From 16 April- 4 May 2012 I will be hiking the Camino de Santiago.

This is a great opportunity to raise money for a charity I support: Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) www.vso.org.uk

Why Voluntary Service Overseas?

VSO sends people and their skills (rather than money) to some of the world’s poorest communities to ensure that any change to improve people’s quality of life is sustainable and integrated into existing systems, communities and societies. I share their vision and goals:

“A world without poverty, where excluded and marginalised women and men have a choice and an opportunity to participate effectively in society, have enough to feed and clothe their families, have access to education and healthcare services, land on which to grow food or a job to earn a living.” For VSO’s goals see www.vso.org.uk/what-we-do/mill-dev-goals.asp

What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago or ‘Way of St James’ is an ancient pilgrimage route to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostella in Galicia in northern Spain and one of Europe’s most famous long-distance treks. It has existed for over one thousand years and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in medieval times. The route is also a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most popular routes is the Camino Frances (or French Way) starting in St Jean Pied de Port in South West France.

To walk the whole Camino Frances would take about six weeks as it is 769 km/478 miles. As it’s not possible to walk the whole lot at once and keep in employment…., I’ve decided to do it in two parts (a big thanks to my manager for approving three weeks off for part one!).

Easter vacation 2012

Part one: St Jean Pied de Port (France) – Leon (Spain)

Distance : 429.5 km/ 267 miles

I am aiming to get to Leon on part one which should take between 18 and 19 days (I have allowed 19 days) but wherever I end up will be my starting point for part two. I will be staying at hostels, refuges and the occasional B&B to wash off the trail! I will be walking with my back pack every day for up to eight hours, depending on the terrain and the day (I’ve never walked for this many days before so am feeling a bit nervous…).

Easter vacation 2013

Part two: Leon- Santiago – 339.5km/ 210 miles