My name is Charles, and I’m setting out on my third Camino de Santiago. When I first began the Camino Francés, I thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—something to check off the list, an experience to remember fondly but not repeat. I never imagined the Camino would weave itself so deeply into my heart. And yet, here I am again, answering that familiar call.
There’s something about these ancient trails—the rhythm of footsteps, the shifting landscapes, the quiet moments of reflection, and the unexpected conversations with fellow pilgrims—that keeps drawing me back. Each Camino feels both like a return and a new beginning, offering challenges, surprises, and lessons that unfold with every mile.
This time, I’m walking the Camino Primitivo, the rugged and demanding original route, where mountains rise steeply and the path tests your endurance.
I don’t know exactly what this journey will bring, and that’s part of the magic. What I do know is that the Camino has a way of giving you what you need, even if it’s not what you expect. And so, with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and gratitude, I take my first steps once more.
Walking The Camino Primitivo 2025 