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Walking the Camino

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Something happens when you walk the Camino de Santiago — something bigger than blisters, backpacks, or ticking something off your bucket list. Walking the Camino is my story of following two of those ancient paths across Spain — the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues — and discovering how a long‑distance pilgrimage can open your heart, shift your perspective and change the way you see your life. Part memoir and part practical guide, it’s written for anyone who feels the Camino calling, whether you’re planning your first steps or simply curious about the magic that draws thousands of pilgrims every year.

Along the way, I share the real experiences: the friendships and laughter, injuries and frustrations, and the deep sense of connection with yourself and others that grows with every mile. Alongside my reflections and those of some of my walking companions, Walking the Camino offers practical insights into daily life on the trail — from the initial planning and what to pack, to what to expect with hostels and food.

What readers will find inside

  • A heartfelt Camino memoir filled with stories from the trail

  • Practical advice for preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally

  • Encouragement for solo travellers, first‑timers, and anyone seeking a meaningful adventure.

Who this book is for

  • People planning to walk the Camino de Santiago

  • Armchair travellers who love real‑life adventure stories

  • Readers seeking inspiration, courage, or a fresh start

  • Fans of travel memoirs, pilgrimage writing, and personal transformation

  • Anyone exploring their own bucket list or life‑changing goals.

Why the Camino matters

For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked across Spain to reach Santiago de Compostela. Today, the Camino is more popular than ever — not just as a long‑distance walk, but as a journey of reflection, healing, and discovery. This book captures that timeless magic while offering practical guidance for modern travellers.

Formats available

To make the journey more accessible to everyone, Walking the Camino is available in paperback (normal and large print), ebook and audiobook. A supplementary workbook is also available for readers planning their own Camino.

​Author

​​Julia Goodfellow-Smith is an ordinary person doing something extraordinary — living her bucket list. She would like to help others do the same, which is why she has written this book.

Specifications

Paperback (normal print) | 255 pages | ISBN: 9780863194887 | Published by Julia Goodfellow-Smith | 2021

Paperback (large print) | 333 pages | ISBN: 9780863194924 | Published by Julia Goodfellow-Smith | 2021

Supplementary workbook | 101 pages | ISBN:  9780863194917 | Published by Julia Goodfellow-Smith | 2021

e-book | ISBN: 9780863194894 | Published by Julia Goodfellow-Smith | 2021

Audiobook | ISBN: 9780863194900 | Narrated by Julia Goodfellow-Smith | 2021

FAQ

Q: What is Walking the Camino about?

A: Walking the Camino is a heartfelt travel memoir about my journey along two of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes in northern Spain — the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. It blends real stories from the trail with practical advice, emotional insights and personal reflections. It’s written for anyone curious about the Camino or dreaming of walking it themselves.

Q: Is this book a Camino guidebook or a personal story?

A: It’s both. The book offers an account of what it’s really like to walk the Camino — the people you meet, the challenges, the joy, the unexpected moments — alongside practical tips on preparation, packing, daily routines and life on the trail.

Q: Who is this book for?

A: This book is ideal for:

  • First‑time Camino walkers

  • Solo travellers or people walking with friends

  • People planning a long‑distance walk

  • Readers who enjoy travel memoirs and real‑life adventure stories

  • Anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, or a meaningful new chapter in life.

Q: Do I need to know anything about the Camino de Santiago before reading?

A: Not at all. The book is written for complete beginners as well as seasoned pilgrims. If you’re curious about the Camino this book offers an accessible, friendly introduction.

Q: Does the book cover practical Camino advice?

A: Yes. Alongside the personal stories, you’ll find guidance on:

  • Choosing a route (there are many different Caminos)

  • Training and preparation

  • What to pack (and what not to)

  • Accommodation and food on the Camino

  • Daily routines and distances.

Q: What formats is the book available in?

A: You can buy Walking the Camino as a paperback (normal or large print), ebook or audiobook. The audiobook is perfect for listening to while walking, commuting, or planning your adventure, and is free as part of your Spotify subscription.

Q: Is the audiobook narrated by the author?

A: Yes. The audiobook is narrated by Julia Goodfellow‑Smith, so you can hear my stories in my own voice.

Q: Is this book suitable for armchair travellers?

A: Absolutely. Many readers enjoy the book simply as an uplifting, immersive travel story.

Q: Where can I buy Walking the Camino?

A: The book is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats through:

  • Amazon and other online retailers

  • Waterstones

  • Independent bookshops

  • Audible and other audiobook retailers

  • Spotify

  • You might also be able to borrow it from your local library.

Q: Will this book help me decide whether to walk the Camino?

A: Yes! If you’re unsure, curious, or standing at the edge of a big decision, this book offers a realistic look at what the Camino can offer — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Q: Is Walking the Camino part of a series?

A: Although it stands alone, it sits alongside my other Live Your Bucket List books, all of which are designed to help you make the most of life.​​

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