This website is full of information to help you in planning your Camino. We also offer free help by email (camino@augustinecamino.co.uk), a paid for booking service Booking Services – Augustine Camino and guided tours Guided Tours and Special Events – Augustine Camino
Experienced long distance walkers should find things straightforward. For those of you new to pilgrimage, the following checklist might be helpful.
Before you go
Do I need an intention or an objective? – not really. While many people have specific reasons for taking a pilgrimage, most people are simply curious. Whether you have an intention or not, you will soon find the gentle rhythm of walking helps you to de-stress and see problems from a new perspective. Often the benefit of pilgrimage comes from an unexpected direction.
Is it religious? – of course! We have people from all walks of life on the Camino, from practising Christians to atheists. The Augustine Camino is a traditional Christian pilgrimage, so the route takes you to lots of churches. To get the best from the experience you need to be open to the beauty, the heritage and the spirituality you encounter. It has not been edited for modern sensibilities, so you will come across, shrines, relics, nuns and friars as well as regular clergy and parishioners. It is a pilgrimage appreciated by traditionalists, main stream Christians and atheists/agnostics alike
Do I need to be fit? – this depends. Walking ten miles a day at a pace of two miles an hour is well within the capabilities of most people. The oldest pilgrim who has walked the whole route was 83. However, he took his time and took a day out – Canterbury would be a good place for this. Problems occur if you have a pre-existing injury or have restricted flexibility in your joints – there are quite a few stiles to climb over, particularly in the middle of the route.
Accommodation – there are a variety of small hotels, pubs, farmhouses and hostels conveniently situated along the route Accommodation – Augustine Camino. The low cost option is camping Camping – Augustine Camino. The core camping season runs from May to September. You can even stay in two monasteries Staying in a Monastery on the Augustine Camino – Augustine Camino
Where do we eat? – The quality of the food on the Augustine Camino comes as a pleasant surprise. The days of heated up frozen pub meals are long gone. Instead you have a wonderful choice of freshly prepared meals in gastro pubs and cafes (you may find yourself putting on a little weight despite all the walking). There is a pub or cafe about half way for lunch each day (except day five). Pub and cafe opening times – Augustine Camino. There are also plenty of shops in which to buy ingredients for picnics.
What about our bags? – Here are the local taxi companies that offer baggage transfers Local Taxis – Augustine Camino. Or you can use our baggage transfer service (for those using the booking service). Booking Services – Augustine Camino
Groups – The Augustine Camino is popular with groups Parish Pilgrimages and Groups – Augustine Camino and Duke of Edinburgh, Scout, Guide and Youth Expeditions – Augustine Camino
Press coverage – See and hear what the media has to say about the Augustine Camino Press Coverage – Augustine Camino
What is the Augustine Camino – There is a whole section on the website about this here What is the Augustine Camino? – Augustine Camino
On the Way
Updates – Check here for the latest reports of the path Updates – Augustine Camino
What should I wear? – stout walking shoes/hike boots and long trousers. The paths are mainly well maintained but even so you will come across undergrowth of stinging nettles and brambles in some places most days. You should also bring a hat (for the sun), a waterproof (for the rain), sun tan lotion, insect repellent (needed rarely) and a water bottle. On day five you will need a pack lunch (Cafe Guild in Faversham will open early for you if you order the afternoon before) (20+) Facebook
How do I find my way? – there is a guidebook Guidebook – Augustine Camino and a free GPX file GPX Files – Augustine Camino (highly recommended). The path is waymarked but tricky in places so you should use the Guidebook or GPX file as well. Otherwise you can join a guided pilgrimage Guided Tours and Special Events – Augustine Camino
When are the church opening times? – you will find those here Church Opening Times – Augustine Camino. Catholic Mass times are available here Catholic Mass Times – Augustine Camino or you could use our booking service.
Where can I find the pilgrim stamps? – they are listed here Compostela and Pilgrim Stamps – Augustine Camino there are now at least three per day. The stamps from the Augustine Camino are recognised towards a Compostela in Santiago. We also have our own Compostela available at St Augustine’s.
After your pilgrimage
Testimonials – Why not consider sending us a testimonial for our website? Testimonials – Augustine Camino
More information can be found in our FAQs – FAQs – Augustine Camino