Walking 800km on the Camino De Santiago | My Journey & Top Tips

[@jamesrperry]

Buen Camino everyone! If you have any questions, drop a comment below!

[@AmgedphaLimael]

James, It's funny how life goes. I am not sure if you remember me, since we haven't had a long walk or deep conversations, but I sure do remember you. We've met on the Frances on the 2nd of April while crossing the French/Spanish border (or around there: you pointed this out to me). It was my birthday that day. I was the bald guy walking with 2 older ladies who asked me to walk a few KM's with them because it was so tough on them, so of course one helps out. You kept my pants up ;) Nono, not in a weird way; in Roncesvalles I came to the conclusion I forgot a belt and my pants kept falling down. And then I heard this familiar voice behind me calling me and saying "hi". And without hesitation you gave me a belt you had. It is on me still and kept my pants up the whole way and beyond to Finisterre. It was my first "camino" experience where someone just gave something I needed at that point. I reffered to you as "young St. James" the whole way trough haha. And today I stumble on this video and saw a familiar face: "Young St. James" himself. Your kindness has made a big impression on me and the belt became a sort of symbol for me. I never got the chance to properly thank you since I only say you one time, but you were to fast for me, so here we are, on youtube of all places. James, thanks a lot for the belt; it is in my standard equipment as a symbol now along with a few other things I will always have on me while taking big walks like this. Great video btw, good tips. 1 add: the walking sticks: make sure to use those rubber things, because after 3 weeks of "tik tik tik tik tik" as if someone is digging for gold with them gets a bit old hahaha. Anyway; hope you're good, life is treating you good and that you may touch many other pilgrims/hikers etc. in their soul with these small yet huge gestures. Greetings from The Netherlands, Paul

[@jamesrperry]

Paul! I am in disbelief reading this message, but it is so good to hear from you and, of course, I remember! I always wondered how you got on with that belt and beyond Roncesvalles, and I was sad to have got a day ahead and to not say proper goodbyes to everyone from the first 2 days - but that is the way of the Camino, after all. Honestly, thank you for reminding me of that story, it brought back so many memories and reminders of ways that people helped me along The Way, of which there were many, so I am pleased that I passed it on to someone else (you) also. I will wear the 'Young St James' name with pride from here on 😉... Also, that's a great niche tip you added and I wholeheartedly agree. I am glad my video reached you so we could have this interaction. It's funny how everything works, hey? Hope that life is also treating you very well, that your pilgrimage was everything you wanted and more, and maybe we will catch each other again sometime. James

[@AmgedphaLimael]

@@jamesrperry Somehow the camino never leaves you it seems. ANd so do the (important) people you meet on the way itself. Life has been good to me. WHen I arrived in Santiago, my girlfriend was there, and there, on the aquare I deceided that I ask her to marry me, so I did. SHe said yes :D Next year we will walk the Camino together.

[@filippocappi928]

Hey man, I did the same camino just a couple of weeks after you.... There's a ton of videos about the camino, but... you nailed it! In less than 10 minutes you have been able to express MY feelings... I think we share something really wonderful. Thank you Ultreya

[@jamesrperry]

Hi Filippo, thanks for the message! I honestly love how we are all connected in this experience, and though we had very personal journeys, we clearly shared a lot of the same thoughts and feelings along the way - I think that's really special and making this video and seeing the response has made me see that further. Ultreya :)

[@ruthduncan6256]

That’s probably one of the best short videos I have see, straight to the point no bullshit..I have done 6, it’s all about the weight of the backpack. 👍

[@jamesrperry]

Thanks Ruth, that's great to hear. I am very impressed with your 6 caminos!!!

[@angelofbeth8515]

Thank you! My husband and I are planning on doing the Camino this fall. Very excited, started "training", and watching so many videos. Looking forward to the Re-boot that we hope it offers. Buen Camino!

[@jamesrperry]

Have the best time! I think that's a really good time of year to do it, less busy and not as hot. I have no doubt it will give you the re-boot, believe in the power of the Camino, it is real 🙏

[@annesmith7489]

Thank you for sharing, I could relate to everything you said. It is such a life affirming experience where you get to freely engage and share with people amongst beautiful landscapes- a true gift and something that I wish everyone could experience. 🇿🇦❤

[@jamesrperry]

I completely agree Anne and glad you could relate to everything here. I also wish everyone could experience it, it is far deeper than just 'a walk' as many will think. We are very lucky. Hope all is well with you post Camino - more Camino videos coming soon!

[@toucanecho]

Nice to see you back doing videos James. Helpful advice, and not just for those doing the Camino! Definitely agree about packing light/smart for many forms of travel 🧳

[@jamesrperry]

Thanks Toucan team! Get out on the camino and play some sweet sweet tunes - My friend took a guitalele, not exactly packing light but it can be done, that could be you 😉

[@rossanacontemx]

You really captured the spirit of El Camino! Something many people who only walk a couple of days (and make videos with advice) will never get. Like you said, no matter your reason to embark on it, El Camino touches you with its thousand year energy, and your heart is open as is everyone else's, this is why you connect at such deep levels! I wish you made a longer video with more of your experiences. I did El Camino de Santiago 20 years ago, no apps then, but I can say my life is: before and after El Camino. This is how amazing this experience is. I walked only 620 kms, in 3.5 weeks, from La Rioja wine region to Santiago de Compostela.

[@jamesrperry]

Thank you! There were still so many places and shots I missed, maybe it's a great excuse to go back and walk El Camino again this year. Your pilgrimage sounds amazing - you should revisit. Thanks for your message.

[@guardianangel222-v2t]

Brings back memories ❤ once you do one el camino, you never go back

[@jamesrperry]

Definitely will be doing another, happy to hear it brought back good memories 😁

[@steveclayton4249]

Hi James, just subscribed and become number 500. Love your review of the Frances. I started in St Jean 14th May and got to Finisterre 20th June. Truly life changing and the people who became my Camino family friends for life.

[@jamesrperry]

Hi Steve, and thank for the big 500! Sounds like an amazing journey for you also. I am glad it was life-changing, you struggle to meet a single Camino Pilgrim who doesn't say the same and that is pretty special.

[@JavierLorenzomartinez-y3s]

Desde Galicia España a 78 kilometros de santiago de compostela , ese es el motivo del camino, conocerse y cambiar

[@KirstyRoss-k1m]

This is so inspiring!! I just love watching these videos, you are so easy to listen to and look like a wicked time! Can't wait for more uploads!

[@jamesrperry]

Thank you!

[@lueesy]

i need to see rubys packing list!

[@jamesrperry]

She has a podcast (Everyone is Extraodinary) where she speaks about her packing list, the link to it is in the description of this video - though I could probably write out the whole list in one more line of this comment 😂

[@Ilia.justtravel]

Wonderful video! The beauty of the Camino is well captured. I recently did the Portuguese Way and shared my journey on my channel.

[@jamesrperry]

Thanks, just checked your Camino videos, they are very cool - inspiring!

[@Ilia.justtravel]

@@jamesrperry Thanks a lot! Bon Camino! 😉

[@fadetounforgiven]

I've never done the Camino or any long hike for that matter, but related to shoes/boots there's one thing everybody suggests that I think it's correct, very correct, so I'd bring it here: do not bring new shoes, new boots to walk the Camino. You know you have to "break in" anything you wear on your feet (maybe except for flip-flops and slippers) so breaking in your new boots along the camino is a bad, bad idea. Your boots should already have walked long (ideally, bring two pairs) before beginning the Camino so they're well adapted to your feet, and your feet to them. Also, as you may/should know, the Camino does not actually end in Santiago de Compostela but, depending on who you ask, either in Fisterrar or Muxía, two villages on the Galician coastline. Well, I've never seen this in Muxía, but I have seen it in Fisterra, right by the lighthouse, there was this hole in the ground partially covered with bricks and mortar, in which there was this kind of "tradition" (I guess it was something not that old actually) by which pilgrims burnt their boots there. I specifiically remember a couple of South-Korean girls burning a pair of boots there, as the other one had forgotten about them in Santiago (I think they didn't walk that part, they just went there by any other means). However, that was later on prohibited since one time it seems it catched fire on the mountain side.

[@jamesrperry]

You are absolutely right, I made this mistake with my boots, you should also by boots half a size bigger than your feet as your feet swell a lot with all the walking. I will be releasing a camino packing list video in the future!

[@fadetounforgiven]

@@jamesrperry if you are really used to walk with those boots, maybe you won't need them to be any bigger than your usial size as thats breaking in will very likely have taken care of that. But it may be some extra help as normal people dom't usually expend a few weeks in a row walking for a few hours every single day, or almost, going throught all kinds of surfaces with a loaded backpack.

[@wanderlustpilgrim]

If you like follow Camino videos, I'm going on the Camino Frances in May 2025, I'll post a video each day of the journey. Starting training now (200 days early).

[@lazesobie]

Awesome summary and impressive b-roll shots! I will be hitting this track early Sept and cannot wait :-)

[@jamesrperry]

Gracias amigo, it took a lot of effort taking my camera out to get those shots during each long day, so appreciate it! Buen camino for September, you will love it.

[@lazesobie]

@@jamesrperry I can imagine the camera and stuff must have added to the weight. BTW - what camera do you use? The shootings are awesome... I'm using Sony ZV E10, but probably I will not decide to take it with me...

[@jamesrperry]

@@lazesobie It definitely did, it is a chunky camera. I use a Lumix S5 and had a 70-300mm lens so probably about 2kg. Your Sony looks lightweight so I would take it, and again you can always send things to Santiago (which is very safe and secure to do).

[@lazesobie]

@@jamesrperry Thanks! Fortunately I still have some time to decide...

[@Emy53]

I enjoyed your video.

[@jamesrperry]

Thank you!

[@sliptothevoidd]

Great vid!

[@jamesrperry]

Thank you! This is your sign to go and hike the camino 😉

[@SoCal-ch7zy]

The principle behind donativos is not 'pay what you want to pay,' but contributing what you can reasonably afford. Donativos are volunteer-run albergues designed to support pilgrims who may need affordable or even free accommodation during their journey, and they rely on donations to cover the costs of food, utilities, and maintenance.

[@jamesrperry]

You are right, thanks! 😄

[@EloyGijon67]

The thing for you, guys, is that this is the time when you've eaten the best ever in your lives 😂

[@nirish25]

All you need is the shorts and t-shirt and socks underwear and boots you're wearing. Then maybe 2 other sets of clothes. A quick dry towel. Flip flops. Phone charger and toiletries and sleeping bag liner. Light rain jacket. That's literally all you need.

[@jamesrperry]

Agreed, you really don't need much at all. I was going to make a video on this but maybe your comment is all that is needed 😂