In bygone times, pilgrims from across Northern Europe would sail the English Channel to NW Spain, arriving at the Galician seaports of Ferrol or A Coruña, to continue their pilgrimage on the Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela. The distances to walk from Ferrol is 118 km / 73 miles, and from A Coruna, 75 km/46 miles. You can combine your St James Way, England pilgrimage with the Spanish Camino Ingles and claim your Compostela.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela recognises this recently revived English Camino that has been officially waymarked and accredited. The St James Way in England, stretching from Reading to Southampton, was reintroduced as a modern pilgrimage in 2022. It can be walked as a standalone journey or combined with Spain’s Camino Ingles.
England’s Way of St James is just one of the many significant historic pilgrimage routes in the British Isles, that date back to the Middle Ages. Today’s English Camino starts at St James’ Roman Catholic Church in Reading’s medieval quarter, close to the ruined Reading Abbey. The trail extends 110 km / 68 miles away to Southampton on the south coast. Traditionally, pilgrims continued their pilgrimage to Spain, sailing from port along the south coast to NW Spain, before continuing on the Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela.
You will have six days to walk this delightful path, which winds through the ancient kingdom of Wessex. The Way is reasonably flat, along bridleways, river and canal footpaths, through quaint sleepy villages and smart county towns, surrounded by rolling countryside and gentle hills known locally as ‘downs’. The Romans were here: their heritage is evident as you walk the old Roman road connecting Silchester’s Roman fort with Bramley, Basingstoke and Winchester. The last stage of the path continues alongside the little River Itchen, which broadens as you enter Southampton with views to the Isle of Wight on the close horizon. If you plan to continue your pilgrimage in Spain, you can fly from London Heathrow (90 minutes transfer) or by ferry from Portsmouth (30 minutes transfer) to Santander.
Price
Price from £675 for 6 nights in en suite rooms with breakfast included
Accommodation is in a mix of family-run Bed & Breakfasts, hotels, and guest houses.
Price Includes
Start your journey at St James’ Church in Reading’s Medieval Quarter. Reading Abbey, with its St James reliquary, is said to have been a pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages. The St James Way now leads you along the River Kennet and out of the city. You won’t get lost with some five hundred scallop shells marking the route! Many small local businesses and churches have pilgrimage stamps to mark your credencial.
At St Mary’s Church in the hamlet of Sulhamstead Abbots, you can arrange a visit to ring the bell in the church tower. This is a practice that is positively encouraged for passing pilgrims. Next, continue back in time to Roman Silchester, visiting its amphitheatre and possibly Britain’s best preserved Roman town walls.
The Way passes through farmland, hamlets, and wooded areas, using the old Roman road to skirt around the town of Basingstoke and bring you to the little village of Dummer.
Today, you are in deepest ancient Wessex, with only the birds, wildlife and the odd cow for company. Take a break at the thatched village of Preston Candover with its two pretty churches. Here you’ll also find a charming traditional gastropub-restaurant for lunch or refreshments. Then, continue to the ancient market town of New Aldredsford.
As you leave the village, look out for their unusual watercress beds. From here, the Way runs vaguely parallel to the River Itchen, all the way into the heart of Winchester. The Itchen is a beautifully clear chalk stream and home to water voles, otters and white-clawed crayfish. You should make good time today, arriving with time to visit the impressive Winchester Cathedral and its medieval quarter.
Begin your day at the Hospital of St Cross, founded by the Bishop of Winchester in 1132. For 900 years, the Hospitallers have provided pilgrims with a piece of bread and a small cup of beer. This is known as “the wayfarer’s dole” and is often accompanied by a prayer or blessing.
The Way continues to follow the River Itchen, using this green corridor to arrive at the heart of Southampton. The river broadens as it pours into the sea, and the journey’s end is found at another fascinating heritage site, “God’s House Tower”, which recalls England’s seafaring past.
You have the option to finish here, or transfer to the Camino Ingles in Spain and continue to Santiago de Compostela.
English Country Churches and Hamlets
The idyllic chalkstream scenery of the River Itchen
Roman heritage
Winchester Cathedral and medieval buildings
Wildlife includes butterflies, demoiselles, and dragonflies, Greylag geese, swans, and their cygnets. Tiny fish live in the shallows of the chalk streams, as well as voles and otters. Muntjac deer can be spotted, as can Red Kites circling overhead.
Breakfast
All our itineraries are booked on a Bed and Breakfast basis. You can fuel up each morning with a range of hearty breakfasts, from continental style to the Full English cooked breakfast with all the trimmings.
Lunch
One of the great joys of the countryside is the English country pub – a ploughman’s lunch and a cold local brew. Don’t walk by! Lunches can be taken as picnics, but you will find cafes and traditional English pubs along the route. On at least one day, you might like to shop in a village store for picnic items, to be enjoyed on the banks of the Itchen. Some lodgings might offer to make you a packed lunch.
Dinner
We will provide you with a list of recommended local eateries. If you’re overnighting in a remote village, you may be obliged to eat in-house.
Hydration/Energy Boost
You must carry between 2 and 3l of drinking water, depending on the season and temperatures. Keep a sugary and salty snack handy in your pocket or daypack to give you that little extra burst of energy to keep you going.
Local Craft Beer, Cider and English Wine
Small beer was the traditional beverage for medieval pilgrims. The South of England excels in producing award-winning drinks, including delicious non-alcoholic options.
Your accommodation list will always include a variety of lodgings, and all rooms have en-suite facilities. Our hand-picked establishments include 1-5 star hotels, family-run guest houses, and Bed and breakfasts.
If you’d like a night of luxury, we can suggest accommodation upgrades. This route is enjoying a very recent revival; therefore, you may require one or two short transfers to your lodgings, but we think you’ll find them charming and comfortable.
Our high level of personal service and customer care offers the best in the local food, culture and history.
