The Camino de Invierno, also known as the Winter Way because it was used to avoid the harsh seasonal weather, is a lesser-known alternative to the Camino Frances. The path takes pilgrims through dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys, providing a closer connection to nature and rural life.

One of the main attractions of this Camino de Santiago route is its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The path takes pilgrims through dense forests, rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages, providing a closer connection to nature and rural life. Walkers can enjoy a sense of tranquillity and seclusion, making it a perfect option for those seeking a more introspective and reflective journey.

The Camino Ingles, or English Way, is so-called as it was one of the main routes for English pilgrims who sailed to the coast of northern Spain and travelled overland by foot to Santiago de Compostela. However, it was not only the English who used this route – pilgrims from Ireland, Scotland and even Scandinavia used this route as well. Nowadays, it typically starts in A Coruna or Ferrol, with the Ferrol route being more popular as the distance is greater than 100km and allows pilgrims to receive their certificate.

This route begins in the sheltered port town of Ferrol on the northwest tip of Spain and tracks the shoreline southwards through Galicia, providing beaches and wonderful sea views for the first couple of days. The Camino Ingles then climbs inland into rolling farmland, past old chapels and churches and lush, tree-lined paths until reaching the city of Santiago. Recent investments in this route mean it is well waymarked and many of the milestones have interactive QR codes offering information on the towns along the way!

The Le Puy Camino, or Via Podiensis, starts in the middle of France and is one of the four main Camino routes that move through France. The route is just over 750km long and travels south-west from Le Puy, a town in the Auvergne region of France with spectacular churches and monuments. The route can be hilly and has steep ascents throughout. Oh, and this route also passes through several incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the cathedral at Le Puy-en-Velay and the bridge at Conques, making it one of the most scenic of routes. The Camino Podiensis winds its way through peaceful countryside scenery inhabited mostly by dairy cattle and characterised by charming villages, woodland and old stone buildings. The route passes through the vineyards of Armagnac and into the Gascony region where vineyards make way for pine trees as we approach the Pyrenees mountain range.

Walking through the undulating countryside culminates in the beautiful medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port where the French Way begins, taking pilgrims over the mountains into Spain and on to the city of Santiago.