Can I use Google Maps to navigate along the Augustine Camino? – No. Google Maps shows roads not footpaths. We recommend using our gpx file GPX Files – Augustine Camino with GuruMaps on your phone. This will allow you to enjoy your pilgrimage without having to worry about getting lost. If you are having trouble with the set up just get in touch (camino@augustinecamio.co.uk)
How long is the Augustine Camino? – The Augustine Camino is approximately 70 miles long which is the minimum distance you must walk to receive a Compostela in Santiago and also roughly the distance from Nazarath to Jerusalem.
How fit do I need to be? – You should be capable of walking an average of ten miles per day for a week. This means that the average person walking at an amble (about 2 miles per hour) will have plenty of time to complete each day’s walk and spend time enjoying the sights and company of fellow pilgrims.
Where do you stay? – There is a variety of accommodation along the route from campsites to backpackers to small hotels. Some of the options are listed here Accommodation – Augustine Camino
What about meals? – There is a country pub for lunch every day except day five (Faversham to Canterbury). There are also cafes available on most days and plenty of shops in which to buy a packed lunch.
How do I travel to my start and endpoints? – Rochester, Faversham, Canterbury and Ramsgate all have direct, fast and frequent rail services to London. Aylesford has rail and bus connections to Maidstone and Rochester, Thurnham is a mile away from Bearsted station which connects to Maidstone. Grove Ferry has a bus service to Canterbury and Margate (stopping at Upstreet, just up the hill).
What free help can you provide? – We offer a free information service at camino@augustinecamino.co.uk to supplement the information on this website.
Is accommodation included in the price? – No. The fees we charge are for booking and guiding. You pay the accommodation providers yourselves – usually when you stay.
Is there always accommodation available at the end of the day described in the book? Usually. However, sometimes it is necessary to stay just outside Aylesford. Some pilgrims have to stay in Bearsted rather than Thurnham and some people stay outside Faversham at Brenley Farm. As Day Six ends in a small village accommodation for the last night can be anywhere from Littlebourne to Stodmarsh, Stourmouth or Minster.
Is there a Compostela for the Augustine Camino? Yes. You must collect pilgrim stamps along the route (at least two for each leg of the walk). The Compostela is available at St Augustine’s for a donation. Our stamps are recognised in Santiago Compostela and Pilgrim Stamps – Augustine Camino
Has the Augustine Camino featured in the media? Yes. We have appeared on BBC Radio 4 and in the Guardian, Independent, Church Times, Tablet and others Press Coverage – Augustine Camino
Is the Augustine Camino suitable for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions? – The Augustine Camino is highly suitable for bronze and silver expeditions. However the countryside is not wild enough for the Gold level expedition.
Do you work with tour operators? – We are starting to work with tour operators. We have expert local knowledge, great contacts with local churches and years of experience leading groups. If you have a tour in mind, get in touch for an initial discussion camino@augustinecamino.co.uk
Do you do coach tours? – We have done! Although we don’t usually organise our own coaches we have acted as tour guides for coach parties. The Augustine Camino works well as a coach tour with good access, parking and lots of interest. Why not get in touch for an initial discussion? camino@augustinecamino.co.uk
Do you do residential pilgrimages? – Yes. We stay at Palace Farm, which is about midway along the route, and use this as a base for excursions all along the Camino. These are usually organised over a long weekend and are a great way to experience the pilgrimage if you don’t want to walk far or perhaps want to travel during the Autumn or Winter. Contact us for details camino@augustinecamino.co.uk
Where are toilets along the route? – (Pub toilets for patrons only) Day one – Rochester Cathedral, Robin Hood Pub and Aylesford Priory, Day Two, Aylesford Priory, Tyland Barn, King’s Arms Boxley, Cock Horse Inn Detling and the Black Horse Thurnham. Day Three, Black Horse, Thurnham, Hook and Hatchet, Hucking (off route), Farm Shop, Bredgar, The Sun Inn Bredgar, The Chequers, Doddington. Day Four, The Chequers Doddington, The George Inn, Newnham, The Alma, Painter’s Forstal, Shrine of St Jude, Faversham. Day Five, Faversham Station, St Peter and Paul Boughton (arrange ahead to have it opened) The Old Coach and Horses, Harbledown (please note this is the longest stretch between toilets on the route, about seven and a half miles), various pubs and the Visitor Centre at Canterbury Cathedral. Day Six, Various pubs and cafes in Canterbury, The George and Dragon, Fordwich, Ivy Barn Farmshop, Littlebourne, The Rose Inn, Wickhambreuax, The Red Lion, Stodmarsh, Grove Ferry Inn. Day Seven, Grove Ferry Inn, The Dog and Duck, Pluck’s Gutter (ask at reception – remember to buy something!), Abbey Tea Rooms, Minster, The Viking Cafe, Pegwell Bay, The Sir Stanley Grey, Pegwell, St Augustine’s, Ramsgate.
Can I bring my dog? – In some places – Rochester Cathedral and Aylesford Priory allow assistance dogs only. Most village churches along the route and Canterbury Cathedral allow dogs. The Black Horse at Thurnham and Palace Farm allow dogs but the Sun Inn at Faversham does not. You will be crossing fields with livestock on days three and five so a lead will be required. Having said that, local dog walkers use the route regularly.
Where are the shops along the route? – You start next to Rochester High Street which has a variety of shops. There is also a Co-op right on the route at Borstal. There is a corner shop in Aylesford and a community store and cafe at Detling (by the footbridge). There is farm shop at Bredgar and one in Doddington. Faversham has the full set of shops including supermarkets. There is a Co-op by the station if you need any last minute supplies on the morning of Day Five. There are plenty of shops in Canterbury and a farm shop at Littlebourne. There is a corner shop at Minster (up the High Street from the Bell Inn) and plenty of choice in Ramsgate.
What is the best time of year to walk the Augustine Camino? – The best time to walk the Camino is from April to October. We do have pilgrims that walk over the winter but be prepared for short days and mud if it is wet weather.
What should I bring? – Stout walking shoes/boots, sandals for the evening, socks, underwear, long trousers, shirts, jumpers, waterproof coat and over-trousers, hat, sunglasses, sun-cream, insect repellent (needed occasionally), wash gear, sleep gear, phone charger, guidebook/pilgrim’s passport, water-bottle, day sack plus medium sized bag (if having baggage transferred), 50 litre rucksack (if carrying everything), camping gear or mat/sleeping bag if camping or using Sanctuary. If you are carrying everything, pack all this and then go through again until you have deleted all but the essentials. A phone is useful for navigation, taking photos and calling a taxi in an emergency. Everywhere accepts cards now but cash is also acceptable (cash points available in Rochester, Faversham, Canterbury and Ramsgate).
Can I get clothes washed on the Camino? – It is usually possible to have a load of clothes washed for a fee for those staying at Palace Farm
