John Brierly

The Camino de Santiago has become synonymous with the Camino Francés however, contrary to common understanding, there is not just one way to Santiago but many. The Portuguese Way El Camino Portugués remains 'the path less travelled' with less than 5% of the 100,000 that walked the French Way in 2006 discovering its unparalleled peace and tranquillity. It has become, not surprisingly, the second most popular route out of the dozen waymarked pilgrim pathways through Europe that converge on the shrine of St. James. The traditional route starts in the medieval heart of Porto winding its way up through Portugal to cross over the Rio Minho into Spain at Tui. A journey of 241 km (150 miles) requiring around 10 days of walking through unspoilt countryside.

A 231 km extension has recently been waymarked from Lisbon to Porto an additional 14 days of more demanding walking with less developed pilgrim infrastructure. The route follows the line of the ancient Antonine Way passing the Roman ruins of Conimbriga and the medieval pilgrim centre of Tomar, headquarters of the Templar Order with the unique Convento de Cristo. This latter chapel was designed so that the knights could attend the chapel services on horseback and is now preserved as a World Heritage site. This, as yet, undeveloped but deeply historic route is shaking off centuries of slumber and is ready to play its part again in the great flowering of human imagination and consciousness. Ancient pathways and woodland resound again to the song of the pilgrim.

There are many pilgrim paths to Santiago but there is none more soulful and significant than the Portuguese Way. Along this route St. James first preached Christ's message of love and forgiveness before returning to Jerusalem. Finally his martyred remains took their last harrowing journey to Libredon, later to become known and loved all over the world as St. James of the Field of the Star ??? San Tiago de Compo Stella.

Another treasure amongst the many Camino's de Santiago is the Camino Finisterre (Fisterra in Galego). Only a tiny proportion of pilgrims arriving at Santiago continue on by foot to the 'End of the Earth' Finis-Terra one of the most significant centres of spiritual initiation in the then 'known world'. This wonderful finale of the pilgrimage journey takes only 3 days to complete the 87 km. A return waymarked route via the pretty fishing town of Muxia adds another 4 days or 116 km. The Way to Finisterre is full of the flavours of Galicia and her deliciously authentic culture. The spirit of St. James is alive and flourishing in the deep river valleys and gently rolling hills that make up her own unique Landscape Temple.