Pilgrim Guide to the Camino Inglés By Johnnie Walker 2016 Edition v.1 - 2 - A Pilgrim Guide to The Camino Inglés Johnnie Walker Using this guide This guide is regularly updated between editions. Pilgrims who have walked the route are invited to help others by sending any comments or suggestions to:
[email protected] You do not need to take all of this guide with you on your pilgrimage. Many people read the background notes and so on at home and only take the walking directions with them. Similarly the maps are provided for context. They are not essential to walk the route. Introduction “The pilgrimage way to Compostela enjoyed widespread fame throughout medieval Europe. Land and sea alike were furrowed with routes rich in spirituality leading to Santiago de Compostela. The maritime routes drew pilgrims from Scandinavia, Flanders, England, Scotland and Ireland on their way to destinations such as Ribadeo, Viveiro, Ferrol and A Coruña. Blessed by an exceptionally strategic location, the latter two coastal enclaves are the starting points for the two alternative itineraries that make up the English Way. The history of the Camino Inglés may be traced back to the 12th century. History records that in 1147, a troop of English, German and Flemish Crusaders visited the tomb of St. James. They were en route to the Holy Land. As part of that expedition they also took part in the Siege of Lisbon, where they helped the first King of Portugal to take the city that would become capital of the kingdom. There is also evidence of a number of important pilgrimages along the Camino Inglés.