Camino de Santiago - Practical Preparation and Background

Fully revised and updated in May 2026.This book is intended for people planning to walk a Camino for the first time. It contains detailed, practical, impartial information and advice to help you prepare. It is based on the author's personal experience gained over nearly twenty years walking Caminos and on the experiences of many other pilgrims. The following topics are covered in detail:Which Camino? - which Camino is best for a first-timer? Detailed analysis of the the pros and cons of the most popular Caminos, both 100km and longer.Packing - what to take, or more importantly, what not to take. This is the most important part of your preparation. How to choose equipment, what to think about and watch out for when buying hiking clothes, shoes, socks and a backpack.Health and safety - how to avoid, or if necessary, deal with blisters, bedbugs, heatstroke and other hazards of the Camino. How to access the Spanish health service and stay safe. What can you do before you leave home to help avoid disasters?What to expect on "e;the Way"e; – What's a typical Camino day? What's it like staying in a "e;pilgrim hostel"e;? Where do you eat and what's the food like?Communicating – how do people manage if they don't Speak Spanish? How to order food in restaurants? How to understand a typical Camino menu.History of the Camino and of Spain from its beginnings to its revival, what was the Camino like in the middle ages? Who walked it then? What hardships and hazards did they face?Society, culture and environment – politics, culture and people of modern Spain.Internet resources - including details of websites and Facebook pages and groups where you can meet other pilgrims.'This is a real mini-encyclopedia of the Camino, written in a friendly, no-nonsense way with lots of tongue-in-cheek humour... There is nothing esoteric or prescriptive about Kelly's approach – he's done the business and presents facts and subjective advice in a wry "e;take it or leave it"e;/"e;this is how it is"e; style: very refreshing and un-earnest!' Confraternity of St James Quarterly Bulletin, June 2019