrases equip readers to plan their own adventure. I especially appreciated the honest distances provided, vegetarian dining tips, and advice on carrying backpacks vs packing light. The beautiful photos alone are enough to ignite your wanderlust. Any armchair traveler or seasoned pilgrim will find inspiration and their next Camino read in “The Camino de Invierno.” A must-have addition to your collection that promises to inform, prepare, and motivate you to discover this unique lesser-known route.

AmiBimal

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Alternative Insights into Santiago de Compostela

The book provides the best alternative insights into traveling to Santiago De Compostela. It is a must-read as it provides the ancient pilgrim path’s deeply embedded heritage and culture. This book provides a practical guide and amazingly points out how to break up the journey to make the most of the region’s rich history that would otherwise not be known. It is a book that can be read by hikers of all ranges and all fitness levels. It is a very well-crafted book considering every aspect of the journey.

Book Lover

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Information for Hikers

Wow, this book put a new pin in my map of places to go hiking and I loved that it shared amazing details with hikers of all skill ranges. A great find on the Readers Village book blog.

kate spencer

5.0 out of 5 stars A new and informative Camino book.

A new and important Camino book. Exciting unusual locations.

Jerry E

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for a Camino with a difference

Worried about crowds? Prefer the road less traveled by? Then this is the book for you. Best-selling author Susan Jagannath has all the information you need to plan your different Camino adventure. The Camino de Invierno, or the Winter Camino is less traveled, but no less historic, encompassing Templar castles, ancient monasteries, and Roman goldmines, all set in the spectacular Galician countryside. This book has practical tips applicable, not just to the Invierno, but to all Caminos in terms of how to prepare, what to pack, and where to stay. It also encompasses Ms Jagannath’s own journey on the Winter Camino, walking in the footsteps of a thousand years of pilgrims. Traditionally, this was the path you could take when the French route was closed due to snow or inclement weather. It is one of the official traditional pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, steeped in history and lore, and open to anyone with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Written with the reassuring voice of experience, this book is a must-read if you are thinking of walking the Winter Camino, the Camino de Invierno — at any time of the year.

HW

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the Camino de Invierno

I’ve been curious about the Camino for years, and I’ve read tons of books on the Camino Francés. But I’m a solitary walker and I think it’s gotten a bit too crowded for my taste in recent years. That’s why I was so excited to hear about Susan’s latest book on the Camino de Invierno.

It’s a different route to the classic Francés, and Susan walks it in the middle of winter. It sounds exactly like the type of Camino experience that I’m looking for. In the book, Susan provides plenty of information on how to plan your own Camino de Invierno adventure. I’m definitely thinking of booking my own trip for next winter.

If you love books about the Camino, but you want something different, this is the book for you!

Roy Uprichard

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great effort from the human dynamo that is Susan Jagannath.

Another great effort from the human dynamo that is Susan Jagannath.

Susan explains and walks one through the rhyme, reason and background of the Camino de Santiago.

Then takes us on her Advent, winter wet journey with friends and family, from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela. And through both the highs and lows of the walk, on this uncrowded , meditative route, she unpacks through history and travelogue, the stories of the people and places she passes through; the villages, small towns, forests and valleys.

She has the gift of ‘Bringing us with her,’ as confidants on this journey on foot, ever rich in meaning. A story of friendship, endurance, and arrival – in Santiago – a place always special, whatever the weather!

Mark Walsh

5.0 out of 5 stars An alternate guide for an alternate way

The Camino de Invierno is a less-travelled path to Santiago de Compostela. This book may encourage more people to walk it. The author’s tone is straightforward and encouraging. There are hints about preparation, covering mind and body and all the material things pilgrims often fret over. Several suggested itineraries break the journey into longer and shorter days, suiting people of varying fitness levels. Having given some preparation advice, the author shares the story of four friends from Australia and India walking the Winter Way. Each chapter begins with a coloured picture and a list of the towns the pilgrims pass through. The author paints vivid pictures that bring the Camino to life and carry us along as the pilgrims explore the region’s rich history. The book also offers a different cultural lens to many of the books on the Caminos de Santiago saturating the market. This is welcome and gives people new ways of looking at an ancient pilgrim path.

Pat

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for walkers

Being a 76 year old I no longer walk long distances due to arthritis. This lovely book gives me so much pleasure it’s as if I’m walking myself. Packed with information you would need to know if you are doing the walk. For me it’s reading about the walk from someone actually doing it. So much more than just reading about the geography of a the place. The real walk by real people. A very enjoyable book

Donna M

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect guide to the winter Camino Invierno

Really enjoyed this guide book!

This book reminded me of my travel bible back in the day with lots of tips, important details, phone numbers with one difference – a first person account of the Camino with beautiful descriptive words to make you feel like you’re on the walk with the author already. It’s an honest account of the winter Camino with all its mystical spirituality of a winter walk. What I also loved also was the sprinkling of humour along the way.

I’m now inspired to do this Camino and I know this book is coming with me either on my kindle or as a hard copy!

Pocket Rocket

5.0 out of 5 stars My Next Adventure!

This book has inspired me to plan my next adventure – the Camino de Invierno! It contains everything you need to know, from the planning stages, all the preparation required, the walk itself, to the lessons learned. A must read if you are planning on completing the Camino de Invierno!

Maria L

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb guide

A superb guide with a step by step approach to get ready for the Camino Ingles. The author was engaging throughout the book and provided invaluable information and links . Can’t wait to plan my trip.

ahondafan

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Great

Blog posts

The 7 Hidden Gems of the Camino de Invierno

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Link to the book on Amazon

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