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Walking back

Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances
May/June (2014)
April-June 2023
My husband, Jim, and I have walked the Camino Frances twice from SJPP to Santiago, in 2014 and 2023. We are now retired in our mid-60's and would like to pilgrimage again in 2026. However, this time we are seriously thinking about going in reverse: beginning in Santiago and ending in southern France. We realize that by pilgrimaging this way, we will miss out on the Camino Family aspect of the walk. But we love the idea, not only of the different perspective of a familiar route, but of completion, of "returning home". If you have walked the Camino Frances heading East instead of West, I'd love to hear your perspective and advice!
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
I've walked contrariwise on a few Camino routes over the years. Never for long. If you're seriously planning to walk the Frances against the tide I think you'll need to plan carefully. You'll need to carry your packs as there's no reverse luggage transport. You'll need a large placard bearing the slogan "No we're not! We're walking home": preferably translated into all known Camino languages and Klingon just in case.

If you want to use any of the Municipal, Paroquial and other exotic Albergues you'll need copies of your Compostela.

Apart from that.... It'll be a great opportunity to get a suntan on the other side of your face ;)
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
If you want to use any of the Municipal, Paroquial and other exotic Albergues you'll need copies of your Compostela.
Which presumably first you would have to obtain by walking at least 100 kilometers towards Santiago. I doubt they would consider a Compostela from 2023 appropriate.

Oh, if you want to translate "we're going Home" into Klingon, there's the 'learn Klingon' group on Facebook:


😉
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

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