A Pilgrimage May 2018 Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre The Camino Finisterre

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1 St Edmundsbury Cathedral A beacon of faith, hope and love in Suffolk A Pilgrimage May 2018 Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre The Camino Finisterre Two opportunities in May 2018 to come to Santiago de Compostela Santiago, Lugo and Finisterre by coach 9-12 May 2018 Three nights based in Santiago: a guided tour of the city and cathedral; a trip to Finisterre to join the walking pilgrims; a day in the pilgrim city of Lugo with its Roman Walls. Returning to Santiago each day for the cathedral Pilgrim Mass an evening meal and chance to explore the medieval city centre. A walking pilgrimage to Finisterre 4-12 May 2018 Walking from Santiago to Finisterre, the ends of the earth. The ancient medieval route taken by pilgrims after completing their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Returning to Santiago for the daily Pilgrim Mass and with a day to spare for relaxing in the city centre or a separate visit to Lugo.

2 Walking Pilgrimage: Camino Finisterre 4-12 May 2018 Walking the Camino (Spanish for pathway ) is an amazing experience, a walking retreat to feed the soul. Following our previous trips to Santiago de Compostela (the Camino Portugués from the south, and the Camino Inglés from the north), we have arranged a pilgrimage walk from Santiago out to Finisterre, the ends of the earth. The Camino Finisterre is the ancient medieval pilgrimage route taken by pilgrims after completing their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally, travellers went there to collect a scallop shell for their return journey as evidence that they had made a pilgrimage. Because Finisterre was considered to be the end of the known world in the Middle Ages, it held special spiritual and physical significance. We will complete our pilgrimage by walking on to Muxía (the place of the monks ) and the church of Our Lady da Barca (where the film The Way ends) before returning to Santiago by bus for some time there. If you have been before, you will know that you can expect more than just a walk - a real pilgrimage and retreat experience, enjoying the company of other pilgrims, sharing experiences and an evening meal each day together. The pilgrimage will be approximately 120km. We ll return to Santiago for the daily Pilgrim Mass and with a day to spare for sightseeing and relaxing. Itinerary and details: see pages 4-9. Santiago, Lugo and Finisterre by coach 9-12 May 2018 For those who prefer not to walk, there is a short break option, linking up with those who have walked the Camino: A day in Santiago including a guided tour and cathedral Pilgrim Mass. A trip to the famous cathedral and city of Lugo, originally a Roman settlement with its original Roman walls. Visiting Finisterre (and the option of walking the 2Km to the final Camino milestone at the lighthouse) and the church at Muxía, where the story of St James began. Itinerary and details: see pages

3 A quick bit of history Santiago Cathedral (Santiago - Spanish for St James ) houses a shrine beneath the high altar containing a silver casket which, according to tradition, is thought contain the relics of St James the Great. He became Spain s Patron Saint because he is believed to have brought the gospel to the Iberian Peninsula in the first century. On his return to the Holy Land, he was beheaded on the orders of King Herod Agrippa (the Acts of the Apostles ), and the followers of St James are said to have brought his body back to the Spanish region of Galicia for burial. The Scallop Shell symbol of Pilgrimage Tradition has it that, on the voyage along the Atlantic coast, the ship containing St James coffin was shipwrecked. When the coffin was recovered, it was covered in scallop shells. Ever since, the scallop shell has been a symbol of pilgrimage. Some like to see the shell as a symbol for the Christian pilgrimage through life; or thinking of the grooves of the shell, which come together at a single point, representing the many pilgrim routes to Santiago, eventually arriving at the shrine. It is also said that the scallop shell served practical purposes for early pilgrims - it is the right size for gathering water to drink or for eating from as a makeshift bowl. You will see many other walkers on the route wearing a shell. If you have one which you can attach to your backpack or hat, do bring it to enter into the spirit of the Camino. We will supply you with a pin-on badge with a shell image. 3

4 The Itinerary Walking Pilgrimage to Finisterre The Route. Starts from the Cathedral in Santiago and leads in a fairly straight line through the hills via Negreira, Cée and Corcubión to the port of Finisterre and then on to the lighthouse. It is possible to walk this in three (long, tiring) days but four are recommended, which is what we ll do, with an extra day for the final leg of our pilgrimage on to Muxía. The terrain is undulating and with plenty of ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous or rocky, and with beautiful glimpses of the Atlantic as we near Finisterre. Much of the route is shady, passing through eucalyptus and other woods. Many of the paths are old walled lanes and woodland tracks with wayside pilgrim crosses and churches. The final day s walking to Muxía is very quiet. Each night s accommodation is en-suite in modest but comfortable, family run hotels along the route, and will include an evening meal together and breakfast the next day. You will walk the iconic Galician countryside through the small towns of Negreira, Abeleiroas, and Cée. Weather permitting, we should be able to swim in the small coastal town of Cée and also the beautiful bay in Finisterre the playa langosteira. The route is very well way-marked by the Confraternity of Santiago, and everything is on well trodden footpaths, tracks and lanes through beautiful countryside and villages. As always, there are a few sections where the Camino uses minor roads, and, although there are some hills, there is no rough or difficult walking or any very steep climbs. Two of the days are quite hard work because of their length. Each day We will depart each day quite early, at around 7.45am after breakfast and short prayers. This will ensure that we arrive in the next place in good time to allow for any stops you want to make for a sandwich, nature calls, occasional sightseeing, musing, resting your feet or simply resting awhile. The aim is to arrive mid/late-afternoon on each day to allow for a rest/siesta and a look round and to buy yourself any supplies for the next day s walking (there are very few places to buy food en route during the day, as we are mostly walking through open countryside). 4

5 Each day after breakfast your luggage will be transferred to the next hotel (using a car we have hired for the week), so you will only need to bring a light back pack for the day to carry a bit of lunch, water, sun-cream, plasters, etc. There will be various opportunities each day for prayers and on some days a simple Eucharist. Meals Each day an traditional Galician evening meal is provided at the hotel or nearby restaurant hopefully we can all meet together before for a drink and chat and share experiences of the day. Breakfast is provided too, but you will need to find some food from local shops/supermarkets to take with you for your back-pack for eating during the day/at lunchtime. An evening meal is not provided on the last evening there are many, many excellent eating places in Santiago and we will be staying right by the Cathedral in the city centre. Footwear Throughout the route the terrain is easygoing, with no difficult or rocky paths. So you will be OK wearing good quality trainers lighter and can be more comfortable or sturdy, comfortable shoes. Some people prefer trusty well-worn walking boots (not recommended). The terrain and time of year we are walking does not really demand heavy walking boots, but you should follow your instinct on this just make sure you are comfortable. Footcare If you are wearing the right shoes, your feet will be fine, especially if you have done some longer practice walks before we travel. However, if you are worried about blisters, you should take in your day back-pack a small pack of blister plasters, padding, antiseptic and scissors. The commonly recommended brand to look for in the pharmacy (or on the internet) before you leave is called Compeed in pale blue packaging they do very good blister-care/prevention packs. But if you are wearing shoes that don t rub, you should not need any of that. Make sure your shoes are water-proof (eg, if you are using trainers, make sure they are Gortex or similar) as having wet feet all day can be miserable, and also make your feet much more prone to blisters. 5

6 Weather / Water-proof clothing Bear in mind that Santiago is in north-west Spain, in the beautiful region of Galicia known for being green and fertile. So, just like Ireland or Cornwall on the Atlantic, be prepared for downpours! If you have lightweight waterproof tops and trousers it would be no bad thing to put them in your luggage. Also, a tip from seasoned pilgrims: if you are carrying a mobile phone or camera, make sure you keep it in a couple of water-proof plastic bags. On a rainy day, water can get in the most unlikely places. But do bring a hat and sun-block to protect yourself as, on the other hand, it might well be hot sunny all the time. In other words be prepared for all possible weathers pack your T-shirt but also some warm/ waterproof clothing. The Credencial Finally, you ll receive at the start, a pilgrim passport (Credencial) with spaces for an official stamp (ask for a sello in Spanish) at all the places you go to each day. When we arrive in Finisterre you ll need to show the Credencial to prove that you have walked and not gone by car! The Credencial is also a nice keepsake, to remind you of all the places you went to along the way. More information The Confraternity of St James have an excellent website ( along with the Galicia Santiago site (camino.xacobeo.es), which are well worth a look, and far more reliable than many of the other tourist/travel company sites. Other websites worth a look for more details: Some excellent photos of the route: More detailed descriptions and maps: 6

7 Detailed Itinerary for the Walking Pilgrimage Friday 4 May Transport from Santiago Airport to the Cathedral. Our hotel is in the old part of the city, very near the cathedral. Evening meal provided in the city centre. Saturday 5 May approx 22km (about 5 hrs) to Negreira An easy start to the pilgrimage, walking from the atmospheric centre of Santiago. The climb out of town gives great views over Santiago and the Cathedral, before heading into the Galician countryside. The walk from the hamlet of Auguspesada to Trasmonte is a steep climb (275 m over 3km), before descending to the magnificent medieval bridge at Maceira (traditional apple orchards) over the picturesque river (río Tambre) and into Negreira. Sunday 6 May approx 26km (about 6 hours) to Abeleiroas This will be one of the longest days, with quite a bit on tarmac lanes in eucalypt and pine forests which provide shelter from sun (or rain). The route passes through small hamlets and churches of San Mamede, Piaxe (wayside cruciero) and Santa Mariña. Monday 7 May approx 24km (about 6 hrs) to Cee Another longish day, and a steep descent down to the bay and small seaside town of Cee. We pass through the beautiful valley of the río Xallas and the hermitage of Nosa Señora das Nieves (Our Lady of the Snow) and, not to be outdone by the Virgin Mary, the hermitage of San Pedro Martír, a place of local pilgrimage and a holy well. Cee is a picuresque town with a pilgrimage church dedicated to St James. Tuesday 8 May approx 20km (about 5 hrs) to Finisterre Day 4 is a more gentle day, along the Galician coast, through the town of Cee, into Corcubión (church of St James), views of Alto San Roque, and finally reaching the edge of Finisterre. We pass the famous beach (Playa Langosteira) where we can swim - before walking on to the Faro (lighthouse) at the end of Cape Finisterre (about 4 miles further - a fantastic rugged walk, fairly flat path). 7

8 Wednesday 9 May approx 30km (about 6-7 hrs) to Muxía This is the longest day. Although we will climb about 270m, it is over a longish stretch, so not too steep. Delightful forest paths and farm tracks along this remote Atlantic coast, where the sea is never far away. About halfway we walk down through the Lires estuary where you can paddle or have a sandwich. Muxía is a small fishing port, and is a wonderful place of local pilgrimage: it is here that, by tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St James. The church, Nosa Señora da Barca, is atmospheric in its location right on the edge of the rocks Thursday 10 May return to Santiago de Compostela After breakfast in Muxía we return to Santiago by minibus. We re staying at the Hotel Compostela, not far from the Cathedral, and eating at a nearby restaurant (included in price) tonight. Thursday and Friday May Two days to relax and recover, and to explore Santiago de Compostela with its vibrant atmosphere and long history. Each day there is a Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral at 12 noon. Hopefully we can fit in a guided tour of the historic city centre, probably on the Friday. For those who would like a trip to the town of Lugo - on the Camino Primitivo (see Itinerary on page 12) that will be available for a small charge to cover the cost of coach hire. Returning home If your time is limited, there are return flights to Stansted on Friday 14 July from Santiago airport we can work out a lower cost for fewer nights accommodation. Or for those who would like to stay longer, that can be arranged too Saturday 12 May Depart hotel after breakfast. Taxi/bus will take us to Porto Airport (there are no flights to Stansted from Santiago on the Saturday). Ryanair Flights from Stansted Fri 04 May 2018: Dep 1210 (Arr Santiago 1520) Return: Sat 12 May from PORTO Airport Dep 0920 (Arr Stansted 1150) or Fri 11 May from SANTIAGO Airport Dep 1035 (Arr Stansted 1145) 8

9 Costs and booking: Walking Pilgrimage to Finisterre As before, the pilgrimage is being booked in Euros, and so the price may increase or reduce slightly depending on exchange rates at the time of paying final invoices in March The cost per person, based on a minimum group of 15 people, is (at current exchange rates) and will include: All accommodation, twin share/double Food: all breakfasts and evening meals Transfer from and to the airport at the start/end of the trip Luggage being moved each day; (and car back up if needed) Guided tour of Santiago cathedral and medieval quarter To keep costs to a minimum, there are some things not included. In particular, in order to allow flexibility for anyone wishing to stay longer (ie, to arrive or depart later and extend their days), you will need to fix your own flights. Additional costs for you will therefore be: Your flights (Ryan Air etc, currently about 150 return) Your own Travel Insurance, museum entry, personal costs etc. All lunches (picnics en-route each day, from local supermarkets) Single room supplement of per person A reduced price can be arranged for those wishing to depart early A reduced price may be possible for those preferring to stay in the more basic pilgrim accommodation in Santiago at the Hospedería San Martin Pinario. Booking timetable is as follows: Firm commitment needed by 26 January 2018, which will require a 25% deposit. Balance payable by 12 March 2018 Your own travel insurance and flights, and other costs as shown above, are your responsibility. 9

10 The Itinerary Santiago de Compostela 9-12 May 2018 The following itinerary is planned for those who prefer not to walk, joining with pilgrims going to Finisterre. Wednesday 9 May Transport from Santiago Airport to the Cathedral. Our hotel is in the old part of the city, very near the cathedral. Early evening guided tour of the cathedral and medieval quarter. Evening meal provided in the city centre. Thursday 10 May Trip by coach to Finisterre, the ends of the earth, and its famous lighthouse. From there on to Muxía (the place of the monks ) and the church of Our Lady da Barca (where the film The Way ends) before returning to Santiago. Lunch will be provided in an excellent fish restaurant overlooking Finisterre harbour. An evening meal in Santiago, joining with pilgrim walkers. Friday 11 May Trip by coach to Lugo, on the pilgrimage route to Santiago. Lugo is one of the oldest settlements in the region, nestled next to the River Mino and dating back to 14AD. The town is home to its 12th-century cathedral and is encircled by almost two miles of Roman walls which can provide an excellent way of seeing the town from above. Lunch is provided in a town centre restaurant. Return to Santiago for another shared meal with pilgrim walkers. Saturday 12 May Depart hotel after breakfast. Coach will take us to Porto Airport (there are no flights to Stansted from Santiago on the Saturday). 10

11 Costs and booking: Santiago, Finisterre and Lugo 9-12 May The pilgrimage is being booked in Euros, and so the price may increase or reduce slightly depending on exchange rates at the time of paying final invoices in March The cost per person, based on a minimum group of 15 people, is (at current exchange rates) and will include: All accommodation, twin share/double Food: all breakfasts and evening meals Transfer from and to the airport at the start/end of the trip To keep costs to a minimum, there are some things not included. In particular, in order to allow flexibility for anyone wishing to stay longer (ie, to arrive or depart later and extend their days), you will need to fix your own flights. Additional costs for you will therefore be: Your flights (Ryan Air etc, currently about 150 return) Your own Travel Insurance, personal costs etc. Single room supplement of per person A slightly reduced price may be possible for those preferring to stay in the more basic pilgrim accommodation at the Hospedería San Martin Pinario. Booking timetable is as follows: Firm commitment needed by 26 January 2018, which will require a 25% deposit. Balance payable by 12 March 2018 Your own travel insurance and flights, and other costs as shown above, are your responsibility. Ryanair Flights from Stansted Wed 9 May 2018: Dep 1210 (Arr Santiago 1520) Return: Sat 12 May from PORTO Airport Dep 0920 (Arr Stansted 1150) 11

12 For a booking form or to discuss any aspects of the pilgrimage, please do get in touch with The Reverend Canon Philip Banks precentor@stedscathedral.org A Pilgrim Prayer May God shield you on every step, may Christ aid you on every path, may the Spirit fill you on every slope, on hill and plain. Amen.