Spirit of the Camino

6.3 - Hiking the Italian Lakes

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 15:52:31 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy recount their summer hiking adventure on three different trails around three famous Italian (and occasionally Swiss) lakes: Maggiore, Lugano and Como. Buon cammino!

Show Notes

Il Cammino del Lago Maggiore: https://www.camminolagomaggiore.it/

Il Balcone dei Tre Laghi (guidebook): https://www.ediciclo.it/it/libri/dettaglio/il-balcone-dei-tre-laghi/

Il Sentiero del Viandante: https://www.ilsentierodelviandante.eu/en/

Main places mentioned: Sancarlone (the giant statue), Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, Arcumeggia, the Abbey of San Pietro in Vallate.

6.2 - The Via degli Dei

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:57:29 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy recount the second of their Italian Easter walks on the popular Via degli Dei (the 'Path of the Gods') between Bologna and Florence. Buon cammino!

Show Notes

Official Website: https://www.viadeglidei.it

Towns mentioned: Madonna dei Fornelli, Sant'Agata, San Piero a Sieve, Fiesole.

6.1 - The Via degli Abati

Mon, 19 May 2025 21:32:03 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy discuss their challenging but rewarding pilgrimage on the Via degli Abati (Path of the Abbots) in north-central Italy. Tune in to find out what made this walk such an adventure, and buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Regions: Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany

Main Towns: Pavia, Bobbio, Bardi, Pontremoli

Official Website: https://viadegliabati.com

Our Live Forum Thread: Via degli Abati

5.7 - The Camiño de Taverneiro

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:25:49 +0100

Our final episode for this season is an epic one as Wendy recounts her solo pilgrimage on the little-known Camiño de Taverneiro in Galicia. Spoiler alert: the spirit of the camino shines brightly on this route. Bo camiño!

Show Notes:

Links:

Wendy's summary of this camino: https://shorturl.at/Xdgo5

Guidebook for the Taverneiro: https://shorturl.at/LZbX6

Holy Year 2021 video featuring Carlos Núñez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vtgonpuII

Places Mentioned:

Monção (Portugal)

Salvaterra de Miño

Arufe

Pedre

Codaseda

Couso

5.6 - Summer in Santiago

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 18:24:41 +0100

Wendy discusses spending several weeks in Santiago this summer. In particular, she talks about the advanced Galego language course she took, the feast of the apostle and the 'massification' of the pilgrimage. Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Wendy's course: 'Galego Sen Fronteiras' - https://cursoslinguagalega.academia.gal

5.5 - Camino de Invierno: Planning Tips

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:55:07 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy give their top tips for planning a pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno, from stages to accommodation to alternate routes. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Resources:

PDF Guide - https://shorturl.at/6aHJG

Forum Planning Thread - https://shorturl.at/06juG

Gronze - https://www.gronze.com/camino-invierno

Main Tips:

Take the Borrenes alternative to the Orellán lookout at Las Médulas, possibly staying in Villavieja on the first night and then Casa Rosa in Puente de Domingo Flórez on the second night.
Take the alternate route between O Barco and A Rua on the other side of the river, up to the waterfall.
Casa Rural options after Monforte: Pinheiro and Villariño, or the albergue at Diomondi for the church.
Last 100km: consider staying at Casa Leiras in Dornelas and Reina Lupa, 10km from Santiago.

5.4 - Camino de Invierno: Highlights

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 08:13:33 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy recount their pilgrimage on the Camino de Invierno ('Winter Way') from Ponferrada to Santiago. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes:

Places Mentioned:

Las Médulas - Roman Mine Site

Sil River Valley

Ribeira Sacra

Monte Faro

Animal Artwork - After A Rua

Daniel and the Wax Stamp - Lalín

5.3 - The Via Ellenica

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:36:54 +0100

In our third episode about Italian pilgrimages, Nick and Wendy recount their walk on the Via Ellenica, part of the Cammino Materano network in southern Italy. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Via Ellenica Website and Guidebook: https://camminomaterano.it/via/9/via-ellenica

The World Heritage Endpoints: Alberobello and Matera

The Gorge Towns: Masafra, Castellaneta, Laterza, Ginosa

Rock-Hewn Church: San Nicola

5.2 - The Magna Via Francigena

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 07:06:45 +0100

As we continue our exploration of pilgrimage routes in Italy, Nick recounts his solo walk on the Magna Via Francigena in Sicily. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Main Attractions: Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento
Most Beautiful Villages/Towns: Sutera, Racalmuto
Nick's Best Sunset Spot at Agrigento: The east side of the Temple of Juno (Giunone)
Goat Art: Realised by Domenico Cocchiara; article (in Italian) with photos:
https://ripost.it/2023/08/15/le-capre-girgentane-di-domenico-cocchiara-sulle-vecchie-porte-di-30-comuni/

5.1 - The Via di Francesco

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:29:32 +0100

In the first episode of our fifth season, entitled 'Italian and Winter Ways', Nick recounts his pilgrimage on the Via di Francesco (Way of St. Francis) in central Italy. Buon cammino!

Show Notes:

Major Towns: Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Rieti

Other Places of Interest: La Verna Sanctuary, Cascata delle Marmore (the 'Roman' waterfall)

Entry into Rome: From Monte Sacro, consider taking the Via Nomentana (including a visit to the church of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls) to Porta Pia and from there into Rome, perhaps including San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John of Lateran) with the statue of St. Francis directly opposite the church.

Official Website: https://www.viadifrancesco.it/en/

4.5 - Madeira and the Caminho Real 23

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:04:48 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy describe their adventurous nine-day hike around the Portuguese island of the Madeira on a historic trail, the Caminho Real 23.

Show Notes:

Caminho Real Association: Web | Facebook | Tracks

4.4 - The Camino Inglés

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:49:49 +0100

Nick and Wendy discuss their latest camino: the Camino Inglés (the English Way), including highlights, practicalities, and where the Inglés fits in the camino landscape. ¡Buen camino!

Show Notes:

3:30: Gronze Stages

24:00: Pilgrimage Traveler

Places mentioned on the Camino Inglés: Betanzos, Pontedeume, Miño, Bruma (the bed race), Sigüeiro.

4.3 - Fátima

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:32:08 +0100

Nick and Wendy discuss their experience in Fátima and their impressions of the famous Portuguese pilgrimage destination at the end of the Caminho do Mar. Spoiler alert: they were pleasantly surprised!

4.2 - Caminho do Mar - Highlights and Summary

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:11:48 +0100

Nick and Wendy provide a summary of their 10-day Caminho do Mar from Lisbon to Fátima, including highlights, lowlights and practicalities. Bom caminho!

Show Notes:

Alcobaça Monastery
Sintra
Óbidos
Osvaldo's blog (in Portuguese)
Odrinhas Archeological Museum
Caminho de Nazaré

4.1 - Caminho do Mar - Introduction

Mon, 22 May 2023 14:30:34 +0100

The fourth season of our podcast is called 'Fátima and Beyond' and we begin by introducing our pilgrimage to the Portuguese holy place of Fátima on the Caminho do Mar.

Show Notes:

8:30: Portuguese with Leo

15:20: Caminhos de Fátima

Places mentioned on the Caminho do Mar: Cascais, Estoril, Belém, Sintra, Óbidos, Alcobaça, Mafra.

3.9 - The Portuguese Coastal Route

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:40:21 +0100

In this episode, Wendy takes the reins as host to interview Nick about the Portuguese Coastal route that he just finished walking. Among other insights, Nick answers the big questions as to whether the coastal path feels like a camino and whether he recommends the coastal or central route from Porto.

3.8 - Camino Portugués and Variante Espiritual

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:17:42 +0100

For the final leg of their camino, Nick and Darin walk the last 100km of the Camino Portugués from Tui to Santiago, with Wendy joining them at Pontevedra for the Variante Espiritual. In this episode, they discuss the highlights of this popular route!

3.7 - Camino del Salvador

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:39:20 +0100

Nick and his friend Darin walk the Camino del Salvador and live to tell the tale! In this episode, they discuss the highlights of this beautiful, mountainous camino between León and Oviedo.

3.6 - Ourense, Covid, and the Last 100km

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:35:15 +0100

As their pilgrimage nears its end, Nick and Wendy are delayed by a positive Covid test in Ourense but after isolating, they resume the Camino Sanabrés and joyfully walk into Santiago for the fifth time.

3.5 - Sanabrés Alternatives

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 08:47:02 +0100

As they continue towards Santiago, Nick and Wendy join an alternative route of the Camino Sanabrés. As part of this alternative, they have one of the most fascinating experiences they’ve ever had on the Camino de Santiago. Listen to the episode to find out what it is!

3.4 - CPI: Beyond the Mountains

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 14:42:41 +0100

Nick and Wendy talk about their experiences and highlights on the second half of the Caminho Português Interior, including the city of Chaves and some interesting ‘wildlife’ they encountered along the way. Finally, they wrap up the CPI and compare it with other Portuguese caminos.

3.3 - CPI: Rural Portugal and the Douro Valley

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:12:04 +0100

Nick and Wendy check in from the Caminho Português Interior and talk about the first half of this little-known camino route. In particular, they discuss the practicalities of the camino and the highlights of the trail, including yellow broom flowers, stepping stone bridges and the Douro Valley.

3.2 - Viseu and the Caminho Português Interior

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:06:52 +0100

As they prepare to begin walking the Caminho Português Interior, Nick and Wendy discuss their expectations for this off-the-beaten-track camino. They also give their impressions of Viseu, the city that traditionally serves as the starting point for the CPI.

3.1 - The Rota Vicentina

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:47:38 +0100

The third season of our podcast is called ‘Caminos and More’ and we begin with the ‘more’: the Rota Vicentina in southwest Portugal. In this episode, Nick and Wendy discuss their recent 10-day journey on this stunning coastal walking trail.

2.11 - Camino Finisterre

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:54:44 +0100

Nick and Wendy complete their coast-to-coast camino by walking to Finisterre (Fisterra). They reflect on arriving at the end of the earth and look back on their whole camino experience that started 60 days earlier on the south coast of Portugal. Buen camino!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.10 - Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieros

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:40:20 +0100

In the last stage of their journey to Santiago, Nick and Wendy walk the Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieros. In this episode they talk about the highlights of this unknown camino, from the Roman road to the scenery to the amazing welcome they received. They also discuss the joys of Galician weather and finally meeting some pilgrims. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.9 - Camino Torres

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:34:11 +0100

As they continue their journey to Santiago, Nick and Wendy discuss the highlights (and lowlights!) of the eight days they spent walking the Camino Torres from Trancoso to Braga. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.8 - Caminho Nascente Highlights

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:24:48 +0100

After arriving in Trancoso at the end of the Caminho Nascente, Nick and Wendy discuss the highlights of this fabulous camino and reveal their plan for continuing to Santiago. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.7 - The Beiras

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:50:52 +0100

Nick and Wendy talk about walking through The Beiras on the Caminho Nascente. This region is full of mountains, historical villages and, most importantly, cherries! Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.6 - Special Places

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:40:16 +0100

Nick and Wendy talk about special accommodation options on the Caminho Nascente, including five start-up albergues where the spirit of the camino is on full display, as well as a castle-hotel and convent-hotel at the other end of the spectrum. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.5 - Local Traditions

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 03:11:37 +0100

In this episode, Nick and Wendy talk about the local traditions they experienced on camino in the Alentejo related to song, wine, food, cork and pottery. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.4 - Villages of the Alentejo

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:05:03 +0100

The focus region of the Caminho Nascente is the Alentejo. In this episode, Nick and Wendy talk about walking through remote villages in this fascinating part of Portugal. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.3 - Islamic Heritage

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:56:34 +0100

Nick and Wendy talk about the Islamic heritage that they encountered during the first few stages of the Caminho Nascente in southern Portugal, especially in the town of Mértola. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.2 - Walking in the Algarve

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:29:31 +0100

Nick and Wendy describe being on pilgrimage in the Algarve, Portugal's most famous tourist region, during the first four stages of the Caminho Nascente. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

2.1 - Caminho Nascente Introduction

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 07:42:07 +0100

As they prepare to set out on their spring 2021 camino, Nick and Wendy introduce the route they chose, the Caminho Nascente in southern Portugal, and discuss the things they're looking forward to. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.7 - Portuguese Way Top Tips

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 08:58:28 +0000

In the last episode of our first season, Nick and Wendy wrap up the Portuguese Way by giving their top tips for this camino as well as discussing a few other things that didn’t make it into earlier episodes. Bom caminho and see you soon for season two!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.6 - Camino Languages

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:55:48 +0000

Nick and Wendy discuss their experience with languages on the Portuguese Way. Wendy, a polyglot and former United Nations translator with a degree in Portuguese, gives her insights into both Portuguese and Galego. Bom caminho and bo camiño!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.5 - The Variante Espiritual

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:27:44 +0000

Discover (or relive!) the highlights of the Variante Espiritual as Nick and Wendy discuss this increasingly popular variant at the end of the Portuguese Way. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.4 - Central or Coastal?

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:09:55 +0000

One of the main debates surrounding the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago is whether to take the central route or the coastal route from Porto. To discuss this topic, Nick and Wendy are joined by camino author Elle Bieling, who has written guidebooks for both routes. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com and Elle's website https://www.pilgrimagetraveler.com for more great camino content!

1.3 - Is it Worth Starting in Lisbon?

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 20:36:56 +0000

Nick and Wendy join the debate about whether it’s worth starting the Portuguese Way in Lisbon. They discuss various aspects of the camino between Lisbon and Porto, including the trail itself, some important destinations along the way and a few special places where they felt the spirit of the camino. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.2 - Walking in Portugal

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:14:23 +0000

In this episode, Nick and Wendy talk about how walking a camino in Portugal is different from walking in Spain. In particular, they discuss Portuguese identity, the cultural similarities between northern Portugal and Galicia, and some practical aspects of being on camino in Portugal. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great camino content!

1.1 - Pandemic Camino

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:36:31 +0000

Our first season focuses on the Portuguese Way. In this episode, Nick and Wendy talk about walking from Lisbon to Santiago during the coronavirus pandemic and how that made it a different camino experience. Bom caminho!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great content!

Introduction and the Spirit of the Camino

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:34:46 +0000

In our opening episode, hosts Nick and Wendy introduce themselves and discuss their history on the Camino de Santiago and their plans for the podcast. They also look at the concept of the spirit of the camino and what it means to them and to other pilgrims who have experienced the Camino de Santiago. ¡Buen camino!

Visit https://spiritofthecamino.com for more great content!