By JS Selfe

In Spain, the route known as the Camino de Santiago - or the Camino Francés - is the principal 750km way-marked route from St Jean Pied de Port in France, which crosses the Pyrenées at either Somport or Roncesvalles. These two routes meet at Puente la Reina, in the lands of Navarre, to form a single route which continues via La Rioja, entering Galicia via O Cebreiro and so to Santiago de Compostella.

The northern route, Camino del Norte - also referred to as the Chemin Côtier / Camino primitivo / Camino de la Costa - follows the atlantic coast, from Donostia Sao Sebastian via Bilbao, Santander, Ribadeo and Lugo passing through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias. This route has been popular with pilgrims arriving by sea at the Basque and Cantabrian ports since the 14th century, when churches were built and and staging points were created along the Way. At Oviedo pilgrims venerated the relics of la Camara Santa. Nowadays the Camino del Norte is favoured by those who seek a quieter, wilder route than the somewhat overcrowded Camino Francès, as it traverses mountainous regions, rivers and creeks with little development and few hostels. The climate is mild and humid all year round.

The Camino Inglés brings british pilgrims from the port of A Coruña in Galicia, north of Santiago.

El Camino de Fisterra /chemin du Cap Finisterre, is an extension of the Camino, linking Santiago de Compostella with cap Finisterre - Land's End / End of the World. This mythical promontory is the most westerly point of western Europe, and for many pilgrims it symbolises the end of the terestrial way and the beginning of a spiritual renewal. It is the tradition of pilgrims who continue to cap Finisterre to burn their clothes and sandals as a sign of this renewal.

Jenny Selfe is a photographer, author producer of interactive virtual visits to places of pilgrimage. Experience her interactive virtual visits to Mont St Michel and Rocamadour at www.pilgrimsall.org/placesofpilgrimage/CDs.htm Contact: www.pilgrimsall.org/placesofpilgrimage/Mailing.html

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