117km of Hills, Heart, and the Power of Purple Wristbands
If you'd told me a year ago that I'd walk 117km across northern Spain with 100 strangers, I might have laughed. But that’s just want I did !! I completed the final leg of the Camino de Santiago - the Frances Way - starting in Sarria and walking all the way to Santiago. It was a journey that tested me, lifted me and left a deep imprint on my heart (and my body !!).
People often talk about the Camino as a place to find answers or "find yourself." I can't say I had a grand epiphany or life-altering lightbulb moment. But what I did find was this:
peace, stillness, appreciation, joy, laughter, tears — and a circle of new friends.
Honestly, that line says it all. Because more than the walking, the hills, or the blisters, it was the people who made this trip unforgettable. When we first met at the airport, we were strangers. By the end of the week, we were united — bonded by shared steps, sunburn and the occasional group stretch on the side of a Spanish road and perhaps the odd celebratory drink at the end of a long day of walking. There was the unbelievable sense of camaraderie, community and encouragement in our group.
The Beauty of Connection
In a world that is busy, loud and constantly connected but in all the wrong ways, the Camino stripped it all back. There were no screens, no deadlines, no demands, no to-do lists. Just your feet (aching feet), the path and the people you meet along the way.
There was no rush, no race. Everyone had their own pace. Some days I was slow (very slow), but that’s where the magic happened. The slower pace allowed for some of the best conversations of the whole week.
The star of the show was our leader, Trisha Lewis, we were all Trisha's transformers, almost like joining a cult !! From the start, Trisha made one thing very clear :
'THIS IS YOUR CAMINO - YOU DO YOU'.
Those are powerful words.... You Do You !! In a world, where it is easy to compare and to be compared, it was so lovey to just BE !!!! Be comfortable in our own body, mind, self. It didn’t matter where you were from, what job you did, or how fit you were. There was no filters, no judgment or no pressure to keep up or fit in. Just be. Everyone was welcome and everyone belonged.
The Walk Itself
Now, full disclosure: I did not train as much as I should have. Life got in the way, as it tends to do. But maybe ignorance really was bliss. Because if I'd known how tough it would be, I might have chickened out. It was tough. Really tough. Long days on your feet, sore muscles and surprise blisters. But it was a challenge worth every step. Mornings started early and the days were spent walking — just walking — until someone said, "you’ve reached your destination for today". Evenings were for recovery: legs elevated, epson salt baths, deep heat rub... with a drink in hand !!
Despite how tough it was, it is do-able. Basically if I could do it, anyone can. You find a strength from somewhere that you never thought you had !!
A kick up the arse, badly needed
Lets talk about day 2. We walked 27km. It was hilly. Very hilly. I mean, much of the Camino is hilly, but this stretch in particular sticks in my memory. We'd just conquered one steep incline, then we turned a corner, and there it was — another bloody hill. I spotted a little stone wall to sit on, catch my breath and feel sorry for myself.
That’s when I met two French women, much older than me, walking the Camino carrying their massive backpacks. I struck up a chat (between gasps) and asked how long they’d been walking.
Their answers?
“One month,” said one.
“Three months,” said the other.
Three months !!!! ….. carrying that weight, at least 15 years older than me. Meanwhile I was almost ready to call a taxi. Let’s just say — I picked myself and my bum bag up and marched up that hill like a woman possessed. Those ladies were the mid-Camino motivational speech I didn’t know I needed.
I had so many lovely chats with fellow walkers — each one with their own reason for walking, their own stories to share. It reminded me how human connection is so easy when you're not in a rush and you don’t have your phone as a barrier to conversation.
Along the route, you are never too far away (just 6km+++++) from a café or bar. Some were incredibly basic, while others were plush. The food on this trip was unreal. I enjoyed some of the best meals I’ve ever had in fabulous company. And that first drink after finishing each day? Whether it was a glass of wine, a cold beer, or both — it was bliss. And it was even more enjoyable as a reward for reaching the end point.
But I missed my cup of tea !! So, can you just imagine my surprise to see a box of Barry’s Tea behind the counter at one of our stops, mid Camino. Turns out it was a gift left behind by none other than Roz Purcell.
Its the final day and I'm an emotional wreck
I didn’t expect to cry. But I did. On our last day, surrounded by new friends, we sang our way into the square in Santiago, Irish flags flying — “Ole Ole Ole,” “Ireland’s Call,” and yes, even the
national anthem (which I definitely do not know the words to). Tears streaming down my face, I don’t know why I cried.......Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was the aching feet. Or the knowing that something special had just happened — and would never quite happen the same way again or the realisation that this extraordinary week was ending. That feeling will remain with me forever.
In the End…...The aching muscles fade (almost). The blisters heal. But the memories.....Those are stitched into my soul.
Thank you to everyone who walked beside me — especially the quiet warriors who did it all with blisters and injuries and never complained....You know who you are !!!
Special shout out to Margaret Ann, who shared this experience with me. Thanks for your support and your brilliant company.
Thank you to Trisha, for leading with heart and humour and inspiring us transformers every step of the way.
And massive kudos to UWalk who organised every detail to perfection, especially to Melanie, who went above and beyond. This was the one trip where I didn’t have to think about anything. Everything was planned and communicated. As someone who normally juggles a million things — what a gift that was !!
If you’re thinking about doing the Camino, here’s my advice:
Do it, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve. Its hard to explain why you should walk the Camino but come back and talk to me when its done and you’ll know !
Thank you to the Camino itself — for holding us, challenging us and connecting us.km of Hills, Heart, andthe Power of Purple Wristband
